“Oh, I'm far less prudish than our Malik,” Cyprian interrupted smoothly. “And I trust my kirana implicitly. If you wish to speak with Amara, it's her decision.”
Braxis looked back at me with a little irritation over being given the runaround.
I stood up and said to my men, “I won't be long.”
“We know where you are, Se Esaria,” Cyprian noted. “Take as long as you need. Just don't go twisting away without us.” He winked at me.
I couldn't help smiling back brilliantly. I'd never been so playful with a lover before but Cyprian brought it out of me.
“First.” Braxis held out his hand toward Kyrian, palm up. A bit of silver glinted. “I would like to return the Silver Tongue.”
Kyrian gaped at the item in Braxis' hand and then grimaced. He took the relic and tucked it into a pocket. “Intent on becoming honorable, eh?”
“I have always been an honorable man,” Braxis protested. “But you don't know that yet so I'll forgive the insult.”
Kyrian sighed. “That may be true but you've still got a long way to go to prove it to us. Still, I appreciate the return of the relic.”
Braxis nodded stiffly, then he offered me his arm. “Amara?”
I placed my hand on his forearm and Braxis escorted me away from the royals. I glanced back and saw Kyrian exchange and dark look with Malik.
“Perhaps here?” Braxis motioned to an alcove formed by the curve of a line of potted plants.
I stepped into the alcove and the sound of the festivities was immediately dampened by the thick layers of leaves. Braxis followed me into the burrow until we were back against the mirrored wall. I glanced up at his reflection and caught a wistful look in his eyes. When I turned around to face Braxis, the look was gone.
“I heard that you've decided to spend the night in Danu,” Braxis began.
“Yes. I'm sure you're welcome to stay as well.”
“Thank you, but I'm going to ask Everan to take me back to Earth later tonight.”
“Everan?” I asked in surprise.
“Unless you wish to take me?” He asked softly, making the question sound more intimate.
“I'm happy to,” I said. “But why not stay?”
“I'd like to check on the hunt. The sooner we catch Gregory, the sooner I can take my people home.”
“Yes, of course,” I murmured.
“Amara.” He reached for me.
I should have stepped back but I didn't. I took his hand. Braxis stared down at our joined fingers as if they were an answered prayer.
“I must see them home,” he whispered as he looked up at me. “But I want to return to Earth afterward.”
“What about the trade agreements? And your dukehood? Your tribe will need you to lead them.”
“I'll make my tribute to Lucifer first and accept the dukehood but then I plan to leave someone to rule in my stead. I'll explain it to Lucifer but I think I can convince him.”
“You've given this a lot of thought.” I let go of his hand.
His hand, looking bereft, clenched into a fist. “I've givenusa lot of thought. I've made my intentions clear to you—they haven't changed. Has your decision to allow my suit changed?”
I glanced back the way we had come.
“You said if they don't kill me first,” he reminded me. “I live.”
