Page 51 of Kiss of Fire

They trotted the last few hundred yards to the front entrance, a massive gate guarded by a dozen soldiers. Raya looked at them curiously. Some were Ifrit, judging by the shadows that curled off them. Others she wasn’t sure about.

She expected them to challenge her and Tor, but they stood aside, nodding respectfully. They’d obviously been primed for their arrival.

In the courtyard, Tor helped her dismount. She put her hands on his shoulders as he lifted her down, effortlessly setting her on her feet. He smelled of fresh-cut grass and she wondered if that was true of all Sylvan, or just him.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice a touch husky.

“It was my pleasure, my Lady,” he said.

“I told you, call me…”

He leaned forward quickly and whispered into her ear.

“I think in public it’s best if I observe protocol.” He grinned at her conspiratorially and she grinned back.

I’ve made a friend.The unexpected thought made her warm.

“Raya.”

She jerked as she heard Shade’s disapproving voice. His tone wasn’t quite raw enough to send vibrations through her skull, but it wasn’t far off.

“Lord Shadeed,” said Tor respectfully. “Delivered safe and sound, as promised.”

Shade looked from one to the other, his eyes narrowed. Raya quailed inwardly. He looked calm but she was starting to know how to read him. He wasn’t happy. At least he sounded civil enough.

“I will have someone take care of your horses and show you to your quarters, Mr Torven. I trust you will be comfortable in the servants’ wing?”

“He’s not a servant, he’s an advisor,” Raya said indignantly. “He should stay in proper guest quarters.”

“No, no, Lord Shadeed is right,” Tor interjected. “And in any case I will need to liaise with the staff for next week’s banquet. It’s quite all right, my Lady.”

One of the soldiers took hold of the horses’ reins and nodded at Tor to follow. Raya hesitated for a moment, then ran after him, acutely aware Shade was glaring at her. Fuck him.She made a show of stroking Martha, giving the mare a farewell pat.

“You haven’t forgotten about your promise? To help me with my power?” She kept her voice low, praying super-hearing wasn’t one of Shade’s many abilities.

“Tomorrow. Come find me.” Tor glanced back at Shade. “If you’re sure your betrothed will not object?”

“It’s fine. He’ll understand.”

“Very well then. Tomorrow.”

She watched him go regretfully, knowing she was going to have to face Shade whether she wanted to or not. He wasn’t going to let her forget she’d defied him by travelling with Tor.

She straightened her shoulders.

Okay. Let’s get this over with.

Twenty

She walked slowly, hoping he might have cooled down in the hours it had taken her to arrive at the castle. But as she got closer she could see shadows curling around him, flicking back and forth like the tail of an irritated panther.

The courtyard, which had been filled with servants and soldiers, quietened as everyone suddenly discovered they needed to be somewhere else.

So they all knew about his temper, then.

She raised her chin defiantly and met his stare.

“What? I’m here, aren’t I?”

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