Page 144 of Heat of the Everflame

“They’re anything but harmless,” I shot back. “Our thoughts make us who we are. Violating someone’s mind is no better than violating their body.”

He sneered in a way that made me think I’d struck a nerve. “So what would you have us do, never use our magic?”

“Not without consent.”

He leaned closer. Luther rumbled a low warning behind us.

“Tell me,” Symond said smoothly, “did you ask that woman’s consent for what you did back there in the cave?” My eyes grew, and so did his smile. “You may have forced me out of yourmind, but I could still read hers.” He looked me over. “So many unusual tricks you have up your sleeves.”

I swallowed. “Are you going to kill her?”

“That depends.” His hand slid to the curve of my waist as he brought his lips a breath from mine, and Luther’s rumble turned into a snarl. “What will you give me if I don’t?”

I trembled in place, wondering just how far I was willing to go to save the life of a stranger.

Symond threw his head back in loud, body-shaking laughter. “Blessed Kindred, you should see your face. You might have a point about not using our magic. Taunting you is much more fun when I have to guess what offensive name you’re calling me in your head.”

“Here’s a preview: You’re a prick.”

I punched his side, and he took the blow with a grin, then snatched my hand and threaded it back around his arm. “Her Majesty is going toloveyou.”

I scowled as we continued walking. “So you’ll let the Cardinal live?”

“I will. She received her punishment. What happened after is none of my concern.”

“What about Zalaric?”

“Why do you care? He betrayed you, even knowing it might cost you your life.”

I couldn’t answer. Ishouldn’tcare. Zalaric’s deceit could have cost us our lives—it still might. And yet, when I thought about what I’d seen beyond that strange misty curtain, it wasn’t outrage I felt, but pity.

“Will it cost me my life?” I asked instead.

The gleam in his eyes raised the hair on my neck. “That’s for Her Majesty to decide.”

We climbed another set of stairs leading to a circular throne room lined with ten arches that opened up to the sky on all sides. At the center, on a raised platform, sat a throne carved from dark jade that resembled a swarm of battling dragons. Concentric rings of black velvet cushions fanned out across the floor.

Symond released my arm. “Her Majesty will join you shortly. In the meantime, I’m afraid I have to take your bags.”

I clutched mine closer, remembering the jar of lavender flame. “Why? You have our weapons.”

“Do I?” He cocked his head. “Before you somehow pushed me out of your head, I saw you frolicking with the Guardians. How do I know you haven’t stashed one of their pesky bombs?”

Luther moved to intervene. Symond’s eyes shot to him and narrowed as he lifted his palm.

I rushed forward and toyed with the collar of Symond’s leather armor, feverishly fluttering my lashes. “Come now, Symond. We both know I don’t need a bomb to take you down.”

His gaze slid back to me. “You have a point. I’ll go down on you any time you like.”

I let out a vapid, girlish giggle that would have had Taran snorting loud enough to be heard in Lumnos, if only he weren’t glaring at me like I’d poured out his favorite whiskey.

Symond took my hand and pressed a kiss to my wrist. “My, you aredelicious.” I tensed as his mouth worked its way up my arm—my elbow, my shoulder, my neck. Luther’s growls grew thunderous in the background. I held my breath as Symond stopped just below my ear. “I’m still going to take your bags.”

I huffed and pulled back, then shoved my satchel into his waiting hands. “I’m calling you a prick in my thoughts again, in case you couldn’t tell.”

“I could.” He chuckled and strolled to Luther, whose jaw was clenched hard enough to form diamonds, though not a muscle moved across his entire body as Symond threw an arm across his shoulders. “She is especially beautiful when she’s angry, isn’t she, Prince? I bet she’s a firecracker in bed. Not that you would know, of course.”

Luther didn’t answer—couldn’t, probably—but the rage boiling in his eyes said enough.

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