“You’re thanking me?” He studied her. “I feel like I’m asking so much of you all at once.”
“I like seeing this side of you, who you are now. It’s like you’re still so familiar, but there’s all these surprises too. I love it.”
“Surprises?” Caspian asked, quirking his head to the side.
“Well, you talk about the economy now.” Keira giggled fiendishly.
Caspian rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. As his gaze returned to her, it softened. “I- I never imagined that I would get to share all of this with you. I mean, I always wanted to, I just never thought…”
Keira’s skin heated under that stare. “It’s amazing, Caspian, but I’m not going to lie. I’ll miss our private little cave.” Her voice was soft and breathless.
He made a noise in his throat, an agreement maybe. Her senses grew dazed as he closed the distance between them. Herfocus was consumed by the feeling of his warmth, his scent washing over her, until all she could think of was tasting him again.
His lips grazed hers first, soft and hesitant. She met him, deepening the kiss as she curled her hand around the nape of his neck. Caspian’s hand pressed lightly into the small of her back, drawing her in and spreading a fluid warmth up her spine.
Even though she’d hardly felt more out of place anywhere in her life, at that moment Keira was home.
Yvette
They were kissing now. Yvette’s expression hardened. Victor would not be pleased with this development. The surprise of her arrival had already set him in a foul mood. She’d been sent to gather information about the lord’s mysterious new guest, and Yvette had learned plenty as she followed them. Cloaked beneath her gift of illusion, they’d never suspected that she was there. But watching them rub their hands all over each other was hardly informative and was beginning to feel rather voyeuristic.
As she averted her eyes from their display of affection, something more intriguing caught her eye. The slightly wilted flowers on the table beside the window were blooming. Yvette’s eyes narrowed. Keira had mentioned magicing off somewhere. It was clear to her now that they were the same. To work magic that effortlessly, she must have been born with it as well, though the nature of their abilities differed greatly. She would naturally need to see more to truly know what this stranger was capable of.
A glimmer of intrigue sparked within her. She’d always known she wasn’t alone, but those gifted with innate magic were hardly commonplace. The few she had met had been austere wizards or pompous mages come to swim among the society elite. Something about Keira was different… more tangible.Yvette pushed her curiosity aside. Victor would undoubtedly be waiting for her to return.
Yvette slithered through the slight opening in the door without making a sound. She didn’t drop her illusion of invisibility until she was back in the East Wing, making sure she was alone before releasing the magic and continuing normally to Victor’s chambers. The room wasn’t overly large, though it had enough space for a small writing desk and a wardrobe. Of course the majority of the space was dedicated to the massive four poster bed laden with thick quilted blankets and furs. Across the room, the grand carved fireplace also worked tirelessly to keep the winter’s chill at bay.
Victor was waiting for her in the center of the room, looking as tense as a caged basilisk. His doublet had been unlaced, showing the loose white shirt beneath and exposing a hint of his chest.
“So,” he said, the veil of his patience incredibly thin. It was not a quality that came naturally to him, but he tried. “Tell me, pet. Who is she?”
“More than a dear old friend,” Yvette said, passing him to sit on the bed.
“Don’t be coy with me, darling,” Victor said, shutting the door behind her.
Yvette smiled. She did enjoy needling him, but it was clear he was in no mood for her antics today. “I would say they’ve known each other for sometime, but are reconnecting. She knows absolutely nothing about court life.”
“Yes, I could see that very well myself,” Victor said sourly. “She looks as if he found her living in the woods. Are they fucking?”
“When I left, they were kissing. It was all very sweet, really.”
Victor rolled his eyes. “Why does the Fate hate me?” he sighed, pushing a hand through his golden curls.
“There’s more,” Yvette baited, standing.
His eyes landed on her, intense in their focus. “If there is more, then tell me.”
She smiled coyly, withholding.
Victor took a step closer. “Do I look like I am in the mood for games, pet?” His voice was precise and dangerous.
Her heart beat a little faster, but she kept her silence, daring him.
A gasp caught in her throat as he struck out, fast as an adder, grabbing the base of her braid. He drew her in slowly until his face was only inches from her own. Her breath was shallow with exhilaration as he studied her brazenly.
“Tell me.” It was a flat, unyielding demand.
Yvette reached her hand to the string of her bodice and drew it loose.
