“It’s been a long time. I wouldn’t expect you to remember,” I mumbled.
He ran his hands through his tousled hair. “It’s not that I didn’t remember. There is nothing forgettable about you.Foka.If your father was still alive, I would gladly sever his hands first, before slicing him with my blades, and make sure he could feelevery sting of pain.” The intensity in his low voice stroked the monster in my chest, leaving a satisfied sigh in its wake. “You have my word. I will never confine you like that again.”
I could feel his desire to press, to ask more questions. Relenting, he diverted the conversation, sparing me. “Your skills with both combat and magic are impressive. If we worked together, we’d be quite the force.”
I half-heartedly scoffed, finally meeting his eyes. The golden flecks churned like a storm-ravaged sea. “Isn’t that what we’re doing? At least for a time?”
“I suppose we are.” Dom stood, offering his hand to help me up. I accepted it, his large fingers engulfing my own. Despite the time that had passed, a glimmer of our historic connection still pulsed.
“I’ll see you this evening for the queen’s dinner.”
Xuri arrived latein the afternoon, zinging with enthusiasm. Hanging delicately from a golden hanger, swayed a magenta gown. I struggled with my opinion of the oracle, but the dress called to me, overriding my guardedness. I rushed over, my fingers eager to explore the beautiful dress.
The bodice consisted of artfully designed lace. Lilac-colored crystals wove throughout effecting dimensional movement with each glittering catch of light. It dove into a deep front V. Satin ribbons purposely draped across the back, connecting with the gossamer and chiffon skirts that would undoubtedly rest at the lowest point of my hips.
Xuri lifted it to my body with elegant fingers. The fit provided a figure-skimming silhouette. The thigh-high slit ended in aslight train. Nothing about this screamed subtle. She whirled away with it, hanging it up until it was time.
I grinned at her flitting about the room. She offered me tea “for awareness and joy.” I stared at her above the rim of my mug, sipping the floral brew.
“At least you showered!” she chirped eventually, holding the dress up to my body. I winced; I had “showered” in the lagoon.
“Okay. Step out of those clothes and let’s get you dressed.”
She clapped her hands, the sound spurring me into action. I wiggled into the finely made gown, its impeccable tailoring conforming to my soft curves. Xuri circled me, inspecting the fit with an expert eye.
“I thought you were the oracle?” I asked.
She waved her hand dismissively, “I am a woman of many talents. And I hardly get to use this one. Don’t burst my bubble.”
I threw my hands up. “I would never dream of such a thing.”
She curtly nodded, her finger tapping against her chin in contemplation. She drew to her full height, then twirled her finger. “Turn around for me.”
I slowly rotated. Xuri snagged the satin ribbon at my back, pulling on the straps which served to tighten the bodice. The lace cinched back, further accentuating my ample chest. She tied the ribbons into a graceful bow at the base of my spine. Any lower and I’d be exposing much more than I’d ever allowed the public to view.
Facing Xuri again, she squealed with delight, nearly floating. “This color brings out the purple in your eyes. Dom was right.” She squinted her rich-brown eyes, leaning into my personal space to really study my irises. Her warm smile transformed her face and she clapped again, startling me. She was a beautiful woman. I could see why Dom would be interested in her.
Xuri expertly braided my hair, securing it half-up in a golden clip. She provided me with makeup and heels. “I’ll wait outsidefor you to finish, then I’ll escort you to your carriage. Dom will meet us there.” She turned on her heel, flitting out like a hummingbird.
I sipped more of my tea, then applied a thin line of kohl to my eyes and a pink stain to my lips. I examined a pot of shimmering silver powder before dipping in my finger and swiping it across my eyelids. The effect was subtle but striking. I dusted more along my shoulders.
Slipping my heeled shoes on, I took a breath and walked outside. Xuri stood waiting, her arm outstretched to assist with my balance as we walked across uneven pathways toward the carriage.
We strode silently, save for Xuri’s ongoing humming, toward a sleek black carriage. I traced the lines of it with the tips of my fingers, leaving remnants of silver dust behind. I startled at the realization that it was crafted entirely from metal. The ornate design swirled and twisted in an array of metallic birds, flowers, and creeping ivy.
Dom stepped around the carriage, his hands casually in the pockets of his fitted black pants. The cut of his leather jacket molded to his broad shoulders, highlighting his biceps. The black brocade V-neck showcased his chest just enough to invite an extended perusal. He paused when he caught sight of me, his jaw tensing.
Xuri cleared her throat, releasing my arm. Strolling over to Dom she clinically assessed him. “You clean up nice. Take care of Rue for me. Try not to start any fights.”
I bristled at her familiarity with him. She cast him a warning glare, offered me a wink, then sauntered off. I needed to get a hold of myself. I was here because of a bargain, and I would do well not to forget it. Whatever complicated relationship Dom and Xuri had, I needed to stay out of it.
I straightened my shoulders, schooling my features. The air settled heavy between us. Dom’s piercing eyes stayed riveted upon my own.
“I suppose we don’t want to be late,” I voiced breathlessly. Dom tilted his head, heat flaring as he took in the entirety of my body. Slowly, he extended his hand, beckoning me into our flourished transport.
The passenger door clicked shut as Dom’s magic locked us in. The metal designs on the interior walls curled, flowers actively blooming and ivy unfurling hypnotically as though breathing. Dom sat back, satisfaction deepening the dimple on his cheek. “About tonight.” His deep voice cut through the thickening moment. He tapped his fingers on his knee, his rings clinking with the movement. “These dinners usually involve leaders from around Lyrae. There’s a man named Oster who joined a few months ago. Information from our spies suggests he might be a trafficker, and I don’t trust him.”
“Do you trust anyone?”
