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“Your name could almost rival your beauty. It’s a pleasure to meet you officially, Ayèlla of Elèor.”
Daliah’s eyes misted, illuminating like lightning. She grinned widely, disarming my defenses. I stifled a groan, slipping my arm around her waist, tugging her close.
“The pleasure is all mine, Judge Zhèmson.”
Daliah
Nibbling on fresh toast lathered in berried jams, I brushed my knee against Zhèmson’s thigh. We peaceably shared breakfast in his private chambers by the grandiose windows. The views had become my favorite part of this ritual.
Ever since sharing our names and learning about his heritage, something unspoken settled between us. Each day we shared breakfast in his quarters, then made our way to the library for hours of reading before he’d fly me to the gardens to uncover new secrets.
I had no way of knowing how much time had gone by.
Days? Weeks? Maybe even months? The Sky Watchers had moved to the recesses of my mind, their quest buried beneath my need to be closer to Zhèmson. It didn’t mean I hadn’t tried betraying him again.
I had.
But after several tries of untangling complex riddles, and working to hand him over to the Sky Watchers, my treachery became a game for him. After the constant trickery, I resolved to put aside the bargain. For now.
Nibbling on cheesy eggs and crispy bacon, I thought of how much he’d shared with me while I still hadn’t said squat. He never pushed, either. I worried my bottom lip, feeling listless.
“Daliah.”
The timbre of his voice made my stomach clench. I lifted my eyes from the scroll I was reading. Zhèmson watched me from above the goblet he was drinking out of.
“My beautiful Sèlie. What ails you?”
“Nothing. I just…” I sighed, resting my elbows on the table, dropping my head between my hands. “You’ve let me into your world. And… well. I haven’t been entirely forthcoming.”
“True.” He raised his goblet and took a sip. “But I don’t see why this would provoke such a frown.” His eyes fell to my mouth and his gaze darkened. “I don’t like it.”
I half-smiled, poking his knee with mine.
“Yes, Your Overprotective Lordship. I know,” I laughed.
Vèrtu quietly flew in and out, refilling plates and sneaking glances our way, as I began the best way I knew how.
“You said Domenents are Enhancers. Your magic adds emphasis to a particular gift of yours. In your case, your enhancement amplifies your strength.”
I gestured at his exposed biceps. He nodded once. I had his full attention. It was enough to encourage me to keep talking.
“Well, while you’re an Enhancer, I am an Enchantress and the daughter of Enchanters. The gift was in Mother, which she inherited from her Mother before her.”
“So only your mamè is this Enchanter? Not your payè also?”
I chuckled at his dialect. How similar, yet different, we fae were from the angels.
“I can’t even say that right.”
He cocked a brow.
“Say what? Payè?”
I nodded, giggling behind a hand. His face warmed, bemused at my silliness.
“You and your faeretheth faculties. It’s easy. Pah-yea. But make sure you drop your jaw on the pa or it won’t sound right.”
“Yeah, no, ‘father’ is easier.”
