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Draven chuckled. “I’m sure you have.”
“You egotistical bastard. You like to think I think of you, don’t you?” I challenged. “I’m sure you enjoy believing your entire court is preening for your attention.”
Draven looked consideringly at me. “I don’t think I’m quite that shallow.”
“Only shallow enough to do what you did last night,” I retorted.
“We were being watched, so yes, I used that to our advantage. I don’t think they even heard a word I said though. The words,” he said very softly, holding my gaze. “The words were for you alone.”
I tossed my head, absolutely unwilling to believe this though would soothe my pride and my wounded ego to imagine it was true. As I did, I was reminded of how strangely I was dressed for a library. The little crystals Breena had woven into my hair tinkled as the crown moved.
“Considering they were Siabra and have powers just like you do, I highly doubt that’s true. I’m sure you said every word for their benefit–and in order to manipulate me exactly the way you wanted. Now why don’t you get the fuck out of this library and leave me alone. Unless you’re actually here for a book?”
“I do, in fact, read, as you know,” Draven said lightly, skimming a finger along a row of books. “And I enjoy being in this library as much as you probably do. But no, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here for you.”
“Well, I’m not coming,” I growled, reminding myself of Hawl.
“I understand that. Let me rephrase. I was wondering if you would consider joining me...”
“No. Stabbing you soon, remember?” I thrust the letter opener out in front of me and Draven jumped back. I grinned. “If you get cut, perhaps you can run and tell Lyrastra.”
“I’d rather not. If you’d just let me finish...”
I moved the knife through the air, watching the metal flash. Was I actually going to try to kill him? Probably not. Did I really want him dead? Again, probably not. Did I wish he wasalreadydead? It was a tempting fantasy.
“I don’t want to let you finish. I already know I don’t want to go anywhere with you, Draven. What part of ‘I hate you and want to stab you in the face’ do you not understand?”
He looked back at me coolly. “I understand you perfectly, Morgan. I understand you don’t want to go anywhere with me, not even to the surface.” He put up his hands. “Well, I tried.”
He turned and started to walk away.
“What the fuck?” I exclaimed. “Stop bluffing. I know you aren’t really going to take me to the surface. Besides, wouldn’t you need a stitcher for that?”
There, let him see I had managed to learn a thing or two on my own in the few hours we had been apart.
He turned back to face me. “You would. Which is why Crescent is waiting just outside the library for us. He wasn’t sure if you would attack us both on sight, so thought it was safer for him there.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I snapped. “Why would I attack Crescent? He hasn’t done anything to me.”
“Well, that’s what I said, but you rushed past him in such a fury last night that he seems to believe you find him at the very least repulsive if not blameworthy. He’s very torn up.”
I sniffed. “I’m sure he is.”
“Since you seem so suspicious, let me alleviate your fears,” he continued. “You are not being invited to your own execution. Crescent thought you might enjoy a music festival taking place in Noctasia this evening.”
I eyed Draven. He was dressed in fresh clothing. A doublet of dark blue brocade, fitted trousers of deep charcoal, and polished black boots with brass buckles.
At least that part of the story seemed true.
“Hmph,” I said. “Then why doesn’t Crescent take me himself? Alone.”
“Because there are matters you and I should speak of. For one thing, I am ready to accommodate one of your most pressing requests.”
“Sure, you are,” I scoffed. “My most pressing request is that you let me go.”
I glared at him. He stared back, without flinching.
“Really?” My voice sounded weak, even to me. “You’re going to let me go?” I cleared my throat. “Fine. But I’m bringing the letter opener. If you’re bluffing, may the Three have mercy on your soul.”
