“Because you're dealing with a king. He's a different type of fish. Just play it calm. Act as if his interest in other men doesn't bother you. That will make him think he's just a fuck to you. Andthatwill fuckhimup.”
“Yeah?” Aras sat down on the couch near the window. “And then what?”
“Are you seriously asking me for relationship advice?” I crossed my arms.
“What else have you got to do?” he shot back and sprawled against the back of the couch.
I snorted. “Fair enough.” I took the chair set at a right angle to the couch. “I'm not the best at relationships. I nearly fucked up things with Vax beyond repair. But I've watched a lot of people interact and I've heard things.”
“What things?”
“It all boils down to how you respond. If someone is trying to make you upset, they're craving a reaction from you. They'll enjoy your jealousy or rage or whatever they're trying to pull out of you. If you want to turn the tables, just behave in the opposite of how they want. Don't give them a reaction. When he confronts you, which he probably will, point out that his interest in another man has made you realize that he's not interested enough in you. So maybe you should move on. No hard feelings, that sort of thing.”
“What if he agrees?”
“Would that crush you?”
Aras grunted.
“Isn't it better to be crushed now, rather than later, after you've really fallen for him?”
“But maybe he'll fall for me if I hold out a little longer.”
I shook my head. “He doesn't respect you enough for that.”
“Yes, he does.”
“He won't if you fall for this fish shit. You'll just be another easy conquest that he makes dance to his tune.”
Aras cracked his neck and then leaned forward onto his knees. “Maybe you're right. I'm a fighter. I fight for my lovers if they're worth it. And I think he's the same. If he won't fight for me, he doesn't want me as much as I want him.”
“And you don't want that,” I concluded.
“No, I don't.” He sighed and stood up. “Well, I'd better not keep the King waiting.” He walked away.
“Captain Aras?” I called after him.
He looked back at me.
“Good luck.”
Aras stared at me for a second, then grinned. “Thanks, Your Grace. Good luck to you too.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Vax arrived that evening. I wasn't surprised. He only needed a few hours to fetch the stone, and then he would have sped after us. And sea dragons swim faster than any ship.
Captain Aras came for me and escorted me to the throne room. We entered from a side door next to the dais. Vax stood before the dais with his guards. Even though King Lyrandir was seated on his throne, my mate looked more like a king. His chin was lifted at the perfect angle—not too high but enough to convey superiority and disdain. His hair flowed behind him like a cape, and his eyes sparked with power. That powerful stare started to glow when it landed on me.
“Ah, here he is. Just as promised,” Lyrandir waved at me. “Let's not waste time. You will pass the Eye to Captain Aras while he releases your mate to you, King Vaxarion.”
Vax grunted and stepped toward us. In his hand was Ensarena's Eye.
“Wait!” I shouted.
Everyone looked at me.
“I want my necklace back,” I said.
