Page 86 of Haunted

“Come.” I clap my hands together. “Let us find you comfortable accommodations, and then I will see if I can find this seductress of yours.”

My men surround Prince Kenrik. He puts up a fight, but it doesn’t last long. After they knock him unconscious, they drag him off to the dungeons.

Comfortable accommodations indeed.

61

I feel her light as she reenters the citadel after her day’s work. I adjourn my dull meeting, eager to see Niawen. I’ve been waiting for her all day.

When I enter the library in the east wing, Niawen is gazing out the window, deep in contemplation. So deep, she doesn’t move as I approach. I’m a hair’s breadth from her ear when I whisper. “You’re easy to sneak up on when you’re distracted.”

She jumps and slams me against the wall.

I can’t help chuckling, though it is a half-grunt because she crushes my chest with her forearm. “I was going to say you’ve become careless, but you still have great reflexes—for a warrior.”

“I’m so sorry.” She backs away, releasing me.

I really have her nerves on end. My skin tingles from the thought. “Were you talking with Seren?”

“Yes.”

“I miss talking with Neifion. I long for a bond such as that. And the ease of travel.” Saying Neifion’s name has the same effect on me as it always does. The stabbing sensation to my heart never gets any easier.

Niawen steps farther back. Her blush spreads down her neck. What is she thinking?

“How did Seren choose you as her rider?” I straighten my tunic.

She smiles. “Mother said Seren arrived after my birth. She waited outside the residence like a guard dog. Seren felt my essence when I drew my first breath.”

Despite my pained heart, I snicker as I think of Neifion. Typical dragons. Once they get the scent of their rider, the dragon cannot deny the pull. “I like that. Seren is so meek. I thought, though, since she chose you at such a young age, she would have tempered some of your fire.”

She scowls. She took my joshing the wrong way.

“Didn’t Neifion temper your conceit?” Annoyance creeps into her face. I’m not sure where it stems from.

Or do I?

I know how she woke. She knows I touched her. But she doesn’t know how hard I fought not to do so all night. Does she feel violated by my touch? She’s the one who crawled into my bed. A man doesn’t ignore that. Maybe it was wrong for me to slide my finger alongside hers.

I step to her right as she steps left, keeping my distance in case she should lash out again. “Neifion was like me. Sensitive, perceptive.”

We circle each other with carefully placed steps.

“You mean self-assured and smart-mouthed.” She winces.

I like that she regrets her harsh tone. “More like self-aware. I’m highly aware of my flaws.”

“But you don’t change them.”

“I’ve lived too long to change now.”

She smirks. “So you’re rigid.”

I sigh. I am. I gladly admit it, but I also know Niawen is too bold around me. I must caution her. I’m not sure how much restraint I have. “Niawen, I’ve been straightforward with you. I’ve made painstaking efforts to get you to realize I’m not some prince.”

Like the prince in my dungeon.

Her spine stiffens. She is clearly taken aback. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

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