Page 48 of The Nymph King

“He noticed,” Imani continued reluctantly. “When I moved beside him, he let me stay there.”

Another smile touched Esa’s mouth, smaller this time.

“Do not,” Imani said, pointing her finger at Esa’s smug face.

“I haven’t said anything.”

“Your face has.”

Esa leaned back on her hands. “Maybe that is why you’re angry.”

“Because he’s controlling?”

“Because he listens when you push back.”

Imani’s fingers stopped moving around the ring, and her mind started whirring. It would have been easier if Ellisar were simply another powerful male convinced that protection entitled him to obedience. Easier if every part of him fit neatly into a category she already knew how to fight.

Instead, he frustrated her and then adjusted. He had stood close enough to protect her without forcing her behind him. When he named her queen before his soldiers, he had immediately stopped treating her like someone who needed to be physically guided through every room and conversation.

Imani hated complicated men. She had already suffered enough from one of those.

Esa watched her for another moment, then tilted her head. “You know, most of those men on the landing were not being subtle.”

“I noticed.”

“They see a queen without a chosen mate.”

“I also noticed that.”

“And a High Sentinel standing beside her.”

Imani’s eyes snapped toward her.

Esa raised both palms. “I am not declaring anything.”

“Good.”

“I’m saying other people will.”

“That is their problem.”

“Until they make it yours.”

Imani leaned back in the chair, ignoring the creak, irritation stirring again because Esa was right. “I have chosen no one.”

“I know.”

“And Ellisar has not asked.”

“I know that too.”

“Then there is nothing to discuss.” Imani pointed at her again. “Nothing.”

“Of course.”

“I’m going to the ballroom tomorrow,” Imani said abruptly, straightening out the folds of her dress.

Esa’s eyebrows rose. “That was a violent change of subject.”