“And you want me to call you by your name on land?”
“Not if it hurts your standing at court. But I would like you to do your version of it.”
I thought about it. What was a subtle relationship indicator on land? “We show our attachment through displays of affection. A touch on the back. A kiss on the cheek. That sort of thing. If you were speaking to a man, and I wanted to let him know that you were taken, I would step up beside you and take your hand or lay my hand on your back. You could put your arm around me in return. Those things are clear signs that we are together.”
“That is what you meant when you told me I could show my claim to you through affection?”
“Yes, exactly.”
The Sea King went silent. He motioned to the food and then ate a few bites.
“Your Majesty, you summoned me?” A tall, willowy Sea Dragon entered the room and bowed. His pure black hair hung down his back in an intricate braid; silk robes hung modestly from his body, hinting at the power beneath; and his green eyes were sharp with intellect.
“Yes, thank you for coming.” The Sea King waved at me. “Have you met Lord Nadar, the diplomat from Zaru?”
“No, Sire.” He inclined his head to me. “I am the Palace Steward, Lafei.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” I inclined my head in return.
“Lafei, I will leave shortly to visit the surface and deal with the false accusations against Ilshi. I need you to let the Master of Bed Slaves know of my sojourn, have my bags packed, and handle questions that arise concerning my absence.”
“Yes, sire. Do you know how long you'll be away?”
“I do not, but it shouldn't be over a week.”
“Very good, Your Majesty. Do not worry. I will handle the court.”
“If Lord Sero returns, he can oversee things in my stead.”
“Of course, sire.”
“Thank you, and notify my King's Guard to prepare for a trip and to meet me in the courtyard in an hour and a half.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lafei bowed and left.
“You have a King's Guard?”
“Of course. Why wouldn't I?”
“Are they Sea Dragons?”
“Yes, who else would I trust to guard me?”
“But they don't guard your tower or your throne room.”
“No one would dare attack me here. If they did and the palace guards failed me, I would handle the attack myself. I only need my King’s Guard when I leave the city.
“Oh, I see.”
“Nadar?”
“Yes?
“I have been waiting for you since last night.”
It took me a second to realize that he was talking about sex, and then I chuckled. “You have indeed been patient. Very well. How do you want me?”
Jucai sucked in a breath. “In so many ways.”
