Page 20 of Consort's Dragon
Titus kept his frown for a moment and spread it around the room, showing his displeasure because he knew, as Avera did, that many had seen her the night before and yet none spoke up.A possible indication of their displeasure that he planned to marry an outsider?
In the quiet, Titus stated, “I am disappointed.”That was the extent of the chiding, but heads still ducked and the chagrin could practically be touched.With the rebuke meted, Titus faced Avera with a wry grin.“Guess that wasn’t how you wanted to start your day.”
“It wasn’t so bad.I did try to warn them, but your close friend, Druelle, didn’t seem keen on listening.”
“Close?”He snorted.“She wishes.She’s been after me for a while now.Apparently, my lack of interest isn’t a deterrent.”
“Must be so hard to have beautiful women throwing themselves at you.”
He grimaced.“If only they had the intelligence to go with it.Most can’t manage to converse without batting their lashes and doling out endless compliments.”
“How horrible,” she stated, trying to not laugh.
Titus glanced around at the diners who had resumed quiet conversation as they finished their meal.“Apparently, I will need to make some kind of official statement about your presence to avoid such mishaps in the future.”
“I’m sure the morning’s event will take care of that chore from you.”She knew how fast gossip could travel.“I will note, though, I’ve yet to agree to marry you.”
“You will.You’re a smart woman and you know I’m your best recourse for regaining your home.”
She hated he had a point.“I’ve always assumed if I ever did wed, I’d do so for affection.”
His grin had a mischievous lilt as he said, “Challenge accepted.”
He was certainly charming.“Your timing, by the way, was impeccable.”
“Your maid came flying the moment she saw Druelle heading for you, so I made haste.Were you done your meal?”
“Yes.I was about to walk down to your bazaar and take a peek.It was one of my favorite pastimes back home.As soon as I knew a shipment had arrived, I would hasten to visit the market.”She waited for him to forbid it, thus exposing his claim she was a guest as a lie.
“Would you care for company?”
She arched a brow.“Doesn’t an emperor have more important things to do?”
“More important than getting to know my future consort?”
She laughed and shook her head.“You are persistent.”
“It’s one of my better qualities.Let me call for a palanquin.”
“Oh, please don’t.While I needed the lift yesterday, today my legs are yearning for exercise and my lungs for some fresh air.”
“Then we’ll walk.Shall we?”He offered the crook of his arm, and she placed her hand on it, more at ease than previously.
She noticed the defined muscle under his sleeve, not as thick as Griff’s, but solid.As they strolled, they drew attention, not so much her, but him.People dipped into bows as they left the palace and passed into the city.Even better, no one threw anything rotten or shouted invectives, which she should note never happened to her mother, either.Avera had learned in her lessons about politics that a populace unhappy with its ruler made their disfavor known.Thus far, it appeared the Merisuan citizens liked their emperor.
When Titus had Koonis beheaded, she’d wondered if he was quick to punish.The answer seemed to be yes, but then again, if the person deserved it, the quickest way to ensure that particular crime didn’t happen again was to make a swift example, or so Gustav had taught her.
The walk proved a bit more strenuous than expected after her many days of confined inactivity, however, Avera didn’t complain.After her captivity aboard Koonis’ ship, she welcomed the soreness in her thighs and the huff of exertion.
The buildings they passed were comprised of stone, some of it the same ebony rock as the palace, along with some gray-hued.The one structure that stood out, though, was pure black and glossy in appearance, the texture more glass-like than rock.It appeared more recently constructed than the rest and she remarked on it.
“What’s this place?”she asked as she paused to glance at it.While it had a large entrance, she saw no sign of any windows.
“That is a shrine dedicated to Nogard.”
“I don’t think I’ve heard of that religious sect.”
“It only recently gathered a following.”
