Page 44 of Kiss of Fire

“Aelah would never have supported Aelfric, you know that as well as I do, Loris. If she were here, she would be pledging for me. Do you really think it wise to give Aelfric more power? Because I assure you, if Salaq wins the throne, Aelfric will run unchecked over Nush’aldaam like a disease.”

“But to force a betrothal to plead your cause…!”

“I assure you, no-one has been forced to do anything,” Shade growled.

A woman with skin the colour of honey stepped forward.

“Perhaps on this point we should hear from Raya?” she suggested. “Hello, Raya. I’m Kaemari. Tell us, are you betrothed to Lord Shadeed of your own free will?”

“Of course,” Raya said firmly. “He asked me and I said yes.”

“And may I enquire why?”

“WhyI said yes?”

“Yes. Why are you with Lord Shadeed?”

“Um…” Raya’s mind was whirling. Shade had told her to lethimdo the talking, She hadn’t prepared for twenty questions. She was conscious that all eyes were on her. What the fuck was she supposed to say?

“In your own time,” prompted Kaemari. Raya took a breath.

“I’m with him because he’s a good person. Brave and honourable, though he does his best to hide it. I’ve never met anyone like him.”Well, that was true. “He found me when I had lost all hope. And he rescued me when I needed rescuing most. I don’t know much about your problems or politics, but Idoknow that Shade would be an excellent emperor.”

Shade concealed his surprise, taken aback by the conviction of her words. But Loris still wasn’t satisfied.

“This is all well and good, but it is entirely academic. The girl has not yet convinced us she is Aelah’s daughter.” The Vulcani pinned Raya with his amber gaze. “Show us what you can do, child.”

“She has only just arrived in this realm, she is acclimatizing,” Shade interrupted. “Once she is rested she will demonstrate her abilities.”

“When will that be?”

“Perhaps in about…”

“Again, I am not addressing you, Lord Shadeed.” Loris narrowed his eyes. “I want to know from her own mouth. Tell me, girl. When can you show us you are a true Vulcani?”

Raya hesitated, and Shade willed her to name a date far in advance. Allow them some time to prepare. A month, at least. His heart sank as she answered.

“Maybe next week?”

Loris nodded.

“One week. So be it.”

“And I would be honoured if you would mark the occasion by attending a feast at my castle,” Shade said smoothly, hiding his dismay. “All Vulcani dignitaries are welcome. They can meet Aelah’s daughter for themselves.”

“If sheisAelah’s daughter.” Loris looked entirely unconvinced. “But we accept your invitation. I will send someone with you to make the necessary arrangements. Torven!”

A figure melted from the trees. Raya could have sworn he hadn’t been there a moment ago. Another fae, she guessed, but he didn’t look like the Vulcani. He was blond for a start, and broad of shoulder. His ears were more oval than pointed, his features boyish, open and honest. When he caught her gaze, he grinned straight at her, his hazel eyes twinkling. It was the first time anyone in Nush’aldaam had looked happy to see her. She found herself smiling back.

“Torven will accompany you back to your castle if that meets with your approval,” Loris told Shade. “He will oversee food preparation and security arrangements.”

“I’m sure we can make those arrangements without assistance,” Shade said tersely.

“Nevertheless. We wish Torven to go on ahead.”

“Very well.” He hid his irritation. “We will see you there in seven days.”

“Seven days. We look forward to confirming the girl’s heritage. But Lord Shadeed, if this waif turns outnotto be Aelah’s daughter, there will be repercussions. For both of you.”

---