“We should change your title to Master of Tasks! We could be Masters together,” Oddo quipped, sending Rhazien’s lips wide.
Gorvin’s face showed no such appreciation for the proposed title. Hissharp features were as firm as the Irriset Mountains the Hive was built into.
“We should not,” Gorvin said plainly. His gift for clarity was matched by his affinity for brevity.
Rhazien cleared his throat, composing himself. “Gentlemen, may I please have a moment alone with Lady Reyva?”
The two bowed and excused themselves in silent unison. The regent led me down the closest stack of books. When we reached the wall of the enclosure, he gave me as much space as he could, the berth no farther than an arm's length.
Silence settled between us as he stood, hands behind his back, taking me in. “I’m sorry—I’ve completely forgotten what I wanted to speak to you about.”
I narrowed my gaze. “How convenient.”
“Truly. I’m…distracted.” Green eyes darted from my nose to my hair to my lips and back to my unconvinced stare.
“I’m sure.” I stood tall against the stacks, wondering if he could see the blush forming in my cheeks.
He tucked a rogue hair behind my ear. “It’s your scent.”
“I did help myself to the bathing products in my chambers?—”
Rhazien stepped to me, bringing our bodies chest to chest, and the closeness made my heart jump. He leaned down and responded in a breathy whisper, “I think we both know I’m not referring to any bathing products.”
My throat had gone dry but I managed to croak, “Is it…your blood? Is it calling you still?”
“No.” His hand traced my shoulder to my fingertips before intertwining with mine. “It’s just you.”
Just me.
But not just me.
Meandmy blood.
Meandmy gift for visions.
As tender as this moment was, I couldn’t forget this moment was contrived. A means to an end. Dommik had used the term prospect. He’d said a lot of things, like how I would be comfortable as long as I was useful. It made me wonder when my usefulness would be put to the test, and if Rhazien would still court me if I couldn’t locate the item. My throat tightened as the painful truth settled.
“Oddo is waiting. If there’s nothing else—” I looked up at him throughmy lashes. Rhazien squeezed my hand, encouraging me to stay. A pleading look settled underneath his knitted brows.
“My lady. As regent, I’ve learned that moments alone are rare and precious. It’s best not to rush them.” Spoken like a true, centuries old vampire. Time was always of the essence for humans. Immortals didn’t have to rush.
His thumb stroked the back of my hand as I whispered, “So, what then? We’ll just...stand here?”
“I am enjoying the view.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks and I scoffed, deflecting his flattery. “And the smell, apparently.”
“Does it make you uncomfortable that I mentioned it?” He held the space and shielded me from prying eyes.
I shifted my weight. “Only because it makes me wonder who else thinks I smell delicious. I can’t help but feel I’m comparable to a Solstice ham.”
He placed a finger under my chin, lifting my gaze to his. “They cannot touch you. No one. Hear me? No one will harm you.”
It wasn’t a promise. He was stating a fact. Just as Gorvin had. As Dommik had. How could theyallbe so sure?
“Especially with Dommik as your guard,” he whispered.
“Am I to be constantly chaperoned? Because even then…” I shook my head lightly, making his hand fall away from my chin.
