Page 35 of Kiss of Ice

Kam bowed low in Raya’s direction.

“As ever, your Majesty, Queen of the Fae and First Lady of Nurhan, I am in your debt.”

“I should think so. You still owe me for giving away the Zone. Don’t think I’ve forgotten that.”

“I will make it up to you, you have my word.”

“You can start by having a shave. And maybe trim your hair a little. The hobo look is so last year.”

Kam rolled his eyes.

“Is this what wives do?” he complained to Shade. “Can I expect the same hectoring from mine?”

“Undoubtedly,” Shade replied gravely. He clasped Kam’s arm. “We will see you tomorrow for the engagement celebrations. Goodnight, my friend.”

Kam strode to the nearest window, letting his wings of light flow from his shoulders before throwing himself into the darkness.

Fifteen

“The Emperor has sent for you, Lady Morenna,” said Jaina. “He says you’re late for your meeting. Shall I prepare your clothes?”

“And would you like me to put your hair up, my Lady?” asked Leshi.

Ren stretched languorously and plumped up her pillows. She settled back on the bed.

“No need. Amal, could you pass me my book? I’d like to finish my chapter.”

Amal looked nervously at the other two maids.

“Um, the Emperor doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Doesn’t he? My book, please, Amal.”

She spent the next twenty minutes pretending to read her book, humming a little under her breath to show how supremely relaxed she was.

The outraged banging on the door made her jump, even though she was expecting it. She smiled serenely at Jaina.

“That will be the Emperor. Please tell him I’m still getting ready.”

Then she returned to her book.

Timidly, Jaina went to the door and shouted through it.

“My mistress says she’ll be with you in a moment, your Majesty.”

She moved back hastily as the door slammed open. Kam stood on the other side, wreathed in light. Clouds boiled off him as he tried to rein in his temper.

“Ren, I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Oh, really? Sorry, I was reading.”

Her casual tone enraged him even more. His fingers itched to rip the book out of her hands and tear it to shreds. But the maidservants were watching with wide eyes and he didn’t want to appear like a demented madman. He glowered at her instead.

“It is long past breakfast. I was expecting you to join me.”

“Were you?” Ren turned a page. “I ate some of the pastries in the next room. You should try one. They’re delicious.”

Kam’s eyes narrowed.

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