Page 87 of Tides of Shadows

“I don’t see Velena here,” he replied with dead seriousness in his eyes.

“I don’t see my necklace on her.

I don’t see her in a dress I bought.

I don’t see her when I go to sleep or when I wake up.

I see you. Only you.”

I stopped breathing. I moved my braid aside and inclined my head. Aidenar leaned closer and fastened the clasp at my neck. The metal was cool, the stones heavy, his fingers warm where they brushed my skin and lingered just a heartbeat too long. We sat close, too close. We talked for a long time, laughed. That easy, unguarded rhythm returned between us, as if the world outside had ceased to exist.

At last, Aidenar sighed and leaned back.

“It is late,” he said softly. “Allow me to escort you to your chambers.”

I did not want the evening to end, yet I was tired. We rose together. His gaze fell to the necklace glinting at my throat.

“You look beautiful in it,” he murmured. “But for your own safety, don’t wear this dress again.”

“Why not?” I asked, lifting a brow.

He smiled, leaning in close.

“Because I am doing everything in my power not to take you here, on this table. And I would rather our first time be somewhere far more comfortable.”

His grin widened at my expression. He offered his arm. I took it and we left the room together. The guards followed, with Peter at their head.

It was a strange feeling, walking through the palace holding Aidenar’s arm, under the eyes of everyone we passed. I could feel their whispers trailing after us like shadows.

When we reached the doors to the Veymaris chambers, the guards halted a few paces away. Aidenar placed his hand lightly at my waist and moved close to my ear.

“Just to be clear,” he said quietly, “I have never invited any girl into my chambers.”

I met his gaze. Then he brushed a kiss against my cheek. Without a word, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me, my heart still beating far too fast.

Chapter

26

The next day the palace hummed with gossip. About me, of course. It was not the fate I would have chosen, yet I couldn’t feign surprise. I had given them cause. As I walked the corridors, people halted, whispered and pretended not to stare. It was as if all the Dominium had but one tale to tell, my dinner with Aidenar.

On my way to my father’s rooms I met Velena. Because Jasmine was no more, then a new maid trailed at her heel. Velena looked at me, then at the necklace at my throat.

“So it is true,” one of her companions breathed.

Velena widened her eyes, but for the first time she said nothing. She only swept past me, hatred plain upon her face.

I tried to help my father with the maps, but I couldn’t concentrate. My hands were shaking, and my thoughts were wandering. Suddenly, I burst a jug of water. Glass shattered everywhere, and water spilled across the floor. My father looked up from his parchments without saying a word, then walked over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Rest, child.” His voice was calm but firm. “Go to the shore, clear your head. Just please, Nerissa, go far away and be careful.” He didn’t mean to tell me to look out for myself, but for others.

His advice only irritated me more, but I knew he was right, I should leave. I left the office and headed for the stables. Kael and Brenn were already there, preparing the horses. As I was collecting my horse, Peter emerged from the shadows.

“Lady Nerissa, are you going outside the palace?” he asked.

“Peter, it’s none of your concern where I go or what I plan to do,” I replied sharply. But I immediately regretted my tone. I was out of control. I hadn’t unleashed my power in weeks, and everything inside me was boiling.

“Of course,” he said coolly. “But I have orders from Lord Cavareth to ensure the Lady’s safety. Especially when leaving the palace.”