“I know he's a good man, but that doesn't mean he's a good lover.”
“Oh?!”
“Not like that,” she hurried to say. “I enjoyed what we did together. I mean that he's not the kind of man I want to get involved with. I want a mate. Someone I can have a family with. That's not Nex. I doubt I'd even get a week out of him. The sex was great, but it was a mistake. It's best to stop now, before I get too attached.”
“I see.” I bit my lip. “Nex isn't great with kids, and I don't know how marriages work with Wraith Lords. At least, without both partners being Wraith Lords. We have a few couples in the citadel, but they're all Lords.”
“Yes, I get it. There aren't any wives in the citadel.”
“That doesn't mean there can't be.”
Evina scowled at me. “I don't want to live here forever.”
I shrugged. “It won't be forever. I'm supposed to end the war. And maybe you could live elsewhere. Nex can fade. He can be summoned from anywhere.”
“Wraith Lords live in the citadel. That's how it is, Lord Ember,” she said. “I don't think that's going to change. But more importantly, I don't thinkNexhavarenis going to change. And I can't waste my time on a man who isn't interested in more than sex.”
“I think you're misjudging him,” I said. “People can change. Nex has been acting different ever since you arrived. You're special to him. Does that mean this will last forever, that you'll get married and have kids? I don't know. But what relationship is certain? Isn't he worth the chance?”
Evina looked up, over my shoulder, then sighed. “I don't know, Lord Ember. This isn't just my heart I'm risking, it's also my job.”
“Then don't let it affect your work.” I shrugged. “And even if it isn't forever, what's wrong with having a spicy affair with a handsome Wraith Lord?”
Evina chuckled. “Nothing. I'm a woman in my prime. There's nothing wrong with enjoying myself.”
“That's right.”
“All right. I'll think about it.”
“I'm glad. Thank you.”
“Why are you thanking me?”
“Because I hate seeing Nex sad.” I patted her arm as I walked away. “It's just not right.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
“What was that about?” Caleb asked as I sat down.
He had stopped playing, and the kids had stopped singing because it was time for them to go up to their beds.
“Oh, just helping out a friend,” I said with a smile at Evina.
She was busy herding the kids toward the door.
“I saw Taroc sitting with you.” He set his guitar aside and turned toward the table.
I turned with him. “Yeah, he was trying to show his support since so many of the Lords are angry with me.”
“Why?”
“Because I've been secretly training to use Death Magic.”
Caleb's eyes went wide.
“I know. And please, don't say anything. I've dealt with enough today.”
“Is that why you came over here?” He picked up his mug and took a sip.
