Aric nodded slowly. “And aside from those beautiful eyes, how does Harthon know you’re themagvis?”
This would be a difficult one to answer.
Fortunately, Harthon stepped in before I had to formulate another lie. “She’s shown me small feats. Anything more would drain her, and our goal is to preserve her power for when it’s needed most.”
“I suppose you wouldn’t allow her to show me one of those feats now, would you?”
The man was relentless.
“Harthon doesn’tallowme to do anything,” I cut in. “As I said, I’m here voluntarily. I make my own decisions in partnership with him.” The bite of venom in my tone wasn’t all pretend. Aric was dragging this along for far too long. There were only so many false stories we could weave before they stepped on one another.
“Let me revise my statement, then. Will you show me one of those feats?”
“No. I am not a performer. Harthon respects my abilities. I won’t waste my strength on you.”
That half-chipped tooth peeked through as he observed me for several seconds. “I like you, Etarla. In fact, I’m rather jealous Harthon has your company. I hope he treats you as the stunning gift of nature that you are.”
I blinked. I wasn’t being remotely nice to the man, and he continued to charm and flatter me.
“If you tire of his company, you’re always welcome in Sixth.” He punctuated his invitation with a wink.
“If you’re done questioning our honesty, we can bring this meeting to a close,” Harthon stated gruffly, stealing my chance to respond. While his posture remained easy, his fingers had tightened around the knobs of his armrests.
It was a subtle sign of irritation, almost like he was bothered by Aric’s unashamed flirtation.
“And here, I was hoping to speak with the lovely Etarla for a bit longer,” Aric countered.
“She doesn’t have time for that today. You and I will dine together tonight before you leave in the morning. In the meantime, Northen, my second-in-command, can show you around our city.” The dismissal was clear.
A glint in Aric’s eyes indicated that he’d knowingly struck a nerve and was thoroughly pleased by it.
He and Harthon both stood, and I followed suit, setting my shoulders back as Aric stepped closer to me and extended a hand. Although he was maybe an inch or two shorter than Harthon, his presence was big and dangerous all the same.
It was with caution that I extended my hand in return.
He slid his palm underneath mine. “Seeing as this conversation must come to an end, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Etarla. I hope to see you soon.”
I expected him to shake my hand. Instead, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed my skin, drawing the gesture out longer than I imagined was proper. His lips were soft and warm, his hold light, and I found a blush creeping into my cheeks. Seeing this, he winked again and slowly released my fingers.
I twisted to see Harthon standing behind me, his features dark and nearly menacing as he watched Aric.
So hewasbothered by Aric’s blatant interest. And yet, he’d made it rather clear over the past few days that he didn’t desire me. That brushing his lips against mine in the woods was a one-time thing.
What gave him the right to be upset now?
Harthon gave a tight-lipped smile that failed to lighten his expression. “Northen?” At his call, the wooden doors swung open, revealing the bearded man. “It’s time for Princeps Aric’s tour.”
North dipped his chin in respect, the gesture more proper than I ever thought him to be capable of. “If you’ll come with me,” he said.
“Of course.” There was an easy swagger in Aric’s steps as he strolled after him.
When the doors closed behind them, I turned to Harthon, whose barely restrained displeasure morphed into very obvious anger.
And it was directed at me.
“You were late.”
“I was,” I said, perhaps a little too flippantly. But considering we’d just secured Aric as an ally, a scolding wasn’t what I expected from him.Orwhat I deserved.
