Page 59 of The Hunted

Eryx didn’t like the way the man seemed to be searching for something without just telling him what it was. Mattue only did those types of things when he was planning … and that never ended well for anyone.

“What do you want?” Eryx repeated.

“It’s too dangerous for you to be on a ship again. I know of your plans to return to the sea in the coming days with Corval’s ships, but you should allow them to handle it. You’re not needed—simply an extra body to protect or save. Or didn’t you learn that the last time?”

This time, Eryx did roll his eyes.

Didn’t even bother to hide it.

Even scoffed.

“I’ll be fine,” he assured.

Now more than ever.

He just knew it.

Mattue sighed. “You’re playing with fire, but I’m going to safely assume I can’t convince you to do otherwise at the moment, can I?”

“Wouldn’t even waste my time, if I were you.”

“And when will we begin working on the other part of our deal, Prince?”

Eryx hesitated.

The advisor didn’t miss it.

“Oh, you mean you haven’t really given it much thought? Because I, on the other hand, haven’t stopped thinking about it.”

Yes.

Well …

A mermaid for the crown.

Eryx couldn’t exactly forget.

He simply … “Haven’t caught the mermaid yet, have I?”

“Hmm.”

That was all Mattue replied before he stood from the table. Eryx kept his gaze on the man, even when he leaned across the table to brush his hand along the shoulder of the waistcoat he’d chosen to wear that morning. Then, just as quickly, the advisor’s fingertips found the edge of Eryx’s scarf and pulled hard.

Too fast for Eryx to react.

The scarf fell to his lap.

Eryx didn’t move a muscle.

Mattue raised a brow, his gaze pointed on the opened gills at the side of Eryx’s throat. There was no way to hide the way they flared open with each of his angered exhales. “I’d heard something was different about you … seems my sources are to be trusted.”

“You may leave, Mattue.”

“Those will have to be closed again.”

“You may leave. Now.”

Mattue chuckled. “Of course. Good luck with your next hunt, Prince.”