Page 26 of A Queen's Game
“Funny, you ask me not to act obedient yet mock me when I’m not.” Her hand wrapped around the bulk of his bicep as they walked.
“Well, my apologies,” he murmured, “you are under no such obligation to beobedientwith me.”
As they crossed the ballroom, Elyse noticed Keyain with Marietta on his arm. Queen Valeriya talked to the pair, but her eyes darted to Brynden, offering a quick nod. So subtle that she almost missed his returning one.
“You know the Queen?” she asked.
“Queen Valeriya?” he asked, looking down at Elyse.
“Yes, you both nodded to each other,” she said, her brows furrowed.
Brynden laughed. “Four cups of wine have altered your perception. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were looking in that direction for your previously betrothed.”
Elyse tore her gaze away, staring straight ahead. Her father had warned he might ask about this. “No, I won’t give Keyain any more of my time.” She finished her drink before setting it on a servant’s tray.
They stepped out into the evening air, chillier than Elyse had expected. Brynden pulled her closer to his heat, the scent of juniper and citrus washing over her. He walked her across the paved patio and down a set of stairs, entering the Central Garden. Other nobles and courtesans meandered in groups indifferent pockets with sitting areas with thick greenery and trees, offering privacy between the groups.
Golden light globes lit the path as they wove into the garden. “Truth be told, I’m surprised Minister Keyain traded a stunning female like you in for a clip. Though I’m not complaining,” he murmured. “I wouldn’t have you on my arm if he didn’t.”
“You shouldn’t say traded.”
“What do you mean?”
“You are the first of my father’s friends I’ve had toentertain—” she hissed the word “—since before Keyain asked to marry me. He would never admit it, but I think his intentions were good.”
Brynden’s arm pulled her closer. “Regardless of intention, he slighted you—deemed you less than the half-elf. Keyain is a fool; you’re an exquisite female.”
She slowed her steps, turning to Brynden, whose hands came to rest on her hips. “Love can make even the smartest a fool.”
He smirked with a laugh. “Perhaps reading has polluted your brain. To think you’d defend the male after what he did.”
“He’s still my friend.” Elyse searched his face, his grin playful.
The smile dropped from his eyes, though his mouth still held it. “That information should not be public,” he whispered while leaning in. His arms wrapped around Elyse as his mouth grazed her ear. “Being friends with someone like Keyain will be your demise.”
The warmth of his breath tickling her ear caused heat to creep once again over her cheeks, her stomach tightening. “And why is that?” she whispered.
“Because I don’t want you to get hurt.” He pulled back, his gaze drifting back to her lips.
Elyse grew painfully aware of his hands on her hips, the way he stared at her mouth. Gods—she’d never donethatbefore. Notwith someone she was interested in kissing, at least. But the way he looked at her, eyes intent on their target, left her breathless. His lips met hers, warm and soft. He inhaled and released a deep breath, his hands tightening on her hips.
Every rational thought she had disappeared with the kiss, her tongue meeting his as her stomach blossomed with heat. Gods—he was kissingher.
Brynden pulled back, his hand caressing her face. “Was that okay to do?”
“It’s a little late to ask,” she whispered, her body humming from his touch.
The one-sided smile came back as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve wanted to do that all night, but Gyrsh kept hovering.”
Gods—her father.Tease and tempt, but never give.“We shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered, crossing her arms across her middle as she stepped back.
“I think what you meant is that we shouldn’t have done that so publicly,” he teased, gesturing to the nobles that were within earshot. Brynden wrapped his arm around her once more. “Let’s find somewhere a bit more private.”
“Private doesn’t make it better.”
He turned to her with a frown and stopped on the path again. “I expect nothing from you.”
“But my father doesn’t believe that.” Elyse writhed out from his arm.
