“Still, you ensure it continues.”
He nodded and then gave me a knowing look. “So, you're enjoying your time in Kansu?”
I cleared my throat. “I am, Your Majesty.”
“Be careful, Lord Nadar. It’s hard to love a king, even more so when he lives underwater.
“I assure you, I'm not falling in love, sire. I have no interest in a romantic attachment with King Jucai.”
With a raised eyebrow, he asked, “Are you sure about that? Because you certainly don't look at each other like men not interested in romantic attachments.”
“He is a very handsome man.”
“And a hero?” King Saric smirked. “I'm just teasing you, Lord Nadar. We are Dragons. We take our pleasure wherever we find it. Enjoy yourself. Just don't get too attached. I don't want to lose my best diplomat.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Now, back to the issue at hand. We know who didn't attack the Blue Heron, but who did?”
“That is indeed the question, sire. I will speak with the survivors and track down a sorcerer tomorrow.”
“Perhaps you could ask Duke Daha for help.”
“But he's a necromancer, not a sorcerer.”
“He knows many things, Lord Nadar. He's been studying sorcery. After facing the Brujai sorceress, Daha became interested in the art. I think she made him feel powerless, and to reclaim his power, he learned how to best her with her own magic.”
“That sounds like the Duke.” I nodded. “Very well, I'll check with him first.” I stood up.
“Lord Nadar?” The King held up a hand to stop me from leaving. “Could the survivors be in collusion with the attackers?”
“Anything is possible, sire. That's why I need to speak with them.”
“Should I have them arrested?”
“Not yet, Your Majesty. We don't want to spook their friends if they are guilty.”
“You're right, but you need to figure this out soon. Have Claw Mahdred help you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I'm sure he'll be delighted to help.” I bowed and left the room.
Chapter Seventeen
I found Jucai sitting on a bench beneath an orange tree. Gazing at the ripe fruit above him, he radiated serenity. I paused on the garden path, struck again by how handsome he was. Moonlight turned the cape of his hair into a halo, a sharp contrast to the blue silk of his tunic. Repose softened his regal features, but instead of making him look more common, it turned him into a divine creature, too beautiful to touch. His full lips were parted as if he were about to speak.
Turning to look at me, he did. “What have you discovered, my cunning diplomat?” His eyes, tilted up at the outer corners, revealed more than his lips. Brighter than usual, the green of his irises was sharp like venom in the night, and his chin lifted with the threat of a snake ready to strike.
Frowning, I went forward. “I've proven your innocence, Your Majesty. The attackers used magic to disguise themselves. They were not Sea Dragons. Hopefully, I'll learn more after I speak to the survivors.”
“Good.”
“Are you angry with me for taking so long? I assure you, it was necessary.”
“Was it necessary to flirt with an old lover and then try to gain a new one?”
“What?” My breath caught as his gaze sharpened.
“Feilen told me about the two Eljaffna men, both as pale as me and handsome. One, he said, was an old lover of yours, here in the palace. The other was the man charged with investigating the attack. Tell me, do you enjoy it when men drink your blood?”
