I blinked, eyebrows furrowing. “Perhaps you shouldn’t stalk the prince and his mate.”
“Observe,” he corrected. “I’m studying humans, and the selection pool is rather small. Yes, I can read and watch things from the human database, but it’s not the same as speaking to them and observing them. Take cats, for instance. I cannot find any reference to the cultural laws surrounding them or them being house gods, but all humans have corroborated it, so it must be true. There’s no reason for them to lie.
“Of course, some things about our own culture are so ingrained we don’t write them down, and I’m assuming the laws regarding cats are like that. But observation and interviews are key to effective studies.” His voice had remained calm, but his silver eyes had grown bright and his tail wiggled.
“Do you want to come with me?” I asked.
“Where?” he asked, glancing at Serlotminden’s retreating form.
“I’m going to meet Camden, one of the humans Prince Dontilvynsan rescued from Xome.”
Noxlyn suddenly focused on me, and his tail writhed. “I suppose, since you ruined my observation.”
I hoped Camden and Noxlyn would be able to form some sort of friendship. This way Camden would stop following me when he couldn’t seem to find any of his gaggle of friends. Also, his blue eyes always traced my form whenever he saw me, and he stood closer to me than strictly needed.
The human was attracted to me, which hardly surprised me. I knew exactly how beautiful I was in the eyes of my people and, apparently, humans. If Camden had been open to a simple fuck, I would’ve agreed in an instant, but he seemed to be searching for something with every longing look or friend he collected.
If Noxlyn became friends with Camden, perhaps he would stop stalking the humans, which would no doubt extend his life. Oddly enough, I’d heard no complaints or even mentions of him. If Kalvoxrencol had seen Noxlyn following Seth, I would’ve heard about it—everyone would’ve heard about it. Of course, the trail of blood as Kalvoxrencol ripped Noxlyn to shreds would have also been a good indication.
We exited the lift and entered the promenade. It was crowded as usual, and I weaved through it with Noxlyn right behind me. We kept going until we rounded the corner and headed toward the glass wall that went from floor to ceiling. Seamless doors opened in the glass wall to the lush atrium.
I’d missed this.
Yes, the palace and capital boasted many,manylovely gardens, but something about theAdmiral Venfelt like home in a way I’d never experienced before. A large hewcoy tree, with dark purple bark and hanging flowers, nearly brushed the ceiling. Vines ranging from orange to pink to blue to green wrapped around the tree trunks and the banisters, which framed the different levels. Well-maintained bark paths wound through the garden. Flowers, ferns, and trees filled every available space. The atrium was alive with color and plants. No matter which way I looked, something amazing could be observed.
The humidity was high enough for beads of water to cling to my scales, and the temperature was pleasantly warm. All of the visitors kept their voices low as they walked through the garden, respecting the reverence of this place.
I led Noxlyn to a corner on the second floor, near one of the vine-wrapped banisters where I’d agreed to meet Camden. When I rounded a curve, I spotted him with ease. Camden had his elbows on the railing and his eyes on the plants. His golden waves fell around his face, and his muscular body was tense. A forlorn air hung around him that felt intrusive to break. He’d asked me to come, but it felt as if I was intruding on something private, something he wouldn’t wish me, or anyone, to see.
Noxlyn apparently had no such issue. He strode forward, and Camden straightened, his eyes flicking over Noxlyn with polite interest before moving to me and brightening.
“Wyn,” he said, waving energetically.
“Greetings, Camden. This is Noxlyn. I didn’t think you would mind meeting him. He’s studying human culture, and I thought you would be the perfect human to assist.”
Camden’s cheeks turned a deep red—blushing, the humans called it. I was familiar with this particular phenomenon because Seth did it frequently—and I ignored it. Camden was allowed to have some sort of affection for me, but I wouldn’t return it, nor would I engage in something physical with him. He didn’t appear to be the type who liked casual sex, which was all I wanted. Even if he was okay with being fuck friends… I feared it would be taking advantage of him. Sadness clung to him. He needed something I would never be able to give.
Noxlyn took a seat and pulled out his screen without any hesitation. “Can I ask you some questions?”
Camden blinked. “Sure. Any friend of Wyn’s is a friend of mine.”
“Wyn and I are not friends,” Noxlyn commented. “We met not long ago. I cut his hand with one of my talons.”
“Are you alright?” Camden asked, his eyes going wide. He lifted a hand like he intended to touch me, but he pulled back at the last moment, resting a fist on his thigh.
“I’m fine.” I took a seat near Noxlyn, who waited patiently to ask his questions.
Camden slumped to the ground. “Good.” He turned toward Noxlyn and asked, voice deep, “Why did you hurt Wyn?”
Why was everyone so protective of me? I was small for a drakcol, but I could defend myself when needed. I was very skilled. I didn’t need or want anyone to protect me.
“It was an accident. May I ask some questions now? Studying human culture is rather complex.”
He gaped at Noxlyn’s abruptness, then chuckled. “I imagine so. Humanity is a mix of many cultures, ethnicities, and languages. I don’t know if you can refine us down to something simple. Even we humans haven’t defined ourselves yet.”
“I am going to try.”
“I wish you well.”
