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“All of them.”
“Can’t blame you for that. The court is insufferable.” She frowned at the red dress she wore, straightening the skirt. “They draw you in and take from you until there is nothing left.”
I nodded, not knowing what to say. That’s what it felt like to be one of their slaves. Strange to think they did the same thing to their own. Stranger still to have an actual conversation with Raenisa instead of having her talk around me like I was furniture.
Thankfully, Raenisa talked enough for both of us. “Come on, let’s get back before Theron comes looking for you.”
I scowled. “Can’t have the princeling waiting.”
Raenisa’s expression hardened. “He’s been through a lot. Theron’s not like others here.” She gestured to the pavilion, where their false laughter filtered in. “His obsession with you is weird, I admit, but I don’t think he means you any harm.”
Sure. Theron was a murderer, not exactly harmless.
As I approached the viewing box, I felt Theron’s gaze snap to me. His eyes were dark and possessive, and a thrill ran through me at the remembered press of his hands against my bare skin, his territorial growl as he plunged his fingers inside me. No. I pushed the confusing feelings away. It was just his stupid piercing fucking with me again. None of it was real. A hidden voice in the back of my mind whispered that his magic didn’t affect my emotions, just my body, and I shoved the thought away. Not. Real.
As I watched, Tannethe approached Theron, her curves pressing close to him. Her black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her dress was low cut, showing off her ample cleavage. A pang of jealousy went through me as I saw her touch his chest. Not real, I repeated. None of this was real. Just a play I was acting in to complete my mission.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered Raenisa’s voice as she approached me where I’d stopped. “Tannethe is shameless,” she said, nodding in her direction. “But she’s not a threat to you. Theron’s not interested in her.”
Surprised by her words, I frowned at her. “I don’t care if he is. I’m just a concubine, remember?”
“Of course,” she laughed, agreeing with me and I scowled, walking past her up to Theron who turned to me, drawing me away from Tannethe, who glared at his back.
He must have sensed my mood because he leaned in, his breath tickling my ear, sending a shiver through me. “Jealous, Kael?” he teased, a smirk playing in the corner of his mouth.
I bristled at his words. “No,” I snapped, even though I knew I was lying to myself.
Theron chuckled. “Don’t worry,Sia.You’re the only one I’m interested in,“ he murmured, his lips brushing lightly against my cheek as my stomach flipped.
I glared at him, and he laughed again, turning to talk to Raenisa. “Thank you for keeping an eye on her.”
“No problem,” the warrior said, waving it off. “But if Rhazien says anything about courting me, it’s your fault. Or your concubine’s, at least.”
“Explain.” He crossed his arms and my mouth dried as I watched his powerful muscles flex before immediately chastising myself. Raenisa told him what had happened, adding that he’d need to sacrifice Mirijana to train her.
“What about Caelia?” he asked, his brows lifting. “How’s that going?”
Raenisa’s expression darkened. “She’s been avoiding me. I think she’s trying to secure her position as Varzorn’s choice. It’s hard to retain power without an heir, and that’s not something she can do with a wife.”
“I’m sorry, Rae,” he murmured, bumping her with his shoulder.
Raenisa shrugged as if it didn’t matter and I recognized her attempt to hide her hurt. “It’s not your fault. It’s just the way things are.”
The announcer called for the start of another bout and my eyes widened as I saw Xadrian appear on the sand. He wore tight leather breeches, his shirt open and revealing his muscular chest. He had an air of confidence about him as if this battle was little more than a play, and he was the star.
A deep gong rang, and a grate lifted, a guttural roar coming from within the darkness. My breath caught in my throat as the creature stepped out. It was some sort of lizard monster, easily twice the size of Xadrian, with thick scales and menacing horns on its head. It opened its massive maw, revealing hundreds of razor-sharp teeth.
“Atar’s hairy balls, is that a drukkar?” Raenisa asked and Theron nodded, his attention locked on the elf below.
Xadrian held up a hand, a silvery ring glinting on his finger, and metal spears rose from the weapons rack, hovering in midair. Crackling arcane energy filled the arena, the hairs on the back of my neck lifting as he turned his magic on the creature as it sprinted toward him.
The metal deflected off its armored skin, and he leaped out of the way as the beast spun, its blackened maw snapping where he’d been a moment before. The crowd cheered, but I hardly noticed, my eyes transfixed on the battle. It swiped at him, and I held my breath as I watched him dodge the attack.
He abandoned the spears, moving gracefully as he dodged blows from the massive beast. He used his earth magic again, pulling rocks and boulders from the sand to hurl at the creature.
His magic danced at the edge of my senses, as if it was calling to me, taunting me. I wanted to be out there, in the arena with him, helping him defeat this monster. To be part of the action, part of his fight.
Xadrian continued to fight, dodging the creature’s attacks and trying to find a weakness in its hide. He was desperate now. I clicked my tongue, my nerves getting the best of me.
