Page 23 of Aria's Desire

My treat?

“I am well, Queen Ishtal.”

His words were formal, but his voice was soft, and damn if that didn't make her grit her teeth for just a moment.

She knew Rellik had been part of Ishtal’s harem, but listening to her call himhertreat and hearing how he softened his voice when speaking to her made it feel… real. Suddenly, this felt a hell of a lot like meeting your boyfriend's ex-girlfriend.

Except Rellik wasn't her boyfriend, and his ex was the Queen. One with whom Aria was supposed to be creating an alliance. Definitely not pushing down the stairs.

She was fine, and she wasn’t going to hold it against the woman. It was just being forced to acknowledge that she’d tasted the pleasure he could give and Aria hadn’t…

Ok, so maybe she wanted to slit the woman’s throat. Just a little. She wouldn’t, obviously. Not over that, at any rate. Because she was an adult, and adults don’t kill their flame’s past lovers. Right? Right.

Still, if the emotions flaring inside her were a cupcake, it’d be a possessiveness and envy swirl with hostility frosting.

Resisting the urge to shake her head at herself, she shoved those feelings down. There was no place for them here. This was important, and until she had reason to do otherwise, she was going to hope for the best.

That meant not killing these people’s leader just because she was feeling… possessive.

Most days, Aria and the animalistic side that had run the show while she was still under mental enslavement were a team. They’d merged until there was almost no separation between them. But, sometimes—usually where it pertained to Rellik and Sin—that other side’s feelings deviated from her own… and she wasn’t shy about letting them be known. She found Aria’s hesitation to claim them absurd, tiring, and irritating as hell.

Despite knowing she did a damn good job hiding the brief moment of jealousy, there was a knowing look on the Queen's face when she met her gaze.

“I am glad you found him. There is love in his eyes when he regards you, more than the affection he held for me.”

Even as Ishtal said the words, Aria felt Rellik step closer, felt him slide his fingertips along her spine in a light, soothing caress, much the same as she’d done to Sin only a few minutes prior.

As quick as the touch was, and as much as she loathed admitting she’d needed it, itdidhelp soothe her, in particular the animal side pushing her to assert her claim on him. That he very likely knew that left her feeling an odd mix of uncomfortable and pleased.

Not acknowledging the touch, she gave the Queen a smile, albeit a wry one. “I appreciate your frankness, but you don't need to soothe my pride.”

Ishtal appeared surprised at that. Her smile widened, and some of the tension left her lithe frame. “Then let us speak with frankness. I would like to join your campaign to retake our world from those who have usurped it.”

Caught off guard at her blunt statement, Aria narrowed her eyes, searching Ishtal’s expression. Again, she seemed genuine, but Aria would remain cautious until she’d decided for sure if the woman was trustworthy. And until she heard back from Tirox and Kix.

That didn't mean she couldn't reveal some things, however.

“I’m glad to hear that. We’d welcome the help. We’ll succeed either way, but with the aid of your army, this could take months instead of years. The faster this is done, the less our chances of being found out before we finish.”

“I see.”

Ishtal let her polite expression fall away, letting Aria see her understanding that she'd picked up on exactly what Aria was saying. In return, Aria let her see that she meant it, let her see the sincerity and resolve, so she would know they weren’t empty words.

She would greatly appreciate their help, and it would cut the timeline significantly, but itwashelp. Their success didn’t depend on it. This was happening with or without them. There was no other choice.

That, very intentionally, gave Aria the upper hand in any negotiations. It also told Ishtal that if she wanted a say in the new world to come, she needed to help put in the ground work.

Ishtal dipped her chin slowly and faced forward just as they passed through the doors and entered the castle. Silence fell between them, but it wasn’t strained. It felt contemplative, thoughtful.

Chapter 14

Aria felt her lips part with wonder as they entered the castle. She’d thought the outside was impressive, but the inside was even more so.

A grand hall stretched before them, chiseled into the mountain. The walls were alternately lined with tall, narrow windows, and stunningly intricate tapestries that had to be close to fifty feet long. At regular intervals were massive, intricately carved columns soaring high above to support the arched ceiling.

Slowing her steps when one of the tapestries caught her eye, Aria stopped and stared. The scene depicted was that of a thriving city. Ethereal castles, beautifully detailed buildings, and sprawling farmlands covered a landscape that was lush with foliage.

Glancing at Ishtal when she came to a stop at her side, Aria caught the sorrow on her strange face.

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