As I strode through the corridors, my rage sputtered. A horrible ache consumed me, strong enough to make me stumble. My throat constricted. I started blinking fast.
“What the fuck?” I whispered and swiped at my eyes.
Oh, fuck no! I would not cry over this. Jucai had just proved my belief that men were fickle. As soon as they got someone, they wanted someone else. I had expected this. Just not so soon. I thought we might have a couple of weeks before his gaze wandered.
“Fatherfucker!” I hissed.
Then I composed myself. It was over. Maybe I should be relieved. I didn't even have to listen to a Let's-be-friends speech.Nor did I have to make one. I thought he was going to be an issue, maybe throw a royal fit when I tried to leave. Now, I didn't have to worry about that. I had lost a couple of weeks with a gorgeous man who was an amazing lover. So what? There were other beautiful men. In fact, I was keeping one waiting. I resumed walking.
I entered the parlor with furious anticipation, then stopped short. Arms over the back of the couch and legs crossed, Diaya looked at home among the fine furnishings. King Saric had mentioned that he had employed Diaya before. This obviously wasn't his first visit to the Royal Palace. Smiling, he flowed to his feet with the grace of his people. A hint of fang showed in his smile. I offered a similar smile in return, though my fangs were thicker, made for tearing, while his were made for drawing blood. I shivered. Jucai was right—I enjoyed being bitten. Eljaffna had magic that made their bite incredibly erotic. I could come from a single nibble.
As I strode forward, hand extended and smiling, I realized that as eager as I was to bed Diaya and get back at Jucai, he didn’t arouse me. Even thinking about Diaya biting me didn't thrill me. What the actual fuck? It had to be Jucai's betrayal. It had thrown me into a dark place, leaving me feeling vulnerable and confused. Of course, Diaya didn’t arouse me. I was too angry for anyone to arouse me.
“Thank you for coming.” I shook Diaya's hand. “Ah, I see they've brought some refreshments. Wonderful. Shall we?” I sat down beside him.
“Yes, of course.” He poured me a cup of mint tea. “The men I sent to the docks returned. They all brought back the same information. The ship is called the Howl, and it left port two days ago.”
“Right before the attack on the Blue Heron.” I placed a few small cakes on my plate.
“Yes. Unfortunately, no one knows where they're headed. They kept quiet, which is even more damning. Sailors love to gossip.”
“They could be anywhere.” I leaned back with a sigh and sipped my tea.
“Indeed. I've alerted the harbormaster. When the Howl makes port again, we'll be ready.”
“If it returns.”
“I can send word to other ports nearby, but that will take a while.”
“All right, please do that. It sounds like our only option.”
“For now. But sailors talk. I'll keep my spies alert for any talk of the Howl.”
“Thank you. I'll probably be heading back to Ilshi in the morning.”
“So soon?” He slid his arm further down the back of the couch to rub my shoulder. “Then we'd best make use of the night.”
I agreed, but my body didn't. Diaya's touch didn't arouse me, and I knew that nothing he did would. Not until I finished things with Jucai. Yes, that was my problem. Jucai may have broken one of our rules, but until he actually slept with Yevena, I couldn't bring myself to retaliate. It felt premature. Or maybe I was hoping that I was mistaken, and Jucai would come burstinginto the room demanding that I pleasure him immediately. Ugh! What was wrong with me?
Despite my inner turmoil, I smiled at Diaya and let him down nicely. “I told you, I can't just yet. When I return, though, I'd love to spend some time with you.”
“Your sea king isn't here. Why don't you give me a little taste to hold me over?” Diaya leaned in.
I leaned back as if someone had yanked me. “I'm sorry, but I have an agreement with King Jucai.”
“An agreement? What do you mean?” He settled back.
“We are being monogamous until our time together ends.”
Diaya's eyebrows went up. “I hope you don't expect that from all your lovers.”
“Not at all. It's complicated.”
“Is it? How fascinating.” Diaya looked me over. “Could he be your mate?”
“What? No.”
“Why such a quick denial?”
