“This way!” Saif said brightly.
The Jinn Prince didn't lead us to our guest rooms as he'd implied. Instead, he pawned us off on the first servant we came across, instructing the man to take us to the Gold Wing and install us in guest chambers. Then he left us to find his enchanters. Not that I could blame him. Saif was trying to save his entire race after all. Civility be damned. Honestly, I was equally eager to get the process started.
The Gold Wing was aptly named. In addition to gilded ceilings, the marble floors were also accented with gold designs and every statue, knickknack, and picture frame were also gold. Even the damn drapes were shot through with gold thread. I was shown to my suite—with its golden door—first and can honestly say that I'd never been more grateful for the chance to retreat. I kissed my men goodnight and fled.
You're a little flushed, RS noted gleefully.
“Can I have just a moment of peace, please?” I grumbled as I headed toward the bed.
I considered showering first, but I was too tired for that. Between the roller coaster of my emotions and the numerous trips across the Realms, I didn't think I could stay upright long enough to make it past the sudsing. I yawned as I kicked my shoes off and unzipped my jeans.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Oh, what now?” I whined as I stomped over to it.
I yanked open the door irritably to find Verin standing on the other side. His stare went from my face, down my chest, and to my open waistband. I scrambled to zip my pants and button them.
“Forgive me for the interruption,” Verin murmured, his gaze shooting back to my face. “I know you're tired but... could we speak?”
“Of course.” I waved him into the room. “What's up?”
“I'd like to know what my mother said to you.”
“Right for the jugular,” I muttered as I shut the door. It clicked ominously.
Verin lifted a prompting brow.
“I'm sorry; I can't tell you.”
“Why not?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Because it would interfere with her payment.”
“What?!” He growled.
“We have an agreement,” I hurried to explain. “Your mother asked me to do something for her in exchange for her help.”
“And you can't tell me what it is?”
“No.” I grimaced. “And please, believe me when I say that I really want to.”
Verin took a deep, calming breath. “Do I truly need to be here, Elaria?”
“Yes.”
He looked on the verge of saying more but my answer snapped his mouth shut. He processed then asked. “Really?”
“I swear it. Why are you surprised? Daha said the same thing and he died to get that message to me. I don't think there could be a greater testament to the truth of it.”
“I thought perhaps...”
“Your mother was setting us up?” I asked in what I meant to be a teasing tone but came out sultry.
Verin swallowed visibly. “I had considered it.”
I almost told him about the RS then; about how the magic was faltering. But when I looked into his clear eyes and watched them warm, I couldn't speak the words. I saw several pairs of eyes over his; steady gazes from men I already loved. Even contemplating taking another man into my heart felt like a massive betrayal, regardless of their approval. Hope reared its shiny, happy head then and told me that maybe we could find another way. And if we did, telling Verin would be moot.
“I appreciate your help, Verin,” I whispered. “I hope you get something in return; maybe a little adventure. A chance to see more of the surface world.”
The heat left his gaze and a smile spread over his face. “I have to admit; I'm excited to see the city and to fight the Jinx.”
“Not a lot of action under the sea?” I smiled back.
“Oh, there's action,” he drawled. “Just not the sort that involves bloodshed. Well, unless you have savage tastes.”
“Wow, you just smacked me in the face with that innuendo. I thought kings were supposed to be more subtle.”
“You can say that to me with a straight face after meeting Zhavage?” He countered. “And what about your King Declan?”
“Yeah, all right,” I conceded. “There's not much I can say in defense of Declan. Nor would he approve of me saying it.”
Verin burst out laughing then caught himself as if it had taken him unaware. He stood there staring at me with a soft expression, his lips still touched by amusement. “I've missed you, Elaria.”
The breath thickened in my throat. I couldn't draw it down or release it up. I just stayed there, forming a lump, as his hand lifted, slowly—so fucking slowly—to my cheek. He laid it there carefully, watching me for any minute flicker of displeasure, then increased the pressure of his palm until he cupped my cheek. The pad of his thumb brushed my bottom lip and sent electric pulses down my chest, tightening my breasts and releasing my breath in a shocked burst.
Verin's gaze fixed on my mouth and a low sound rumbled past his lips. My stare roamed his face; the high cheekbones sharply lifting the pale, golden skin. The lips that weren't too thick or too thin, as firm as the man himself. The long nose with its flared nostrils as if he were constantly scenting prey. And that silken indigo hair framing it all. I freed another shaky breath across his thumb. Verin's eyes were hot turquoise again, and I could suddenly smell him; Dragon musk with a hint of salt. Like a fine caramel. My mouth watered. All I could think about was what he must taste like.
His hand lowered, once more doing its slow glide. Over my jawline it went, tracing the column of my neck before coming to rest around the base. His thumb settled in
