I grinned back at him, delighted. “From what I hear, it would’ve been difficult to look worse.”
“You made Lorian laugh,” Rythos said. “That’s a greater miracle than surviving viperbane.”
“What are you doing here?”
All amusement had left Lorian’s face. I reached out and took his hand. He stiffened but allowed it.
“I’m not supposed to be here, which is why Lorian looks like he’s ready to gut me. But I wanted to see for myself that you were okay.”
“I missed you.”
Rythos grinned. “Missed you too, darlin’。”
“Out,” Lorian rumbled.
Rythos winked at me and disappeared.
Lorian and I looked at each other. Something had changed between us. But I couldn’t put that change into words.
“I really need to, um…”
He raised one eyebrow, clearly delighted with my mortification. “Say it, Prisca. You need to what?”
“Forget it.”
I swung my legs over the bed and immediately regretted it. My head felt like it was about to explode.
“You need to rest.” Lorian didn’t look amused anymore. He plucked me from the bed, carried me to the bathing room, and insisted on standing outside the door.
“Shouldn’t the maids be in here helping me?” I muttered when he hauled me back to the bed.
“They scattered when I roared at them,” Lorian said. “They haven’t been back since.”
I sighed. Since I had him alone and we had a few minutes, perhaps it was a good time to clear the air. “We should talk about the other night. About…Thol.”
His face went blank, and he placed me on the bed and then drew away.
“Don’t do that. You can’t be by my side when I almost die and then push me away again.”
“You want to know what happened?” Lorian caught my chin in his hand. “You looked so fucking beautiful, dancing with that piece-of-shit courtier. And all I wanted to do was rip your dress off you and press you up against the closest wall. I thought I knew what jealousy was, and then you saw him. The man you’ve always wanted. The man you’d choose if you had your way. And I almost slaughtered him right there.”
My heart tripped, fluttering in my chest, and awareness burst through me. I’d mocked Lorian about being jealous, but here he was, in the light of day, admitting to it.
That muscle ticked in his cheek. I should probably say something. I managed to close my mouth. “I wanted to rip Pelopia’s hair out,” I admitted.
He gave me a slow, feline grin. And then his mouth was on mine, and all thought fled.
“I want to make you scream for me.” His mouth traveled up my neck, and he caught my lobe between his teeth. “But you’re too weak right now.”
“I disagree.”
He pulled back and gave me a look. “When you can walk to the bathing room by yourself, then we’ll talk. But, wildcat…” He leaned close once more. “When I finally get you in my bed, I’m not stopping until you forget your own name.”
I was speechless for long enough that his mouth curved in a faint smile, and he turned away to pick up something from my nightstand.
I gaped at the sweet fruit. “You’re the one who has been leaving me valeo?”
He gave a sharp nod. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Lorian looked…uncomfortable.
“But how did you— Marth.”
He nodded. He was already backing away. Marth had likely informed him about my reaction to the valeo I’d found in the hunter’s belongings. When he looked into my past.
“Lorian. Thank you.”
His nostrils flared, and laughter bubbled in my chest. This man could take any insult I hissed at him, but the moment I showed gratitude, he looked like I’d run him through with his own sword.
“I need to go before anyone begins to question what I’m doing here.” His gaze dropped to my mouth. “Get some rest.”
My core clenched at the promise in his eyes.
And then he was gone.
Dear L,
I do hope you’re feeling more yourself after your last letter. Please update me on the current situation. Is it true that the woman has the power of time?
C
Dear C,
I’m taking the wildcat with me when we leave. She won’t be pleased by this, so I’m afraid you’re unlikely to meet her at her best—although, you’ve always enjoyed seeing me with my hands full.
And I have no doubt that she will make me pay.