Page 131 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“It’s an invitation?” I asked, peering over Samkiel’s arm.

Orym nodded. “Veruka could only sneak one. There seems to be a trade going down on the southeast side of the realms. A few big league players are involved, but whatever they are shipping and selling is causing quite a stir.”

“All right. It will take us at least a day to reach there, and that’s by cover of the night,” Samkiel said, reading through the invitation again.

Orym nodded. “I can get us attire for it and a small area to stay in until then. The meeting is in three days.”

“Perfect.” Samkiel folded the paper and handed it back. “That’s two more days for Dianna to perfect her Silmaun.”

I groaned, and my shoulders slumped. Orym laughed.

FIFTY-TWO

DIANNA

I ran my hands down the sides of my dark blue dress. The corsetstyle top with the plunging neckline made my tits look bigger. I turned slightly, checking the back. The hem of the skirt sat high on my thighs, but everything would stay covered as long as I was careful. I blew out a slow breath and ran my hand along the long, sheer, puffy sleeves. It was so nice not to be covered in dirt or grime for once.

“Spin one more time,” Samkiel said from the corner of our small room. He was watching me in the mirror, fixing his collar and looking closer to a street merchant than a god. I tossed a mischievous grin over my shoulder and did as he commanded.

We had made it to Veeq in the early morning and had spent our time learning the layout of the building, including every exit and entrance, before heading to the docks. We had spent hours watching the ships come in, but we hadn’t seen anything unusual being unloaded. Samkiel worried Nismera would raid the Otherworld, stripping it of everything of use to her. I was just worried she would show up. Regardless of how arrogant I was, I wouldn’t risk him.

“Do you like it?” I asked, twisting side to side.

“I do,” Samkiel said, his eyes never leaving mine as he finished lacing his boots and strode toward me. His fingers cupped my chin and tipped my head back. He kissed my lips softly, careful not to mess up my dark lipstick. He traced the neckline of the dress with his free hand, teasing the sensitive inner curves of my breasts. “Even if it shows too much.”

I snorted. “Please, it makes me look like I have boobs.” I used my hands to push them together and even higher.

His eyes dropped to my cleavage, and he playfully swatted at my hands. “Stop that! You do have breasts.”

“Yeah, but not big ones.” I dropped my hands.

“Dianna, everything about you is perfect.” He flicked my nose.

I smiled up at him. “It’s been so long since I’ve dressed up and done my makeup. It’s nice.”

Samkiel studied me for a moment, but he only nodded and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead without saying anything. Stepping back, he grabbed one of the small bags he and Orym had filled with the weapons they’d bought earlier in the day. Samkiel started pulling out daggers and placing them in the hidden sheaths on the sides of his boots. I turned back toward the mirror and smoothed my hair. I’d left it loose, the natural waves flowing down my back. Even with the slight frizz, given the humidity here, it still looked nice.

Samkiel appeared behind me, and I smiled brightly at his reflection. He lifted his hands, watching me in the small, cracked mirror. His fingers brushed through my hair, and I fought a shiver as pleasure coursed through me. The corners of his lips turned upwards, and I knew he’d caught it. He separated my hair and twisted it in an elegant knot at the back of my head before sliding a long, slim, sheathed dagger into it to hold it in place.

“That’s clever,” I said.

He nodded and leaned over me, brushing his lips over my neck just below my ear. “You need weapons. There is no telling what she will have at that gallery, and since I can not be directly by your side, this will have to do.”

I tipped my head, nuzzling the soft curve of my cheek against the rough stubble of his jaw. “You know I am made of fire, right?”

Samkiel smiled, kissing my cheek. “Indulge me. Please.”

I nodded, then jumped slightly when his fingers teased my thighs just below the hem of my dress. “We don’t have time for that.”

I looked up at the mirror to find his eyes already on me, and my breath caught. His eyes had gone molten silver. Cool leather grazed my upper thigh, and a soft moan left my lips as he pulled it to the edge of my panties, his fingers scraping against my most sensitive area. His nostrils flared, and his smile was downright devilish as he caught my reaction. I widened my stance and leaned my head back against his shoulder. I held his gaze in the mirror, watching him through my lashes. My lips parted on small gasps, and I rocked my hips as he clasped the belt, making sure to roll his knuckles over my clit. He smirked and cupped my pussy, sliding a dagger into the sheath with his free hand before lowering my dress.

“Safety precaution,” Samkiel said, and winked. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to toss him against the wall and make us extremely late to this stupid gallery, but Orym was across the hall, and I could only take so much attitude.

Samkiel steadied me on my feet and took a step back, his hand lightly grazing my ass. He lifted the bag, and I heard the crinkle inside.

I cleared my throat and smoothed my hair again. “What else do you have in there?”

Samkiel zipped it up. “A few extra things in case company shows up. I hope that won’t happen, but it’s better to always have a backup plan.”

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