Page 4 of The Storm of the Empire

She traced over my Adam’s apple with the tip of her blade. “Who said I’m going on a date with you?” she countered. “You said one kiss. That’s not a date.”

“You didn’t say where I could kiss you, and since I don’t plan on it being on your lips, I figured I’d at least buy you a drink first.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“Well?” I urged.

She swallowed. “I’ll see you at seven.”

TWO

HAZEL

Why was I even considering this?

I needed my head looked at by a mind healer…though those were all but extinct, weren’t they? I blinked into the mirror in my bathing chamber, studying myself. I’d added a little kohl around my eyes and a little shimmer to my eyelids, something I never did. Maybe Kiera should assess me for madness? I’d been left too long without finding my ryder and was surely sinking into an altered mental state.

I’d sworn off dating for too long to let a male like Luka in.Well into my thirties, I’d accepted my future status as a cat lady since I’d never be able to take my place in the King’s Army.

Is this what madness looked like? Agreeing to go out with a fae few knew anything about, except that he had already made a name for himself as quite the libertine? That, and for being the first fae ever to be accepted into the weapons classes here without being a part of the legion and only after half a year. It was unheard of and, dare I say, unthinkable. I knew better than anyone that exceptions should be made for those with the skill, but that was not the way of the kingdoms.

I had waited a lifetime for such a concession to be made, to allow me to fly with the legion without a ryder. I certainly had the skill, if not the enhanced magic, but I remained grounded nonetheless. I’d had some kinship with Nyx when he was unable to fly with the legion, which, as the next General was a huge issue, but now, even he’d found his ryder. I found myself left behind.

The first disappointment of a dragon to the Storm Kingdom. Only made worse by my mother being one of the best flyers the Twelve Kingdoms had ever seen.

So, out of principle, I had refused Luka access to my classes when the special request was made. If the other instructors approved, let them take him. I would not. Or so I thought. Now, here I was, gifting him the opportunity to charm his way not only into my class but possibly into my bed, too. Yet I couldn’t make myself rescind it. I was too intrigued, and he was too intoxicating.

I hated that I liked him.

He was the first male in years to excite me, which told me enough about his type.

Maybe losing my mind wasn’t a snap but a slow decent. Did fae sink into it with full knowledge while unable to do anything about it?

I huffed and turned away from my reflection, collecting my bag and heading for the door. I told myself it wasn’t worth stopping into the healer’s wing to end this madness when what I wanted was exactly what he was offering. A good time that ended with his promised ‘kiss.’

I walked with purpose through the city, unintimidated by the parties of drunken males who thought to catcall me. If there was not a flyer in the kingdom who could best me on the mats, then no mere fae had a chance. Anyone who got a second look at me realized it, too. My reputation in the kingdom preceded me.

I’d insisted on meeting Luka at the tavern because I could not stomach the awkwardness of the stroll together. He’d at least given me the courtesy of agreeing whereas other, more chauvinistic males would have insisted I needed an escort. As if I couldn’t take care of myself. How fucking insulting.

I pushed through the door of the Flaming Pegasus and located him through the thriving crowd. He sat alone and alert with two tankards of the tavern’s finest ale waiting on his table. When he saw me, he waved me over eagerly, but not desperately in any way. It was a skill to be so keen and yet not make himself look thirsty. I couldn’t deny I liked that about him already.

“Right on time,” he said, standing as I approached. He didn’t reach out for me or make any kind of move to greet me physically. He merely smiled warmly, then sat after I had taken my seat.

Had someone warned him I wasn’t a hugger? Or was I giving more barbed vibes than I thought?

Good. I liked who I was.

“Hello,” I said awkwardly, setting down my bag. I looked at his affable face and couldn’t find any further words of greeting.

Fuck, this was awkward.

What was I doing here?

It would have been easier to just let him into my bed and skip all the awkward pleasantries.

“I took the liberty of getting you a drink,” he said, nudging one of the tankards towards me.

“Thank you,” I replied, still stilted and awkward.

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