Page 31 of Lich's Mate

Korval bows at us and then makes a swift exit, his walk full of vigor and passion. It seems he enjoys his job.

“Follow me,” Kavian says, leading the way down an extravagant hallway filled with more luxuries.

We pass by a bathroom, a lounge area, and an armory. Although I only catch a glimpse of each area, it takes only a second to see how grandiose they all are.

I pinch myself just to check I’m not dreaming, but this is all real. Every inch of this home is the epitome of elite, further evident by the guestroom he leads me into.

The space inside is larger than any quarters I’ve ever resided in. The canopy bed dons silk sheets and curtains, with an eye mask laying across the plump pillows. Plush chairs sit beside the cabinet, which itself stands across from an en-suite bathroom.

I struggle to find a way to express my gratitude, stuttering over each word. Kavian simply smiles, standing in the doorway and ready to leave me be.

“I shall let you rest and recuperate then. As I asked Korval, some dinner will be delivered within the hour. That should be plenty of time for you to get washed up.”

“Thank you, Kavian. Really, this is far better than anything I imagined.”

“I have only one request to ask of you, to join me tomorrow morning for breakfast. We have some urgent things to discuss about our plans.”

“Yes, of course,” I say without thinking about it.

A small smile of his grows, and so he leaves after wishing me a good evening. I find myself oddly looking forward to breakfast.

I settle into the silk sheets of the canopy bed almost immediately after my meal, my body grateful for its warmth and comfort.

But as I pull the blankets over me, the voice in my head grows louder.

Don’t you think you’ve gotten in way over your head?

Sighing, I can’t help thinking that perhaps I have. But at the same time, my family was taken from me, my village was destroyed, and my whole life was upturned. What was that all for if I don’t take this one-in-a-million chance I’ve been bestowed?

I must do this. For my family.

I can never take anything for granted ever again, not even the comfort of this bed or the food in my belly.

Closing my eyes, I turn onto my side and snuggle into the pillows, thinking of Kavian. The thought of him is strangely relaxing, and one I find myself welcoming.

I hope this demon keeps his word. This sinfully handsome man seems too good to be true.

12

KAVIAN

Breakfast is a feast after the meager food I’ve had during my journey to and from New Solas. I eat in silence, but every so often pause to look at Meera, who is sitting opposite me. I’m curious to see if she’s enjoying the food. Demon cuisine isn’t easy on most palates.

She quietly stuffs her face and takes portions of food from every dish placed before her. Faint noises of approval escape from her mouth.

I can see that her poor table manners are making Korval uncomfortable but he does seem pleased that she’s so clearly satisfied by the meal. The team of chefs are his friends, after all.

“I asked you to have breakfast with me because there is something I wish to discuss with you.” I wipe my mouth with a napkin and signal to Korval I’ve had enough.

He swiftly clears my plate and patiently waits for Meera, who is still eating. Given her situation, it must have been days since she last had a proper meal. And even then, she likely never got to eat this kind of decadent cuisine.

Meera takes a bite out of her fried thison and speaks before completely swallowing. “What do you want to talk about?” Her mouth is oily and she licks her lips like a satisfied iypin that just ravished a fat rodan.

Something about the way her tongue swipes across her lips gives me pause. A slight tingle courses down my legs, carrying along a familiar heat. What a strange reaction to the human.

I shake my head, holding back a chuckle. “We can talk once you’ve finished eating.”

She pauses and looks at me guiltily, fully aware that she’s lost her composure with the delicious food in front of her. Suddenly, she sits up straight and wipes her mouth with a napkin as well, now the epitome of a well-mannered lady.

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