Page 120

Instead, I reach out and place a steadying hand on her shoulder. She flinches, and her hands tremble harder beneath the weight of my touch, but she doesn’t pull away.

“I’m so sorry, Thena,” I say simply.

Malis cannot be allowed to walk away unscathed. I may only have a prince and his guard as my allies, but it’s enough. It has to be enough.

Chapter 36

Aella

“How are you with a sword?”

The question distracts me, causing the dozen books I’m balancing in the air to quiver. It’s been difficult to train my theïkós with the kin constantly around, so with them in the city this morning, I’ve been taking advantage of the quiet.

I glance up from where I sit nestled in the library’s window nook.

He leans casually in the doorway, framed in the golden light pouring through the window at my back. It threads through his hair—a halo that softens him—and catches on the lighter shards of silver in his gaze.

“I can use one,” I say, slowly coaxing the air to float the books back toward their homes on the shelves. “But I prefer daggers.”

He nods approvingly as the last book slots into its place. “Of course you do.”

Titaia sits in one of the armchairs near the far wall, a book open in her lap and her legs crossed elegantly. Since I told her my story, she’s taken to watching me practice whenever I manage to steal moments away from the kin or even helping to keep the others distracted. She’s been so quiet this morning I’d almost forgotten she was there, but now her gaze flits between Lyxander and me.

Our eyes meet, and she smirks.

I narrow my eyes at her, then turn back to Lyxander. “Why?”

“Do you remember what I said to you on the ship?” he asks, tilting his head.

“You said a lot of things on the ship,” I say.

“After you attacked me,” he clarifies, not hiding the amusement in his tone, “and lost so spectacularly.”

I scoff, crossing my arms. “I did not lose spectacularly.”

“I had you pinned in under ten seconds.”

The words hang in the air, and his gaze flickers with something darker, something hotter. It’s just a flash, but it’s enough to send a spark of heat through me.

I clear my throat, trying to shake the sensation, but when I speak, my voice still sounds breathless. “I remember.”

His smile sharpens like the edge of a blade honed to perfection. “Are you ready for a rematch?”

My pulse quickens with anticipation.

“Fine,” I say, rising to my feet. “But don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He dips his chin toward Titaia, then turns on his heel.

I glance back at my friend. “Are you all right on your own?”

“Oh, don’t worry about me.” She leans back in her chair, the book resting lazily in her lap. “I couldn’t possibly get in the way of…whatever this is.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I quickly turn away, following Lyxander out of the library as Titaia’s soft, knowing laugh echoes behind me.

I catch up with him as he rounds the curved hall to his bedchamber. He pushes the door open and steps inside. I follow at a slower pace, pausing on the threshold. I haven’t been within since the first time, and I didn’t notice much of it then.

Now I drink it in.