I didn’t lift the glass to take my first sip.
Instead, I set it aside next to his. It wouldn’t be wise to drink before a surprise visit with the Lion. “My Tiger asked me for permission power.”
“YourHeartasked for that.”
I swallowed.
Reo leaned his head to the side. “What sort of permission power does she want?”
“When she saw the pyre, she demanded I tell her when I make choices like that—before I give the order.”
Reo went still.
Not the stillness of disapproval.
Something else.
His eyebrows lifted—just a fraction—and his gaze cut sideways, away from me, toward nothing in particular. His mouth pressed into a line that wasn't quite a frown.
For a moment, he didn't speak. Then something flickered across his face.
Brief.
Almost imperceptible.
If I didn't know him, I would have missed it entirely. But I did know him. And that flicker looked dangerously close torespect.
Of course you would like that she demanded that.
I frowned. “What?”
Reo picked up the glass. Once he had a nice gulp, he set it back down and smirked. “Your Tiger definitely has sharp teeth.”
“She does.”
“It’s too bad she is unable to use those teeth. At least not yet.”
“She’s new to this world. But the horror of this morning. . .”
“What was your answer to her demand for power?”
“I didn’t answer her.”
He widened his eyes. “You will need to answer her before the day is over.”
“Will I?”
“Yes.”
“I am the Dragon. My silence is enough.”
“And she is your Heart, Kenji. You’ll have to use words with her. Careful. Loving. Respectful words.” Reo shrugged. “That’s of course if you want the bed to be warm tonight and not cold.”
I came close to sneering, but had no one to truly be pissed at. “You think I should give her that much power over me?”
"That's not what she actually wants."
I raised my eyebrows. "Explain."
