Gray robes skirted the edges of my vision as Rhazien took my hand in his. “I adore this color on you,” he said, placing a kiss on my knuckles.
“You’re too kind, Majesty,” I said through a genuine smile. "I’m beginning to think there isn’t a color you don’t adore.”
“Maybe it’s not the fabric color.” Rhazien’s unoccupied hand found my chin. “Maybe it’s just you.”
Servants had set my small dining table for two in preparation for our dinner. Rhazien guided me to my seat. Before taking his own, the regent selected a small box from an end table and brought it to me.
“Do me the honor, open this one first. I want to see your reaction.” Rhazien placed the petite box in my hands and his mossy eyes watched as I pulled the bow loose. I nearly gasped as I took in the glimmer that greeted me.
I sucked in a sharp breath with the extravagant choker nestled within the velvet case, boasting rows upon rows of glimmering black diamonds. The lanterns radiated off of each dutifully crafted facet as if the entire necklace were made of shadow and flame itself.
“Dawn above,” I whispered, running my fingers along the stones. It was the finest piece of jewelry I’d ever held. Like distant stars, full of fire and wonder, had been pulled from the heavens and made captors.
“The rest of these will seem dull compared to this.” Rhazien rocked on his heels, pleased with my reaction to the expensive offering.
“Thank you,” I whispered, enamored with the jewelry, but wary of what he might expect in return for such a fine gift.
“You’re welcome. I look forward to seeing you wear it,” he said as he joined me across the table. “How do you like your accommodations? Do they meet your expectations?”
“Theyexceededmy expectations,” I responded in earnest, placing the lid back on the box, securing the precious gemstones.
“Really?” He raised his brows and surveyed the room in a way that made me curious about his chambers. Larger and grander, I assumed. “What did you think they would be like?”
A servant moved around us, lifting covers from a thick cut of beef and pouring wine into our goblets.
“I assumed I would be in a cell…or a broom closet…maybe a pig pen.”
He chuckled and, to my surprise, I did too.
“Better than a sty, wouldn’t you say?” He lifted his chalice to me.
“Mmm,” I hummed, returning the salute. “Better than a sty.”
I paused as my lips pressed the cup’s rim, remembering the last time Rhazien had offered me wine from an open carafe.
Had he put his blood in this wine as well? Would he admit it if I asked? Or would he lie?
“It’s clean,” he said, sensing my alarm. “No blood.”
A confusing mix of relief and disappointment filled me. I wanted my senses, my capacities. But the sensations that had come from just a few drops of blood had tilted me into complete and utter ecstasy.
I pushed down thoughts of the carriage and my tub.
Had I really only been here one night?
“Reyva.” I lifted my lashes at the sound of my name. He eyed me with caution. “I promise.”
There was only one way to know if he would build trust with me or ruin any chance of earning it. I took a generous sip in hopes he was true to his word.
The notes and undertones lingered on my tongue. “Bromport?”
“Your favorite,” he quipped as he speared a carrot.
And Alba’s home,I thought.
“Hmm.” The swirl of unanswered questions begged to be let out. They wouldn’t be quelled by compliments, expensive gifts, or even my favorite wine.
“What are you thinking?”
