Page 240 of Blade of the Nightking

“I’m sure you'll think of something.”

I scowled. “How reassuring. Throw me to the wolves while you go sightseeing through the Tidelands.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “You don't enjoy my company anyway.”

“No one does.”

We fell silent for a long moment, watching as the musicians struck up a lively tune. Dancers whirled across the floor.

“Eidra...” he began. When I looked over, he didn't meet my gaze. His throat bobbed. “I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have said those things.”

I stared at him.

The Dark Prince... apologizing? He looked as though he'd just swallowed something rotten.

I turned my attention back to the dancers. “It was the truth, was it not?”

“Yes.” His voice was quiet. “But the manner in which I revealed it... was ignoble.”

I snorted. “Since when do you care about being ignoble? You've never shown me anything but disdain.”

He said nothing.

“We are enemies,” I continued. “We may align for this one purpose—to break this bond—but otherwise we stand on opposite sides of a very clear line. Don’t delude yourself into thinking you can sway my loyalties with a conveniently placed truth. When this is over, you intend to destroy Elantis, and I will stand against you every step of the way. I will meet you strike for strike if I have to.”

He turned his glowing gaze to me, an unfathomable expression on his striking features. “I would be surprised if you didn’t.”

The lanterns dimmed. Servants emerged from every corner, weaving gracefully through the crowd with silver trays balanced upon their palms. Crystal flutes, each filled with a delicately fizzing liquid in jewel-like shades of sapphire, rose, emerald, and gold, caught the lantern light as they passed.

“Aedric!”

Thalassis beckoned to us from a low couch piled high with embroidered cushions, one arm draped lazily along its back. A half-finished flute rested in his hand, his smile pleasantly unfocused and entirely unguarded. A tray crowded with untouched flutes sat on the table before him.

We crossed the room. Rìan lowered himself into the chaise opposite, but Thalassis patted the empty space beside him, and I settled onto the couch at his side.

He plucked up one of the glasses and held it out. “For you.”

I lifted a hand with an apologetic smile. “I'll pass.”

“Oh, come now, Elowen.” His grin widened. “The Ambrosia distilled in my Court has a well-earned reputation for awakening certain... appetites.”

“I don't doubt it, my Lord, but trust me when I say I have little need of such assistance.” I met Rìan's gaze and held it. “Aedric more than satisfies my needs.”

Across from me, his smirk remained firmly in place—only the flex of his jaw gave Rìan away. But Thalassis was too focused on me to notice.

He laughed, low and soft. “Even so,” he gave the flute a suggestive swirl, “my Ambrosia has been known to elevate even the finest experiences.”

Again, I shook my head. “I thank you, but I must insist. If its effects are as potent as everyone claims, I'd be loath to lose control of my magic in your Court. I'd never forgive myself if the consequences proved... unfortunate.”

He hummed thoughtfully, though the spark of curiosity in his eyes only deepened.

“A pity.” His smile spread like molasses, but he set the glass back on the table. “I confess the thought of seeing you lose control is a rather tempting one.”

I reached over and gave his knee a light, almost absentminded pat. Both his gaze and Rìan's dropped immediately to my hand.

“Trust me,” I said, trying for pleasant, “it could very well be the last thing you ever see.”

“Captivating woman,” Thalassis murmured, almost to himself, shaking his head slowly. “Simply captivating.”