Page 180

Mira grinned against my lips. “Same. Very much the same.”

I would always love my stunning, imperfect, sweet, vicious princess.

The Schemer

I’d studied the intricate carvings on the arch of the door—waves and fins of merfolk—long enough that the designs bled together. I was a coward. Exactly as Jonas said I’d be.

One day, my brother’s farewells whenever we sailed to different seas would be something of love and affection, not schemes and taunts. Then again, I did much the same as him and urged Skadi the best of luck ruling an elven clan with such a lazy king at her side.

Still, here I stood, a stack of books in hand, and I had not made a move to enter the room.

This would be fine. We had to overcome this unsteady dance sooner or later. It had been weeks since that night on the mortal isle. Weeks of friendly nods, a few muttered words.

Weeks of this boiling heat in my blood I could not explain.

I cracked my neck side to side, adjusted the tomes to hold with one arm, then knocked. Gods, did I pound on the door? Did it sound too assertive?

When no summons came, I dared to crack the door slightly and step into the study. The room flickered with the light of numerous lanterns. Outside, the sun burned over the rich seas like a drop of blood.

I peered around the corner but stopped abruptly, my mouth carving into a smile.

Eeva, clad in a simple gown, her long golden curls piled atop her head and pinned in place with a feather quill, lay on her belly in front of the blue fire. Her knees bent, ankles crossed in the air, and her toes danced.

The woman had her nose quite literally pressed to the yellowed pages of an old book.

Shy, polite Eeva moved about the palace like a secret, a gentle whisper. A beautiful haunt.

I was pleased she’d taken to Livia, Skadi, and Mira. Even Celine found the Veri woman to be entertaining, insisting she had a sharp wit when one got her talking.

Around Bloodsinger, Eeva was quiet and cautious.

She’d spoken even fewer words to Heartwalker, and usually only if Mira was nearby.

I’d yet to be so fortunate.

Even if I stood in the circle of conversation, Eeva rarely uttered a word my way. Then again, I did not speak much to her, convincing myself it was better to offer her distance, knowing she felt horrid about falling into the blood call.

This game of silence and disquiet ended today.

I cleared my throat. “Good evening, Eeva.”

She let out a shriek, her face slamming into her book when she jolted.

“Gods, sorry.” I stepped around the wingback chair and set the stack of books on the cushion.

Eeva made quick work to kneel, blinking through a squint at my face. Her eyes blew wide. “Oh. Hello.”

I chuckled and lowered to a crouch. “Didn’t mean to startle you…again.”

Eeva tucked a curl behind her slightly tapered ear. Those eyes, the beautiful golden tattoos on her skin, the glimmer of her hair, she exuded something mystic.

“Is this, uh, this chamber going to be used?” She gathered her book. “I’m happy to move elsewhere.”

“No.” I reached out a hand and rested it over hers on top of the book. “No, I…well, I wanted to speak with you, actually.”

One brow lifted. “With me?”

“Is that all right?”