Page 82 of Shrine of Fire

Either he didn’t like us and wanted us to leave as soon as possible, or he was naturally reserved. I didn’t have the energy to figure out which was the case but, luckily for me, Hashir could get anyone to confess their worst secrets and thank him for it.

Between Baylin, Hashir, and Stefan, the Duke shared stories of fishing as a boy, his love of politics, and taking hikes in the jungle. He seemed nice enough, but his scent did nothing for me.

This close to my heat, I was extra picky about scent.

“Hiking in the jungle?” Hashir perked up. “We would love to see your favorite places while we’re here.”

Duke Antu cleared his throat. “Ah yes, the trek is quite tiresome.”

“What better way to get to know each other?” Stefan gave him a pleasant smile.

I wanted to jump on Stefan for being so clever. He was so smart, so good with people. Behavior like that should be rewarded. With kisses and touches, until I made his face flush.

“Perhaps yes, some of the easier to access places,” Duke Antu said, shifting in his seat. “Are you quite alright?” He looked at me, catching me out as I was drooling over my fiancé.

I looked away from Stefan, trying to swallow my mouthful of food.

“Traveling long distances in such a short period of time is taxing,” Stefan said, putting an arm around my back. I leaned against him, not caring it wasn’t proper etiquette.

“I’m okay,” I told our host. “But my fiancé is quite right. I’ve loved every moment when we’ve arrived at our destinations, but it is draining to travel long distances.”

“Especially since you helped save the world right before we left.” Hashir winked. “It’s been a busy couple of months.”

“Of course, of course.” The Duke stood up, appearing almost relieved at an excuse to remove himself. “Please, go get some rest. We shall have some time to talk tomorrow.”

“We don’t have to leave so soon.” I looked longingly at the food. “You’re pleasant company.”

“Thank you, my lady.” The Duke gestured at the room. “But I insist. It would be poor manners indeed to expect you to be at your best when you have traveled so far. Please, there are leisure gardens to explore if you wish, and I’ll have a banquet brought to your quarters.”

It sounded too good to pass up. We said our goodbyes and made our way back to our quarters.

As we walked back to our rooms, I frowned at Lord Baylin. “I didn’t mean to cut our time short.”

“It’s quite alright.” Lord Baylin smiled. “You’re holding up better than can be expected. If I could impose further, I would like to come to your quarters to discuss our plan?”

“Thank you but—” Stefan started. I put my hand on his shoulder. “I’m okay.”

I looked at Lord Baylin. “So long as I don’t offend you with touching the Crown Prince?”

Baylin’s cheeks colored. “Of course not. I am honored you would be so comfortable around me.”

We moved to the sitting room, and once again, sat on a large couch. Servants brought platters of food into the room, and I began eating again.

I put my feet in Hashir’s lap and rested on Stefan’s shoulder. Kalahar brought me the blanket we all slept with, and I bundled underneath it. Cuan handed me my bag of crochet and pulled his own work out.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Lord Baylin took a seat in an armchair. “You’re quite pale.”

“I’ll be okay.” I sighed. I was sore, cranky, and tired of people. “Hashir is right. We left soon after the events of the Shrines, and we’ve been on a boat or a strange land for weeks.”

I didn’t add that I was due to go into heat any day now. So far, the insane sex drive hadn’t kicked in, but I wanted my own comfortable space.

“Of course, of course.” Baylin nodded. “If there’s anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable.”

“I can think of something,” I said. “You’re very good at getting to know people. I don’t want to be rude, but I am not up for meeting a bunch of strangers right now.”

I paused, wondering if I should ask about the spirit oasis.

But he was a snake in the grass. Instead, I sighed. “I do not wish to be rude to Duke Antu. My hope is for him to take us out for a hike. It will be a relaxed environment and we can speak with the Duke on many things.”

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