Page 10 of Queen of the Night
Her smile is warm, but her green eyes are cold—like a viper. I plan to avoid her at all costs. She sidles up beside Ikar, close enough that I’d assume there’s something between them except he steps away, putting an extra inch or two between them. Ikar has never said anything about a significant woman in his life and isn’t indicating she is one, but a flash of jealousy I have no right feeling stabs me in the gut. I’m irritated that I want to know every detail of their history.
I smile in what I hope looks a mature and confident way even though it feels like I just sucked on a lemon, and nod at her. Then I turn my attention to the man Ikar introduces next.
“This is Jethonan, Head Advisor.”
Jethonan smiles and bows grandly in his deep green robes. His long hair swings forward with the motion, and when herises again, he says brightly, “It’s truly a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
A genuine smile turns my lips up as I nod. I like him already.
Ikar gestures toward the next two men. “And, of course, you know these two, unofficially. Darvy and Rhosse.”
I nod to both with an embarrassed sort of smile. I mean, it was my fault they almost got devoured by a river monster.
Then Ikar gestures toward me. “Everyone, this is Vera, the originator who will be joining us on our journey.” He reaches a hand up to where Rupi is still snug against his neck. “And this is Rupi. She’ll be joining us as well.”
Nadiette lifts a brow as if she thinks it’s ridiculous. I sort of want her to have the opportunity to experience one of her quill stabs, but Rupi appears more than content to stay with Ikar, so I ignore her and turn my attention to Darvy and Rhosse.
“I’m happy to see the two of you alive. I’m sorry for what happened.” My cheeks flush.
Darvy speaks up. “No apologies necessary. Neither of us were too badly hurt, and it’s given me another story to add to my repertoire.” He smiles in a charming manner, and a dimple appears in his cheek.
I laugh. “I’d like to hear your version of the story.”
I notice Ikar cast a quick look at Darvy and the dimple quickly disappears.
Rhosse chuckles. “We hear you and Ikar have quite the story to share as well.” He motions with a hand to the waiting table. “Shall we hear it over dinner?”
We move toward the table, and I’m giddy when it appears it will only be the six of us dining. I breathe a sigh of relief—the king won’t be hovering over us with his heavy, wicked presence during dinner after all. I immediately feel myself loosen up, mysmile widening and my lungs taking what feels like a full breath for the first time today.
We take our seats in the plush, luxuriously cushioned chairs. Ikar pulls Nadiette’s chair out like the gentleman he is, then seats himself beside her. Darvy pulls my chair out with another charming smile, minus the dimple, and sits to my left. I end up across from Ikar at the end of the table, nearest the head seat that sits conspicuously empty, but I certainly won’t be the one to comment on it.
Rupi hops to a small silver tray filled with a fancy variety of seeds, fresh berries, and other fruits she favors. Ikar had to have planned this. My already softened heart melts further. He’s apparently going to make himself as hard as possible to resist. The scoundrel.
I look up from Rupi happily pecking through the tray to find Ikar watching me. Our eyes meet, but rather than a quick glance, something about the way he looks at me forces me to hold his gaze and takes me straight back to the dim hallway at Mama Tina’s where we shared our first kiss just days ago. Does he think of that night as often as I?
Heat stains my cheeks, more pronounced by the color I wear, I’m sure.Another reason to avoid white.
Servants bring out the first course, and I take the interruption to dip my head and gather myself.
Darvy turns toward me slightly after our food has been placed before us. “You arrested our highest commanding official, you know. That’s not something I think most people would have the bravery to do. Very commendable.” He smiles in such an endearing way I can’t help but grin in response. He’s handsome with his mussed light-brown hair, cropped on the sides and longer on top, and green eyes brimming with mirth. He’sfilled with boyish charm. If I weren’t still battling feelings for Ikar, this man would be dangerous.
“I was told he was a Class A criminal.” I shrug in an unladylike way before I can catch myself. “Work is work.”
Rhosse chuckles, and I notice a glint of what looks like approval in his eyes before he takes another bite. Rhosse is also handsome, in a dark and rugged sort of way. He’s taller and broader than both Ikar and Darvy, which is impressive. At first glance, his black hair, size, and the broody looks, combined with the scar across his eyebrow, all lend a dangerous air about him, but I’m beginning to see that beneath it all he’s kind. Admittedly, he would also catch my eye if I passed him on the street. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to manage on my own with three magnificent-looking men for the next who-knows-how-many days, but I suppose I can do it. For the kingdom, of course.
“I can’t imagine being in such a…ruggedline of work; it must be so hard,” Nadiette says with a velvety voice. I know it’s intended to be an insult. No decent originator would choose to work with hunters, roaming dark, dangerous forests for criminals—they’re too busy clambering for the top.
“I rather enjoy it,” I drawl with a confident half-smile, knowing it will annoy her. I don’t usually fall into these petty games with other women, but something about her irks me.
I meet Ikar’s eyes again and catch another glimpse of open attraction before he shutters it away—as if it escaped and I wasn’t supposed to see it. Feelings I shouldn’t be feeling curl in my belly.
“You two.” Nadiette suddenly speaks again, drawing our attention. With effort, I mask my irritation. She looks between Darvy and Rhosse. “How did you survive the river?”
Darvy finishes a bite, uses the fancy linennapkin to pat his lips, and, with a humorous light in his eye, begins. “It all started with a list of Black Tulips that Vera ruined…”
Nadiette’s spoon clatters into her soup, and my wide eyes betray me by jumping straight to Ikar’s before I realize that was the last thing I should have done. His gaze holds mine like a vise. Ifeelthe promise of questions to come, and I swallow with a throat so tight I nearly choke. Drat Darvy for reminding him.
I pull my eyes from Ikar’s, busying myself by lifting a spoon of warm broth to my lips, which was a mistake. The spoon visibly shakes in my grasp, and drops spill over the sides. Ikar watches intently. I’ve already committed, so I sip it ever so slowly, more relieved than I should be that it goes down without causing more of a scene.
