“Yes, and we don't use it only for heat.” He went to a light cord hanging near the door and pulled it. The chandeliers came on. He waved to one of them . “That is not magical light. My people invented orbs that, when warmed, light up.”
I squinted at the chandeliers. “Not magical? How ingenious.”
“I prefer to use as little magic as possible. It can be unreliable.”
“But magic fuels the dome.”
“Yes, of course. Enchantment is necessary for the dome as well as this glass.” Jucai waved at the wall.
I stepped away from the wall, turning my back on the fish at last, and took in the room. The bed was across from the glass wall, and I looked forward to falling asleep while watching the fish. Blue velvet adorned the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed, but the rest of the room's textiles—including bed curtains, linens, and chair cushions—were all blue silk. Black coral formed the bed frame and the foundation of other furniture. Instead of feeling too dark, it felt tranquil thanks to the view.
Heading to a door in the right wall, I said, “Excuse me, Your Majesty.”
“That's the bathroom,” Jucai said. “The dressing room is through this door.” He motioned to another door on the opposite wall.
“Actually, I need to bathe, and I assume you have things to attend to.”
His eyes twitched. “I've set aside time for your visit.”
I paused in the doorway. “Oh, that's very generous. Thank you. I am honored to be shown such respect. Considering that, should I meet you somewhere?”
“Stay here.” The King headed for the outer room. “Bathe and dress. I shall return after I've done the same. Then we can have breakfast.”
“Wonderful. Thank you.” I bowed.
He waved over his shoulder as he left.
I rolled my eyes. Dragon kings on land were bad enough. Jucai took royal arrogance to a new level.
“I blame the harems.” I shut the bathroom door. “No man should have so many people waiting around just to get him off.”
Chapter Five
After bathing and dressing, I pulled a chair up to the glass wall and watched the fish. My stomach complained about the wait, but I didn't mind. I could have sat there all day and been happy.
A knock interrupted my gazing.
With a sigh, I stood up and answered the door. I expected the Sea King, and I prepared myself for another round of “I'm so great, why aren't you fawning over me?” Yes, I thought better of him owning slaves now that I knew why the other races wanted to serve him, but that didn't change his royal-pain-in-the-ass attitude. Or ass-titude, as I liked to call it.
But it wasn't Jucai at the door. A Kaikeyo man stood there, his chin tentacles hanging in relaxed lines that mimicked a beard. Shiny black horns poked out of his black hair—pulled back in a ponytail. The symbol on his tunic was that of the Ilshi Sea—a blue sea dragon curled into a circle.
The man bowed to me, his biceps straining the sleeves of his tunic. “Lord Nadar?”
“Yes?”
“I am Bantar. The King sent me to serve you.”
“Son of a bitch,” I muttered.
“Sir?” Bantar's blue eyes widened, and his tentacles curled.
“Sorry, Bantar. We don't have slaves in my court, and I'm not comfortable with the practice. I know you’re willing to serve, but I don't want to take advantage of anyone.”
His jaw dropped. “You don't want me?”
“No, no, that's not what I mean. It's not you. I don't feel comfortable with slavery.”
“I volunteered to serve the Ilshi Dread. You are a guest here. It would be my honor to serve you.”
