Page 85 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Silas, ever diplomatic, tries to clear the air. “Please accept our best wishes on your upcoming marriage.”

Jason nods. “Thank you. Daphne is a blessing.”

“Is she Fae?” Darius asks.

I wince at the blunt question, but Jason only smiles.

“No. She’s human.” His voice warms. “Gifted with water magic. We met during our naval service for Virendrell. She’s as talented as she is lovely.”

Water magic?

“How fortunate,” Darius drawls.

I cannot tell if he’s being sincere or not.

Jason glances back again, curiosity brightening his eyes that he pointedly keeps off Rian. “Is it true that Fae on the continent refuse to take human lovers?”

The question hangs in the air.

And I can’t shake the feeling that he isn’t asking out of curiosity alone.

Heat floods my cheeks. I glance at Rian without thinking.

Only to find the Shadow Prince already watching me.

Gods help me.

Rian slows abruptly, letting the others pass. When I reach his side, he moves again, matching my stride.

Blood roars in my ears, drowning out whatever Silas says. I can’t focus with the formidable male beside me.

Even stripped of his shadows, his presence presses in on me, all-consuming. The faint scent of spiced incense curls into my nostrils, and something tightens in my chest.

I wait for him to speak.

He doesn’t.

His gaze stays fixed on the landing ahead as Jason continues peppering Silas with questions about Astloria, veering left onto a walkway that overlooks the courtyard below.

I glance over the railing, and my body tenses.

I never feared heights, but the image of that man falling from the hidden alcove flashes, sharp and vivid, in my head. I edge closer to the interior wall, fingers brushing the cool stone.

My breathing stays shallow until we turn into a proper corridor, enclosed and blessedly solid. The walls are lined with art. Lush landscapes alternate with formal portraits. One stops me in my tracks.

A young woman gazes out from the canvas, a crystal diadem crowning her pale hair. Her eyes are a deep, startling blue, shaded so dark they almost look violet.

I tilt my head and study the image.

She’s stunning.

“Please forgive the lackluster accommodations, Your Highness.” Jason’s words draw me out of my admiration. “With the celebrations this week, all of our other quarters are already occupied.”

I jolt when I realize everyone has reached the end of the hall.

Everyone except Rian.

He stands a step away, as though he halted the instant I did. His eyes hold mine, steady and unreadable. Once again, he offers Jason no reply.