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My cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. “I’m not putting that on,” I hissed.
He shrugged, a devilish glint in his eyes. “Suit yourself. But it might come in handy if things get... heated.”
I clenched my jaw, even though I knew he was right. I’d do whatever it takes to complete my mission. And if that meant wearing a revealing outfit to get close to Rhazien, then so be it.
I snatched the outfit out of Kadir’s hands and stomped to the corner to put it on, glaring at him all the while.
I had to admit, the ensemble Kadir had chosen for me was… something. It wasn’t truly a dress. More like an elaborate necklace of ivory pearls that cascaded down my body in clever loops that barely covered my breasts and mons. He’d put me in heels, painting my eyes and lips in soft colors. My hair was tied in a complex knot on the top of my head, leaving my entire back exposed.
When Theron saw me, his eyes flooded black as the desert night. He growled as he looked me up and down, seemingly unable to comprehend what I was wearing. I hated how my body reacted to his gaze - heat blossomed low in my stomach and my heart rate picked up. But I couldn’t let him know that; instead, I crossed my arms over my chest. “What? Is something wrong with my dress?”
He blinked a few times before shaking his head. “No...I just don’t know if we’ll make it there with you looking like this,” he rumbled, his voice deeper than normal.
A shiver ran through me, my nipples hardening, and I tried to push the feeling away. The longer I was with him, the stronger his magic seemed to be. I couldn’t help admiring him; he wore a black silk shirt, open at the collar, and fitted black pants that hugged his muscular frame in all the right ways. His long hair was loose on his shoulders, and his bronze eyes glinted in the flickering light of the braziers. I breathed in his scent, my lids half-closing before I caught myself.
“Let’s go,” I said, leading the way to the door. The pearls swung as I walked, and I looked over my shoulder to see Theron’s gaze locked on my ass. He caught my gaze and grinned, unrepentant and unbothered at being discovered.
“Come on,Sia.“ He held out his arm for me and I took it, my fingertips resting on his firm forearm as he led me through the castle.
I sucked in a breath as we entered the outdoor patio party. The entire scene was like something out of a dream—or a nightmare. Low furniture and billowing silk tents created an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere, and the fire dancers twirled and leaped around us to the beat of the sensual music. The waiters, both male and female, wore little more than scraps of cloth draped artfully over their bodies, and their flirtatious smiles only added to the charged energy of the event.
Theron sighed. “I’d hoped it wasn’t one of these kinds of parties.” He looked around as if looking for another exit when Varzorn called for him.
“Theron,” he gestured for him to approach, a predatory glint in his eye. He stiffened beside me and I thought back to what Raenisa had said about Theron not fitting in. He guided me towards the emperor, stopping out of easy stabbing range.
“Uncle,” Theron said, inclining his head. I didn’t copy him, not that Varzorn noticed. His nephew was the only one who held his attention. “Thank you for the invitation.”
Varzorn smiled, but it did not reach his eyes as he waved dismissively. “You know I always have a place at my table for you, nephew,” he said in a voice that was both false and calculating.
“It’s been years since we’ve shared a table, uncle. Five, actually.” Theron’s tone was nonchalant, but I could feel the tension radiating from his skin.
“Perhaps it’s time for you to return home,” he pondered aloud with a sly smile, not looking away from Theron as he spoke. “It seems like you’ve been away far too long.”
“My duties don’t allow for much time in the hollow mountains, I’m afraid.”
“Indeed.” He fingered the stem of his wine glass, like a spider clutching the cup. “But duty is worthless without loyalty, is it not?”
Theron nodded, his jaw tight as he clenched his teeth together. There was a pause, and then Varzorn continued slowly, emphasizing each word. “Remember what type of punishment awaits those who forget their place?”
My heart raced as I looked up to meet Theron’s stare; his full mouth firmed into a line, rage heating in his eyes.
“I understand.” His voice was firm but strangely devoid of the anger burning in his gaze. He inclined his head again, drawing me away without another word, his hand trembling in mine. He grabbed a drink from a passing tray, downing it in one gulp.
“Theron,” I breathed, my brow furrowing in concern. “What was that all about?”
He sighed and released my hand, turning to face me with his hands on my hips, absentmindedly rubbing the pearls against my skin. I should step out of his arms, I knew I should, but I couldn’t make myself move away from him. Not when he looked like this. He glanced out towards the horizon, past the city walls as he spoke.
“My father... he fled with me from my mother.” His throat worked as he tried to swallow back his emotions. “He took me to live with his sister on her husband’s estate. I grew up with Zora and Oz. They were practically my siblings. We were inseparable.” A wistful smile lifted the corner of his mouth.
I waited for him to go on, not wanting to push him, but desperate to hear what happened next. “We had a good life there until Varzorn sent Rhazien after us.” He paused, his eyes full of fear and pain as he looked at me. “My father died trying to hold him off so I could run. His own son killed him... I still can hear the way Rhazien laughed as he bled out.” His eyes were distant as he shook his head. “My brother captured me and brought me back here to Varzorn and my mother.” Theron took a deep breath before continuing, his voice heavy with emotion. “Then things got exponentially worse. Rhazien was cruel and violent in ways I can’t even describe. “
He exhaled and stared out into the night sky before finally turning his gaze back to mine. I drew nearer, laying my hand on his arm gently as if it could offer any comfort. He turned towards me, his eyes haunted as he went on.
“I never wanted you to be a part of this. I wanted to keep you safe. To have one thing for myself.” His voice was low and strained. He stepped closer, his breath warm against my skin as he swept aside an errant strand of hair from my face. My breath caught as I tried to parse through the conflicting emotions running through me. Theron leaned down and brushed his lips over mine, sending waves of confusing sensations coursing through me. Hate warred with desire as his tongue met mine and I shuddered as I tasted him, his leather and citrus scent filling my nose.
My breath went shallow as he kissed me deeper, and a moan escaped me. He pulled back, the slash of his smile bright in the darkness.
“Gods,Sia.You drive me insane,“ he said, his voice husky.
