Page 21 of A Filling of Fables and Firelight

“What?” She tripped over her own feet in surprise, and just barely managed to keep herself from falling flat on her face. “Who is he talking to?”

“Himself, usually. He mutters a lot when he’s bothered. And he paces. So much pacing. It makes my legs tired just watching him. For the sake of my physical well-being, you should stop avoiding him.”

“I thought you didn’t like him.” Rana raised her eyebrows. “I recall hearing some very strongly worded opinions.”

Jasper pressed a hand to his chest. “I am but a child. It is expected that I grow and change. I didn’t like His Majesty for Aida.”

“But you think I deserve him?”

“Not in the way you’re thinking.” His voice, suddenly serious, drew Rana’s eyes to his face. The contemplative look in his eyes made him seem much older than his teenage years. “If I thought he was going to treat you poorly, I would send Spot to stalk your steps and bite his hands off if he tried anything, but I don’t think he’s that kind of man.”

“No, just not good enough for Aida,” she drawled.

“Because in the end she was just using him as a means to gain freedom, and he would never have been able to give it to her in the way she needed—not like Dan could. But it’s different with you. He’s different with you. I’ve spent the last four years in this palace, and I’ve never seen His Majesty as honestly ruffled before. It’s like he forgets that he has to be the Sultan, and he’s just an ordinary man.”

“What a wonderful experience that must be for him. I’m not sure why you think it means that I should be the one to suffer through his presence.”

Jasper gave her a look. “Because I don’t think you suffer through it at all. If anything, I think you enjoy the challenge. I don’t think there’s anyone else who could go toe to toe with you and not run away with their tail between their legs. You’re kind of intimidating, you know?”

They had reached her room, and Rana stopped outside the door. “Your flattery skills could use a little work, but you’re young, so I’ll let it slide.”

“It’s only the truth. You’re a beautiful, confident woman who is already successful enough to fully support yourself. Of course you’re intimidating to men who want to feel like they’re needed. His Majesty has a whole country of people who need him, so your independence is probably a breath of fresh air.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “Who are you, and what have you done with Jasper? You’re supposed to be less ‘wise friend’ and more ‘annoying little brother.’”

He grinned. “I’m just saying—he deserves someone who allows him to be himself, and you deserve a man who’s not going to try to make you into something less than you are.”

His words settled into place in her chest, filling the space with warmth. She gave him a fond smile. “Thanks, Jas.”

“Does this mean you’re going to stop hiding? Shall I send His Majesty your way? Tell him that a real Adhavian delight is waiting for him with a plate of Teta’s Adhavian Delights?” Jasper wiggled his brows suggestively and jumped out of the way with a laugh as Rana tried unsuccessfully to punch him in the arm.

“If you give away my candy, I will send Zade to bite your toes in the middle of the night.”

He tsked. “Such violence. Clearly Dan’s ethics have not had the same effect on you as they did on me.”

“Aaaaaand there’s the annoying little brother again.”

Jasper started backwards down the hall in the way they had come. “Would an annoying little brother help you find true love?”

“I’m not falling in love with Kamaran. They hardly even belong in the same sentence.”

“And yet,” he pointed out in a sing-song tone, “you’re the one who put them there together.”

He spun on his heel before she could answer, which meant he missed the tongue she stuck out at his back like a child.

It also meant he couldn’t tease her about the blush creeping up the sides of her face, which would only lead to questions she wasn’t ready to answer yet.

His Majesty might not be quite as terrible as she had first thought. In fact, she was woman enough to admit that she kind of liked him.

But love?

That was another story entirely.

Chapter Twelve

KAMARAN

“You’re here.” Kamaran leaned against the doorframe of the sitting room he had already come to think of as Rana’s.