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Her dubious look spoke volumes.
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are.” Raven tapped her ear. “Lie detector, remember? But just because you believe something doesn’t make it true. It’s lying only if you say something against what you know or believe to be true. Plus, you have to think I’m attractive and that others would desire me. It’s a mating rule of the universe, I’m sure.”
Dropping down to the floor, I knelt, gently pushing her legs apart so I could take up the space between. My hands fell onto the arms of the chair because they needed something to do other than remove her clothing.
“Yes, I am attracted to the beauty of your face and the curves of your figure. But I’m also seduced by the integrity of your soul—and that, above all else, is what I find most attractive.”
She inhaled deeply. “I am not without flaws, Casimir. My soul has not survived this life unblemished.”
“It makes you all the more attractive. It makes you real. However, I’m perfectly content not trying to convince you all those males want you for you, but because they would gain an alliance with your father. I really should have let it lie, make sure you thought I was the only one in pursuit,” I teased.
“Well, the point is moot because I would never consider one of them. I don’t know what Father was thinking by not denying each and every offer.”
“Maybe he thought there was one you’d entertain.” My throat seared around the suggestion.
“Why? Are they males that I know?”
“Brokk knew better than to list them by name to me. He only said he had the offers and gave me a second warning not to fuck this up. He understood I wouldn’t hide this from you so I have to assume he wanted you to know.”
“He’s never played games before or hid information from me. We’re very direct. Always.”
“I can see you’re frustrated. The only conclusion I can draw is that he wanted me to know you had options.”
She didn’t. She really didn’t. I was her fated mate. Period. The only option she was going to choose. I would do all that was in my power to make sure she had no need to seek a mate elsewhere.
Raven rested her head on the back of the chair, looking up at the ceiling. Her neck was long and elegant. The V of her tunic showcased her delicate collar bone. She wore no jewelry, but the dip of her clavicle was perfect for a sparkly stone, something to give her in the future.
“What are you thinking?” I asked.
“I’m thinking … I’m thinking I’m a little lost right now.”
She lifted her head, her fingernails lightly scratching the scruff of my jaw. I held very still, letting her explore. I was afraid of doing anything to discourage the ease with which she was starting to show familiarity and affection.
“I’m also thinking whatever magic was used to heal me broke any command I had over speaking my mind. I’ve never been much of a talker, not around strangers, anyway, and today I’ve been sharing practically every thought bouncing around my head.”
I covered her hand with my own, holding it to my face. “But you and I, Raven? We’re not strangers, not really. Without the dampening spell, I can feel some of your emotions as you can feel mine. Our souls are linked, at least in part, and that’s a closeness many never have the fortune of experiencing, even after months or years together. That we can immediately have a knowing of one another in this way is a gift and I intend to treat it as such.”
Raven inhaled slow and deep. A thousand thoughts played in her eyes as she blinked each one away. There wasn’t an argument to be made against mine.
My mate wasn’t ready to be pushed, so I directed things away from our bond. “As for the oversharing, don’t overthink it. You’ll find our little family here is quite open. It’s what holds us together.”
“Openmight be an understatement. Lyric? She’s … I don’t know that I have a word.”
Our hands lowered, both of us laughing. “Yes, she tends to be a little crude. Honest, but crude.”
“Crude? She cusses like a sailor. I would know. My father is The Seaman.”
I barked out a laugh and she smiled. I didn’t want to leave this moment. I wanted to live in it as long as possible. Raven’s stomach had other ideas. It rumbled and I grudgingly stood, offering her my hand.
“Come on. Dinner is soon.”
“Oh, good. I’m starving.”
“Fair warning, we’re eating in the family dining room.”
“With the Council?”
