I’d forgotten Harkin had offered to take her to see the musicians.
“You couldn’t because you’re assigned to me?”
She nodded once. “Meline and Pierce are with them though.”
At least they weren’t alone. I trusted Pierce enough to ensure she’d return, and Meline had seemed kind. Harkin had better behave himself, or I would make good on my threat—no matter my sister’s feelings. I would have to find her first thing in the morning. There was nothing I could do about it now, not with my “guard” just outside.
I closed my eyes, leaning back to let the water soothe my neck, and focusing on the relaxing warmth instead of the potential danger my sister was in. I didn’t think I would ever get used to this treatment, a warm bath at the end of each day. At Port’s Tavern, I was always too tired to heat enough water at the end of the shift. The bathing room we had access to didn’t have the newest plumbing, and I often opted to bathe in cool water, only forcing myself to heat it at least once a week or so to clean my hair. I didn’t linger tonight, acutely aware of the man waiting outside the canvas walls.
Once I was done, I dressed and wrapped myself in a silky robe. The beautiful man entered the tent, and Wista left to collect my evening meal, lips pressed into a thin line and eyes narrowed in his direction before she disappeared.
I was awkward under his scrutinizing gaze, clearing my throat and twisting my hands in the robe to keep them busy. What did he see when he looked at me? A loyal servant to the king? Or did he see underneath my facade to the darkness within? To the person struggling to keep a doomed promise.
“Please tell me your name,” I blurted into the silence. I couldn’t take it any longer, I needed to know who he was, what to call him.
He tilted his head again, the animalistic move making me squirm. “Please,” I repeated when he still didn’t speak.
“I no longer have a name.” There was a hint of sadness in his tone, sadness laced with longing. I had so many questions, but an intrinsic part of me knew he wouldn’t welcome them.
“Well, I’ll give you a name, then.”
His pupils dilated, darkening his gaze for a moment. He blinked once, and they returned to blank gray.
“Do you have a preference?” I asked, unsurprised when he didn’t respond.
I was already used to his silence at my probing. It didn’t matter. He needed a name, and I would make sure it was a good one. One thatwashim.
I took a moment to really study him, delving deeper than when he first emerged from the lamp. I had noticed his beauty then and my instant attraction. My heart raced, and wings fluttered in my stomach.
He was perfect in his harshness. Skin smooth, almost to the point of perfection, save for the silver line across his cheekbone, barely discernible under the flickering candlelight. His strong body so obviously made for battle and intimidation, yet when I looked at him, there was only the draw—the desire to be closer to him.
Strength radiated from him in spades, and he needed a name to reflect that.Leon?
No. Not right.
Although he exuded strength, he was also shrouded in mystery. Perhaps,Arcane?
I shook my head, even though I hadn’t said the name aloud.
The man shifted, almost uncomfortably, and smoke shimmered and swirled, creating dancing shadows across his skin.
It came to me.
“Shade.”
Chapter 13
He blinked, giving no other reaction to the name. I smiled, watching the shimmering shadow and smoke twisting and curling around his body. Thatwashis body.
Yes, it suited him perfectly.
“Shade,” I repeated. “I think it suits you.”
The man,Shade, still hadn’t said a word, but the corner of his mouth twitched. Just enough for me to know he liked it too—or at least didn’t dislike it. Which would have to do since he wouldn’t tell me otherwise.
Wista returned before I could push for a response, carrying a tray laden with two bowls of stew and some bread. She placed it on the table, not leaving again until I confirmed I didn’t need anything else, and darted wary glances Shade’s way until she left.
“Are you hungry?” I asked, sitting at the table. My stomach had finally settled enough I should be able to keep some food down, my body in dire need of energy.
