Lachlan’s eyes widen in shock at my brazenness, but Neva does not respond. She merely dips her chin. Satisfied that I’ve, albeit insecurely, secured my position, I turn to Ashur.
“We’ll need to remove the moonstone first thing in the morning. I’m not sure how big it is, but I trust you can supply the needed men to assist us so that we can be on our way?” My tone is not abrasive, but it is firm. I suddenly have zero desire to stay here any longer than necessary.
Ashur places his fork down with slow intention and swallows. “Are we sure there isn’t any way to leave the moonstone where it is?”
Neva slides her gaze to Lachlan again and licks her lips.
My dwindling patience vanishes.
“I’m not sure, but we don’t have any time to waste. We will find a suitable replacement for the moonstone after we restore magic, finish training, and stop a war.” I ball my napkin up and toss it onto my plate. “I don’t think you realize the precarious position we are in at the moment. The realm will cease to existwithout magic. The moonstone is, for lack of a better word—cursed—and prohibiting magic.”
Ashur stares down at the plate in front of him in shame or—willpower not to argue further.
But the sight of one of my people reduced to such a state has my rapidly rising anger evaporating. I sigh, realizing what this situation needs is patience.
“I can make any kind of statement necessary to the people of this district before the moonstone is taken down. This will not be a slight to Ishtar, but it is necessary.”
He grimaces but nods. “Thank you for the consideration, Your Majesty.”
Ashur’s residence is not what I expected after staying with Boudicca. It is a sprawling complex of buildings connected by breezeways and intricately carved archways. Colorful mosaic tiled floors and walls that are a variety of rich, jewel tones. It’s lovely and grand—and most definitely a palace. Lachlan and I follow silently behind him.
I’m still bristling from the knowledge gleamed about his relationship with Neva and her behavior towards me. But I focus on my surroundings.
The night time air floats in through the open air breezeways, smelling of jasmine and citrus. Flames twirl in decorative wrought iron holders along the walls, and the leaves of potted palms flutter as we walk by. Ashur glides to a stop in front of a large burgundy painted door.
“I’m so sorry, but due to the limited notice, Kahtia, my other assistant, had time to make up only one guest room. I hope that will suffice?” His eyes slide between us in a daring way.
I will not become a royal tyrant and demand separate rooms. Even if I don’t want to share one with Lachlan right now. Images of him and Neva dance in my mind.
I stifle the urge to groan, and instead plaster on a smile. “That is just fine. Can you please bring a bedroll up for the captain?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Right away.” Ashur nods before vanishing.
I push open the door to a luxurious-sized room. An enormous, elaborately carved canopy bed engulfs part of the space. Gauzy golden curtains hang from the canopy, and a fluffy indigo comforter makes the bed look like a puffy purple cloud.
Haphazardly placed colorful rugs adorn the tiled floor, and an opening on the opposite wall reveals an en suite. But directly across from the door is an attached patio, and a water fountain bubbles from its center. A towering brick wall blocks it off, making it completely private.
Lachlan leans against the doorway, gazing at me before shifting his attention to the room. His enormous frame encompasses most of the doorway. The black ink of his tattoos gleam in the candlelight of the pillared candles littering every hard surface of the room.
“I take it ye dinna want to share the bed with me tonight?”
I shove past him and into the room. “You took it correctly,” I grumble, plopping onto the bed. “And don’t even think about taking a bath first.” I bend down to untie my laces. Grunting as I pull a boot off. Sweat, grime, and probably blood, still coat my skin.
Lachlan chuckles and shoves off the door frame. “As ye wish.”
I lay back on the bed, staring at the painted ceiling. Swirls of stars in blues and golds twinkle behind the golden canopy. The fountain babbles loudly. Lachlan’s boots make no sound on thetile, but I can feel every step he takes. My body is so attuned to his.
“It wasna ever serious between us,” he murmurs, leaning against the bedpost as he gazes down at me. “Just a physical joining.”
My heart threatens to beat out of my chest as I close my eyes, avoiding looking at him. “I know.”
“Did ye not take any lovers?”
Heat floods my cheeks but I croak out, “I did.”
“And I’m not allowed to be jealous of them?”
I lurch into a sitting position. “Do you have plans to go back to the human realm and watch them vie for my attention?”
