Page 48 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Your hair is particularly vibrant today,” an attendant remarked, pinning another section in place.“The champion will be pleased.”

Alaysia’s jaw clenched.“The champion hasn’t been decided yet.”

“The way you’re fidgeting, one might think you have a preference,” another attendant said with a knowing smirk.

She forced herself to remain still as they continued their work, though her mind raced with possibilities.What if Dernin lost?What if Bariv won?

Alaysia took a deep breath, trying to focus on the memory of Dernin’s promise: “I won’t let anything happen to you.”His words from last night echoed in her mind.

The attendants stepped back to admire their work.Alaysia didn’t recognize the woman in the reflection—dressed in flowing golden silk, hair cascading in perfect waves adorned with golden threads, skin practically glowing.She looked every inch the prize she was meant to be.

But underneath all the finery, her heart pounded with equal measures of hope and fear for what the day would bring.

The door suddenly burst open, and Marcella stepped into the room, her presence commanding immediate attention.“Out,” she ordered the attendants, who scattered like startled birds.“Now.”

Alaysia caught Marcella’s conspiratorial wink as she held the door, and then Dernin slipped inside.Her heart leaped as he walked toward her, his golden scales shimmering in the lamplight.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered, even as she moved toward him.“If they catch you—”

“I’m not worried.”His tail curved protectively around her as he drew her close, his warmth enveloping her.His fingers traced the elaborate styling in her hair.“They’ve sure made you look like a prize.”

“I hate it,” she admitted, leaning into his touch.“All this finery feels like chains.”

He tilted her chin up, his golden eyes intense.“You’re just as beautiful without their decorations.”

He leaned down and kissed her.Alaysia melted into him, clutching the fabric of his fighter’s tunic.The silk of her golden dress rustled between them as she pressed closer, trying to memorize every detail of this moment.

Breaking away, she rested her forehead against his chest.“Please be careful today.Bariv fights dirty, and after what we overheard...”Her voice caught.“I couldn’t bear it if—”

“Shh.”His thumb brushed her cheek.“I can’t promise to be careful.A careful fighter is a dead fighter.”His jaw clenched in that way she’d come to recognize.“But I can promise you this: I intend to win.”

“Dernin...”She traced one of the scars on his arm, fear knotting in her stomach again.The championship match started soon, and she couldn’t shake the dread that had settled in her bones.

He reached for her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.“Trust me.”

Alaysia nodded, trying to draw strength from his certainty.The golden silk dress suddenly felt too tight, too confining, like her anxiety had taken physical form.

Dernin reached for her other hand, his warm grip enveloping both of hers.The touch sent tingles up her arms as he drew her closer.

“Four days,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.“In four days, we’ll both be free of this place.”

Alaysia’s heart fluttered at the conviction in his tone.“If the warriors come when they’re supposed to.”

“They will.”His thumbs traced circles on her palms.“And when they do, I want to show you everything you’ve ever been denied.First, I’ll take you to the crystal falls of Nirum.”

She nodded, the golden threads in her hair catching the light.

“The water cascades down cliffs of pure crystal.When the sun hits it just right, it creates rainbows that dance through the mist.”His eyes grew distant with memory.“Next, the floating gardens of Veridia—they hover above the ground, supported by nothing but air currents.The flowers there bloom in colors you’ve never imagined.”

The tension in Alaysia’s shoulders eased as she lost herself in his descriptions.She stepped even closer to him, drinking in every word.

“What about the sea?”she asked.“I’ve never seen it.”

“I’ll take you to the Sapphire Coast,” he promised.“The water there is so clear, you can see straight to the bottom, even in the deepest parts.And at night, the waves glow with bioluminescent creatures.”

“It sounds beautiful.”She leaned into him, picturing the places he described.When Dernin spoke about Nirum, freedom felt tangible, like something she could reach out and grasp.“Tell me more?”

“There’s a city built entirely in the trees,” he continued.“The buildings are connected by bridges made of living vines.And the night markets in the desert cities—they only come alive after dark, when the heat fades.The air fills with spices and music...”

---