Page 65 of Lich's Mate

But here in Ikoth, she’s nobody to most people.

The thought crosses my mind before I shake my head.

I can’t be caught unaware.

For every bit of planning I’ve been doing in anticipation of this, I need to redouble my efforts.

I can’t allow myself to be distracted. Not for another moment.

25

MEERA

“Breakfast was amazing as always.” I stretch my back, feeling rejuvenated and energized after enjoying a hearty meal so early. My eyes fall on Kavian’s plate, which is untouched.

“You’re not hungry?”

Kavian stares into space, his foot tapping rhythmically on the ground.

“Kavian?” I walk over to him and reach out to touch his cheek. He jumps a little and turns his head away,

“Not now, Meera.”

I can’t help but frown. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

My heart skips a beat. “You’re lying.”

Kavian has never lied to me before. He is many things, but he’s not a liar. At least, not when it comes to us.

He picks up his glass of wine and sips it. His face is clouded and his eyes are focused on something I can’t see.

It’s a bit early for him to be drinking…

I rest my hand on his. “I can tell that something’s bothering you. What is it?”

“Meera, stop this incessant questioning.” He absentmindedly puts down the glass and it tips over, spilling wine on the tablecloth.

A young demon servant rushes over and begins cleaning up the mess.

I give Kavian a pointed look.

He rolls his eyes and sighs dramatically as if dealing with a stubborn child. “Yes, something is on my mind. We have declared war against a powerful slave trader. Of course, that’s going to weigh heavy on my mind.”

Silence falls over the room and I start to feel uncomfortable, as if something’s happening that I can’t control.

There has to be more to this. He’s never so…on edge. It’s making me feel worried and I don’t like that.

I walk back to my seat and we sit quietly for moments that drag on, neither making a move to break the silence.

I finally snap. My palm slams against the table. “Can you just talk to me?”

Kavian looks at me as if he doesn’t know what I’m going on about.

“If things are worrying you so much, talk to me about them. Don’t just brood and exclude me.”

I know he’s not human and he does things differently, but we’ve had a really open relationship so far. Is it going to change now? Of all times?

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