“I guess that explains why there’s no fabric in the back,” I replied, peeking my head out. “Will you tell me if it fits correctly?”
“I’m sure it will be fine—”
I stepped out from behind the partition. “Do you think it will work for the party?” I asked.
I turned, showing him a side profile of the dress.
Corvin’s eyes lingered on the spot where the dress met my backside. “It’ll work,” he said, voice thick.
“Alright. Thanks,” I replied, satisfied by his response. I ducked behind the partition again, changing back into travel clothes. I had plenty of accessories to go with my dress when I wore it. The moonstone necklace around my neck. The dragon flame ring, taken from the velvet display case and slipped onto my thumb. It was crafted from solid gold, its band textured like dragon scale, the likeness of a dragon head extending from atop the ring, with two small emerald gemstones inlaid into its eyes.
Taking it was a gamble because I didn’t know how it worked. My one attempt to use it the week prior, after taking the boat out to the middle of the lake, failed to generate any flame. But now that I understood what it wassupposedto do, I felt inclined to take it along as backup.Burn it all downseemed likeoneviable exit strategy.
Hopefully circumstances wouldn’t become nearly so dire.
Corvin waited patiently as I gathered the remainder of my belongings.
First and foremost, some Kothian currency. Passing as an interested buyer would require coin. If I was going to convince Rogam to show me his most valuable wares, I needed to make it lucrative for him. So lucrative he couldn’t possibly decline.
Kothian silver was imprinted with the image of a screaming woman. In homage to their banshee warriors, who channeled the power of a deceased ancestor. Well, less of a channeling really and more of a possession as I understood it. Women whose screams had the power to wreak death on the battlefield.
Nix was still sitting in the foyer when we returned, looking anxious as he paced back and forth in the hallway. He promised to tell any visitors who arrived when I would be back, should anyone come to the island while I was away. “Thank you for looking after the island while I’m gone, Nix,” I said gratefully.
His response was less sentimental. “Try not to die.”
We left the cottage, heading down to the lakeshore to depart.
I looked at my small boat, and then back to Corvin.
I realized, belatedly, that the boat, perfectly sized for two women, might not fit Corvin and I quite so comfortably. He was a full foot taller than Kaylin. About half a foot taller than me. And much…bigger. His broad, muscular body was bound to take up a lot more space. He must have reached the same conclusion. “Looks like a tight fit,” he remarked, gazing down at the boat. “I could shift into my raven form, but I would feel bad making you row all by yourself. I’ll sit in the back—if you don’t mind my legs around you?”
“That works!” I responded, settling into the front of the boat, my casual tone belying the butterflies that took off in my stomach, thinking about him pressed so closely against me. The boat rocked gently as Corvin stepped inside, carefullypositioning himself behind me. “Is that alright?” he asked, his breath a soft caress against my ear. “Are you comfortable?”
“Ye…Yes…” I said, tucking my knees to my chest as he extended his strong legs around either side of me.
Corvin reached for the oars, softly brushing the side of my ribs. “I can start,” he proposed.
“Sounds good. Thank you.”
Once we were situated, he started to row. Each stroke causing his body to lean slightly forward into mine. I liked the feel of his firm chest, the pressure of his body against my back—found myself aware of its absence each time he pulled the oars from the water, causing our bodies to momentarily separate. His powerful arms never wavered, dragging us smoothly across the lake.
A gentle, rocking rhythm.
We were about halfway to the river inlet when I offered to take a turn. Corvin acquiesced, handing me the oars. As soon as I gripped them, realization crashed over me.I can command the boat’s movement! How did I forget?A warm flush spread up the back of my neck, and I stalled, making no move to resume rowing.Should I tell him? What would he think? That I wanted us both to squeeze into the boat for nothing?
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Corvin,” I said, mortified at not speaking up sooner. “We…we don’t actually need to row the boat. I can’t believe I forgot. I can command its movement now. Something I discovered recently. I guess I was just so focused on our journey ahead that it completely slipped my mind.”And the feel of his arms and legs around me, if I was being honest.
“Really? That sounds like it could be very useful.” If he felt duped, he didn’t vocalize it. “Do you want me to shift?”
I touched the side of the boat, sending it into a gentle forward glide. “You don’t have to since we’re almost to the river.” We satagainst one another, nobody rowing, hands unoccupied.Why was I thinking about where he was placing his hands?Despite our position, I held my body rigid, not allowing myself to fully relax into him. It was distracting enough, feeling the warmth of him, smelling his attractive scent, without touching him too.
“Are you okay?” Corvin asked, sounding concerned. “You seem tense.”
“Yep!” I hurriedly replied, not wanting him to leave the boat but still debating whether or not to lean back into his chest. Eventually, my muscles made the decision for me, angrily protesting the exertion it took to hold myself completely straight. I relaxed slightly. Slowly, at first, then a degree further, until my back was completely at ease solidly against Corvin’s firm chest, my legs touching his inner thighs. He didn’t complain, his body melded seamlessly into mine.
It was still early enough for there to be a chill in the air, but Corvin’s body kept me warm.
