He loved me. That's what Jucai was saying. But we both knew it was too soon for that, our relationship too fragile. So, I wouldn't push him into saying it. Especially since I was uncertain of my feelings. I had never loved before. Maybe I loved him. Maybe I was starting to. I needed time to figure it out.
“I'm not trying to play games with you.” I grimaced. “Maybe I was at first, but not anymore. I'm back and forth with you because that's how I feel. This is me being honest. I won't pretend to be someone I'm not for you.”
“I don't want you to be anyone but who you are, Nadar.”
“Then know that my words are unscripted and my actions genuine. Now, what the fuck are we going to do?”
Jucai let me go and regarded me solemnly. “We either keep trying or give up, and I can't want to give up. Not on you.”
“Nor can I give up on you.”
“Then we keep trying. Maybe we get a little closer next time, and then a little closer the time after.”
“The pain will only get worse.”
He took my hand. “I will endure it if you will.”
“I will.”
“Then we are set upon our path. May the Gods help us.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
We breakfasted in Jucai's private dining room. Halfway through our meal, Lord Lafei, the Palace Steward, walked in.
“Sire, I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but we have several people waiting for you in the throne room,” Lafei said. “They have been waiting a while, and their numbers are growing.”
Jucai put down his fork. “Why have they come?”
“Those whom I've spoken to have complained of failing enchantments.”
I went still.
“Failing enchantments?” Jucai glanced at me. “Tell them I'll be down shortly.”
“Yes, sire.” Lafei bowed and left the room.
“Do you think it's the same thing that's affecting our mating?” I asked.
“It may be.” Jucai stood up and held out his hand.
“Should I be involved in this?”
He shrugged. “It doesn't matter. Someone tried to kill you, Nadar. You aren't leaving my sight.”
“They won't take me unaware again, Jucai. I'll be fine.” But even as I spoke, I remembered how weak I'd felt against my attacker.
“Regardless, you are coming with me.”
I sighed and stood up, tossing my napkin onto the table. Jucai took my hand, and we went downstairs to his throne room. We entered through his private door and came out onto the dais. The vast room was half full of people from most of the undersea races, waiting before the dais. Jucai motioned for me to stand beside his throne as he sat down. The room went silent.
“I understand there have been issues with enchantments,” Jucai said. “Lord Lafei will usher you forward based on your arrival time, and I will hear every grievance. Lord Lafei.” He nodded to the Steward.
With the King's assurance that he’d make time for all of them, the people lined up and approached the throne in order. Every complaint had to do with magic. Lights weren't working, ovens wouldn't heat, and more. Lord Lafei took notes and maintained order. Even as Jucai spoke with his subjects, more arrived. We were there for hours, but he didn't once show even a hint of impatience. Which was more than I could say for myself.
As we listened to the complaints, I tried to think of plausible explanations. What could affect magic like that? Not only minor enchantments but also Dragon mating magic, which was, essentially, the magic of gods. It would have to be strong and spread far. People from all over the city were experiencing issues.
The last person spoke, their complaint noted, and the Sea King's assurance given. Jucai stood up and went down the steps. I followed him to Lord Lafei.
