Page 108 of Of Storm and Emerald
She also had her dagger strapped to her thigh. The sheath was attached to a belt around her waist that connected down to a strap around her leg that held it in place.
“You–you look–I, um–” Words evaded him at every turn as he gazed at her.
“Thank you.” A sweet smile tilted her lips up at the corners, but with a cocky edge. She knew how good she looked, and the confidence that radiated off her was the sexiest thing about her.
He cleared his throat, and then finally stepped fully into the space as an awkward silence fell around them.
Piper’s wide eyes flitted back and forth between him and Auraelia, before rolling to the back of her head as she threw her arms in the air in defeat. “You’re both ridiculous. Daemon, where are you taking us today?”
“Us?” he asked, clearly confused.
Just as the word left his lips, Xander stepped through the door and into the suite.
“Yes,us. Do you really think we’re going to let the future queen of Lyndaria traipse around your kingdom unaccompanied?” His tone was curt, and Daemon could feel his disapproving gaze as he crossed the room.
“Xander–” Piper and Auraelia said his name simultaneously, but Auraelia continued alone. “That’s quite enough. If you insist on accompanying me, you’re more than welcome, but you will not spoil my day with your sour attitude.”
“Auraelia.” His tone was chiding, and it rubbed Daemon the wrong way.
“Xander, I mean it. Either slap a smile on your face or find something else to do. Piper will be with me, so if you really don’t want to go, you don’t have to. I don’tneedyou to come with me. I can take care of myself.”
His sigh was exasperated, and he shook his head in defeat as he agreed to her terms. With Xander’s smile–albeit, fake–firmly in place, Daemon shared his plans for the day.
“I want to take you through the city and show you some of my favorite places. There’s the grove of fruit trees right here on the grounds, my favorite bakery in the heart of the city, as well as the market. I also wanted to show you how we handle all the imports here.”
Auraelia and Piper’s excitement was palpable, and it made him all the more excited to show them his world. He wanted her to be happy here, even if it was only for a short period of time.
Daemon smiled and held out his hand for Auraelia. “Shall we?”
“Wait, wait, wait. Are you going to do that ‘shadow-walking’ thing?” Piper asked, practically bouncing in place with excitement.
He chuckled then nodded his head. “Yes, I was about to do‘that shadow-walking thing.’Did you want to tag along?” His eyebrows were raised as he waited for her answer.
He assumed she would say yes, but he hadn’t expected her to come bounding across the sitting room and grasp Auraelia’s arm in a grip so tight that Piper’s knuckles began turning white. Her face was lit with pure joy, and he couldn’t help but laugh.
“Alright, alright. I’ll bring you first.” Daemon turned his attention to Xander, “Did you want to–”
“No, I’ll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, thank you very much.” Xander turned and stalked toward the door.
“We’ll meet you at the stables,” Daemon hollered, his words barely reaching Xander before he turned down the hall.
With Xander gone, Daemon turned his attention back to the two women. “Ready, Piper?” Daemon pried her grip from Auraelia’s arm and pulled her into an embrace–her back to his front. “Close your eyes and breathe.”
After she nodded, he turned his attention to Auraelia, a smile forming on his lips. “I’ll be right back for you. Don’t go anywhere, Princess.”
Then with a wink, he was gone.
When they landed in the stables, he kept a firm grip on Piper, remembering the way that Auraelia handled her first trip.
“What thefuckwas that?” she asked, pinching her temples as she sank down to the ground and put her head between her knees.
“Sorry, it’s a little disorienting the first time.”
Piper blew out through pursed lips and groaned. “First, andlast. I’m never doing that again.”
Daemon was about to leave to get Auraelia, when Xander strolled into the stables.
“What the hell? Piper, are you ok?” his voice and eyes were laced with concern as he made his way over to Piper, and kneeled by her side.
