Chapter Twenty-One
The dining establishment Vasren took me to was underwater, reached via a tunnel with access on the shore.
We left the carriage at a receiving area just outside the city and walked down the glass tunnel, the surrounding water lit by the glow of the light spheres within the glass tube.
It was a bit of a walk, but with the underwater view, it didn't seem long enough.
The tunnel ended in an entry room where we were greeted by a hostess who nearly fainted when she saw that Vas was a Dragon.
Not many of them in Sunsho. And by “not a lot” I mean one.
Him. She led us into a dining room covered with an enormous glass dome.
But she didn't take us to any of the tables within the main dining room.
Instead, she went through an archway and led us through a corridor to a much smaller circular room also covered with a glass dome.
Within it was a single table for two, set atop a thick, round rug.
Lights clung to the outside of the dome, set in metal holders to project the light into the water, but they were bright enough to cast a romantic glow into the room.
An elaborate silver candelabra set on a side table beside a row of wine bottles added warmth to the illumination.
Vas went to a chair and pulled it out for me.
“Thank you.” I sat down, my head lifted to peer through the dome.
Fish and other sea creatures swam by, several venturing into the light. Frowning at the way they pecked the glass, I looked closer and noticed the feeding cages attached to the dome. My frown shifted into a smile—their dining would entertain us through our dining.
The food was Argaiv cuisine—something new for me.
So, I asked Vasren to order for us. When the dishes arrived, I was delighted by the bright, fresh flavors that were so different from traditional Rushaoian food.
Sauces weren't as heavy or sweet as they were in Rushaoian cooking, more nuanced and heavier on the cream.
The bread was especially amazing. But it was being there with Vas that made it an amazing experience.
He catered to me the entire time, making sure that I enjoyed the food, the wine, and the view as he entertained me with stories of his life in his home enclave.
Then Vasren asked, “So, what are your plans, Hallaxgral?”
I lifted an eyebrow at him. “I'm sending eight of my team down to Weisha with the ship tomorrow. They'll spread out and seek the local gossip first, then follow any leads they find. Once they find some criminal activity that has been overlooked or even ignored purposefully, I can work on a plan.”
Vasren leaned back. “You're just going to search for people to help?”
“Yes. The Talons patrol the cities. They do their best, but most crimes need to be reported for them to investigate.
I'm bypassing the reports and digging deeper. A lot of times, those who are in greatest need cannot go to the Talons. Or the crime is hidden too well for the Talons to find. I intend to unearth the evil deeds that have festered in this kingdom. I will do it in honor of Kun-lo and all who have been denied justice.”
“Will you only help humans?”
“No. I will especially seek humans because they are generally more mistreated than those of the immortal races, but I will help anyone of any race who has been terribly wronged but either can't go to the Talons or has been ignored by them.”
Vasren took a deep breath and sighed. “Any other man, and I would smile and pat their hand.
It sounds so impossible. But you . . . I know you can do it, Katai.
You've proven that you can. And as much as I know I shouldn't support you in this, I do.
I'm loyal to my King and I believe in his laws, but I know there's only so much he can do.
What you're talking about may not be legal, but it's right. I'll help you in any way that I can.”
I forgot how to speak for a few moments.
I just stared at him. I wanted to trust this—to trust Vas.
But it was such a drastic change, and I had learned to be suspicious.
Gods, I was wavering, wasn't I? Back and forth between confidence in Vasren's honor and doubt over it. I knew him, I did. But . . .
I blurted, “You've certainly changed a lot in a month.”
I was not a man prone to outbursts like that.
I spoke thoughtfully. I measured my words and aimed them carefully.
Except with Vas. I had lost count of the number of times my emotions had gotten the better of me and I had wound up saying things to him without thinking them through. And yet, that often worked in my favor.
As it did now.
Vasren's hand sought mine. “This past month has been a nightmare, Katai.
It's taught me how precious you are to me.
I know I shouldn't say this, that we're supposed to be starting anew, but I can't pretend that you're not my mate.
Or that being parted from you, especially so early in our mating, hasn't hurt me.
Physically and mentally, I've suffered.”
“Physically?”
“My body needs you right now. I ached constantly. With you near, I'm eased, but I still . . . forget it. It doesn't matter.” He let out a long breath, drew his hand from mine, and looked away.
“Your body needs sex. That's what you're saying.”
Vasren's gaze shot up to mine. “It's all right.
I can deal with it now that you're back.
I'm just trying to say that within that pain, I found clarity.
So much of what held me back was petty shit.
Ridiculous. It doesn't matter. I know what's important now. You. Us. Everything else can be dealt with.”
“Vas, that means a lot.”
“But it's not enough. Not yet.”
“It's enough to give me hope that we can move forward. It's enough to make me glad I didn't run from you.”
“And that's enough for me.” He laid his hand over mine again. “For now.”