“Yes, master. The physician tended to me. I'll heal soon. My kind don't heal as fast as Dragons, but it’s still fast.”
I hugged him, careful not to touch his wound. “Please, take the King's offer. You showed more valor today than most warriors I know.”
“I am no warrior.”
“That is precisely why your act was so courageous. Please, I cannot have you picking up after me now. It would shame me.”
Bantar looked from me to the King. “I would feel awkward as a guest here. My friends are all slaves.” He looked back at me. “I know you wish to reward me for what I did, but elevating me in such a way will only alienate me. Neither my friends nor your dread will accept me.”
“Do you have many close friends here?” Jucai asked.
“Three whom I would die for, Your Majesty.”
“I shall make them my guests as well. You don't understand the service you have done this court today, Bantar. Nadar is not only a man whom I admire, but he's also a diplomat. His death would have strained our budding relationship with . . .” Jucai trailed off and looked at me with sudden understanding.
“Yes,” I said. “It has already occurred to me that they did this to stop our kingdoms from becoming allies. Whoever is behind all this, they don't want Ilshi to be friends with Zaru.”
Jucai straightened. “You see, Bantar? You not only saved Nadar, but you also saved your kingdom from war. Allow me to thank you and announce your heroism to the court. I am sure they will accept you, but in case I'm wrong, you will have your friends with you to enjoy the benefits of your bravery.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty. Thank you.” Bantar bowed.
“Good.” Jucai smacked his shoulder. “And thank you, Master Physician, for enduring my insults and doing what you could for our diplomat.”
“It was my pleasure, Your Majesty.” The physician, a Neraky man, bowed and left.
“Tell your friends, Bantar,” Jucai said. “I will notify the Master of Palace Slaves as soon as I finish speaking with Lord Nadar.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Bantar bowed again and left.
At last, I was alone with Jucai. I turned to him and opened my mouth to tell him what a mistake we'd made, but he spoke first.
“Why didn't you summon me?!”
“What do you mean?”
“I gave you a summoning shell. Why didn't you use it?”
“I didn't have it on me.”
“Yes, I know!” He snatched it from the bedside table and fastened it around my neck. “You are not to take this off. Never, Nadar!”
“Jucai, stop.” I grabbed his wrist. “I need to say something.”
“I didn't summon my slaves,” he blurted.
Blinking, I went still. “What?”
“When we returned from Zaru, I went to my bedchamber, but I couldn't summon a single slave to relieve my lust. I didn't want any of them.”
“But you look so calm. I mean, I heard you yelling at the physician, but now you seem calm.”
“I . . .” He cleared his throat. “Handled things myself. It provided temporary relief. Then I heard you were attacked, and my hunger vanished. For the first time since I awoke, my body found something more important than sex.”
Holy fuck! I was more important than sex!Then I thought,I nearly died. I had better be more important than sex! Still, it's a big statement coming from him. All right, I'll choose to be flattered.
“So, your need will return soon?” I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling.
“I assume so. But I only one person can satisfy me.” He took my hand. “I need you, Nadar.”
