Chapter Fourteen
Barracks lined the circular courtyard, with a stone arch set amid them, directly across from the gate.
We stopped before the archway, our carriages keeping their line.
I got out first and stood aside for the King to climb out.
As Jucai and I waited for our guards to unload the carriages, a uniformed attendant came down the mosaic path beneath the arch.
“Lord Nadar,” the human man said. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you, Theo.” I motioned to the trunks. “Have some men take the trunks to guest rooms for King Jucai and his guards.”
“Yes, my lord. The King is in a meeting with his advisers, the Prince, and the Duke.”
“Thank you, I'll escort King Jucai to him.”
Theo nodded and ran off to find men to bring in the trunks. Meanwhile, my guards finished unloading the trunks, said goodbye to the Sea Dragon guards, and followed Theo.
I paid the carriage drivers and motioned to the path. “Your Majesty?”
“Leave the trunks,” Jucai said to his men.
They moved into formation around Jucai and me—two in the front, one to either side, and two in the back. Now, this was how I expected a king to be guarded.
I motioned toward the arch, and we moved as a unit, passing beneath the arch and through a corridor of date trees that bordered the mosaic path.
I kept glancing at Jucai, wondering what he would think of Zaru's Royal Palace.
The tiles beneath our feet featured bright, geometric designs and shone like glass.
At the end of the path, the palace waited in serene glory.
A symphony of spires, terrace gardens, and gilded domes.
Wooden latticework covered many of the windows, and the kingdom's symbol—the a'alya bird—featured in many of the carvings.
At the top of white steps, a pair of massive, heavily carved doors opened as if on their own. Two Ricarri guards came into view as we surmounted the stairs. They bowed as we passed, and one of them welcomed me home.
“Was that one of your lovers?” Jucai whispered as we left the heat for the cool entry corridor.
“Who?” I frowned, looking behind us. “The guard?”
Jucai nodded.
I chuckled. “No, I've never been with a palace guard.”
“He was large with pretty skin.”
“They're called Ricarri. They have their own kingdoms in the mountains, but many hired themselves out as soldiers or guards. Their skin possesses minerals that give them that silvery sheen.”
“Ricarri,” he mused. “I don't think I've ever met a Ricarri.”
“Most are brutish, and I like my men a little more refined.”
He raised an eyebrow and smirked.
“This palace was built by the first Dragon King of Zaru.” I motioned at the polished wood panels that formed the walls, each one carved with geometric designs and highlighted with inlaid pieces of tile in contrasting colors.
As we strode down the corridor, the panels became wooden screens with delicate latticework to let in the light.
Through the screens, we glimpsed rooms with low couches, lush fabrics, and lanterns made of colored glass.
In those rooms, tall, keyhole windows drew in jasmine-scented air.
Gauzy white curtains billowed in the breeze, the color stark against all the jewel-toned carpets and cushions.
“It's lovely.” The King's gaze bounced from floor to wall to ceiling. “So much color.”
“The first king chose the pink marble himself.” I motioned to the floor. “He thought the veins of gold within it made it look like sunshine coming through sunrise clouds, and walking across it felt like striding across the sky.”
Jucai took my hand. “Your love for your home is clear.”
I looked down at our clasped hands and then at the courtiers passing by. They grinned and inclined their heads to me. Grinning back, I squeezed Jucai's hand.
“This is appropriate for displaying our relationship?” Jucai asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Although we should refrain from such displays in front of the King.”
“Why?”
“You'll need to speak to him about serious matters. Affection would not be appropriate in such a setting.”
“Ah, I see. Very well.”
I led our group to a staircase that seemed to rise from the floor, its steps made of the same pink marble.
At the landing, I took us up the left flight of stairs, toward the public rooms of the royal wing.
At the top, we went through a corridor and then around a corner into an airy hallway.
To our left was a low wooden railing topped with latticework panels that formed arched windows.
They framed a view of an inner courtyard with a central octagonal fountain surrounded by potted plants.
The meeting room was through the arched doors at the end of the hallway. I knocked softly before opening the left door. After a careful peek inside, I opened the door fully and waved in the King of Ilshi.
King Saric of Zaru sat in a grand chair at the head of a massive table topped in onyx.
Iron lanterns with panes of colored glass hung from the vaulted white ceiling, shedding stained light on the men and women seated at the table with the King.
His advisers included two Dragons, a Brujai man, an Eljaffna woman, Prince Racmar, and Duke Daha, the Prince's Raltven mate.
Before Daha saved Zaru from the dead, most of Erimbar scorned Raltven for being criminals and assassins.
Now, because of Daha, opinions had changed.
That being said, most of the city’s Raltven had left with the Brujai sorceress who had been raising the dead and fighting her own kind on behalf of the Raltven.
They lived underground now, in a cave protected by the sorceress.
But some had returned to Erimbar, and others had never left.
Life was harder for them for a while after we discovered they were in league with the sorceress.
But after Daha saved us and mated our prince, reason prevailed.
King Saric had addressed the city himself on behalf of Raltven.
Now, Erimbar was at peace, and it was mostly because of the bravery of Duke Daha.
The necromancer nodded at me and then studied my companions. Ever watchful, that one. I was glad the King had him on his council, and the Prince had him as his mate.
Against the walls stood several Dragon knights—the King's and the Prince's guards.
They watched the Sea Dragons even more intensely than Daha.
I didn't blame them, not after the attack on a Zaruian ship.
King Jucai's guards, however, didn't like the attention and narrowed their eyes at the Land Dragon guards.
King Saric stood up. “Lord Nadar, you've returned sooner than expected. And you've brought guests.”
“Your Majesty.” I bowed to him and then to Prince Racmar.
“Your Highness.” Then, I bowed to Duke Daha.
“Your Grace.” I held my hand out toward the Sea King.
“I'm honored to introduce you to King Jucai of the Ilshi Sea.
Your Majesty, may I present King Saric of Zaru, his brother, Prince Racmar, and the Prince's mate, Duke Daha.
These people are the King's advisers.” I waved at the Dragons.
“Lady Denessa, Lord Valgo.” I motioned at the Brujai man.
“Lord Karu.” Then I inclined my head to the Eljaffna woman. “And Lady Sesha.”
King Saric approached King Jucai during my speech and shook his hand.
“Welcome to Zaru, Your Majesty. Please have a seat. Would you care for some refreshment?” As he escorted King Jucai down the room, he waved at a chair beside his, opposite Prince Racmar's, and then at the silver trays on the table, holding Zaruian sweets, pastries, and mint tea.
The chair the King indicated was occupied by Lord Valgo, but he and Lady Denessa moved down the table without protest, leaving two chairs open. I inclined my head to them in thanks. As advisers, they outranked me and didn't have to make room for me. But they were friends of mine.
“Thank you for your warm welcome, Your Majesty.” Jucai inclined his head. “In light of current events, it's very generous.” He sat down as his guards took up posts along the wall behind him.
“Yes, the nasty business of the trade ship attack.” King Saric resumed his seat. “I do not convict people without clear evidence, especially not a king. We have gathered here to discuss how we should address the matter. Your timing is excellent.”
As they spoke, I made a little plate of food and poured a cup of tea. I set them in front of Jucai, then poured myself a cup and sat beside him. When I glanced down the table, I found Daha watching me. I nodded to him and sipped my tea, content to let the kings converse for now.
“I am most genuine in my desire for a friendship between our kingdoms,” Jucai said. “I hope our kingdoms can prosper through trade. Attacking your ships would not help my cause. Frankly, it's a cowardly move that I would never approve of.”
Jucai slid his hand onto my thigh despite my warning. At least it was under the table. Hopefully, King Saric wouldn't notice.
King Saric smiled. “I'm relieved to hear you say that. Your very presence speaks of your innocence. In light of that, your input on this matter would be most welcome.”
“Your diplomat intends to investigate the matter.” Jucai removed his hand from my thigh to place it on my shoulder. “I have faith in him.”
My cheeks warmed, and my eyes twitched as everyone at the table, including my king, followed the motion of Jucai's hand and surmised where it had been.
After clearing my throat, I said to King Saric, “ Of course, I meant to ask your approval first, Your Majesty. As your diplomat to Ilshi, I feel that this is my responsibility. I hoped to speak with the survivors and search the ship.”
The King glanced at Jucai's hand, still on my shoulder. “I have a Claw on the case. He has helped me before and proven to be skilled at his job. But I'm sure he wouldn't mind more help. Head down to the docks. The ship is called the Blue Heron. Claw Mahdred should be there now.”
“Then, if you would excuse me, Your Majesty?”
“Yes, of course. Tell him I believe in King Jucai's innocence.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for permitting my involvement.”
As I stood, Jucai's hand slid from my shoulder down to grab my hand. “I have not dismissed you.”
I froze. Once more, we garnered the attention of everyone in the room, including King Saric, who raised an eyebrow at me.
“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. I forgot my manners. Would you excuse me to investigate this matter?”
Jucai lifted his chin and let go. “You are excused.”
I looked up and met King Saric's gaze, begging him with wide eyes to let Jucai's arrogance slide. I knew King Saric would see it as Jucai's attempt to establish dominance in another king's court. But in reality, he simply didn't want me to leave.
Luckilly, my king was not only the strongest Dragon in our dread, but he was also wise, discerning, and kind. He looked from me to Jucai and back. “Don't worry, Lord Nadar. I will see to King Jucai while you are gone. Honestly, we probably won't leave this room before you return.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“It has been centuries since I've been to the surface,” Jucai said.
“I imagine Zaru has changed a lot since you were last here.”
I slowly stepped away while the kings spoke. As I shut the door behind me, I once more caught Duke Daha's gaze. This time, I ignored it and left. After that display, it was surprising that he was the only one watching me.
I'd specifically asked Jucai not to behave that way in front of the King. The last thing I wanted was King Saric to think I had divided loyalties.
“Damn,” I muttered as I hurried away from the meeting room.
It felt as if I were running away. I'd only been in Kansu for two days, but Jucai had been with me nearly every minute of those days. It wasn't a hardship, but everyone needs some time apart. Even from handsome sea kings.
“Nadar!”
I recognized the voice and stopped long enough for him to catch up. “Hello, Lahi. How are you?”
The Eljaffna man smoothed his silk tunic and then his long, blond hair. “I'm well, thank you. I thought you were going to be gone for a while?”
“A trade ship was attacked, seemingly by Sea Dragons who wore the Ilshi crest. I returned with the Sea King to help resolve the issue.”
“Oh!” Lahi ran his elegant fingers down his throat.
It was an odd gesture, considering he was the blood drinker, not me. But Eljaffna found throat stroking erotic, no matter who did it. Barely holding back my grimace, I waited for him to continue. Lahi and I had been lovers once, but I'd grown weary of his constant need for attention.
Hold on. Jucai is also in constant need.
It felt different with Jucai. He didn't need to be fawned over.
He needed to fuck. Lahi was clingy while Jucai .
. . Shit, he had just clung to me, too, hadn't he?
Still, it was different. Jucai was a fish out of water in my court.
I didn't blame him for wanting me to stay.
Lahi, however, clung because he was jealous.
Jucai . . . Damn, he also got jealous. No, there was a difference. I just needed to think of it.
“I'm glad you're back. I wanted to talk to you, Nadar.” Lahi lowered his voice into a sultry tone. “Don't you miss me? I miss you. Your powerful arms, your hard body, your plump ass. If you need me to be casual about things, I can.” He leaned closer. “I promise.”
Ah, yes, I remember now. That right there is the difference.
Lahi was a whiny, dainty top—which annoyed me to no end.
I love a beautiful man, but being beautiful doesn't mean you have to be a dainty flower.
Jucai may cling and get jealous, but he was also a fucking monster hunter who could carry me like a baby.
“Lord Nadar, you don't have time for this.”
I jolted away from Lahi at the sound of that voice. It was one of Jucai's guards. “What are you doing here?”
“My king sent me to look after you.”
“Look after me?” I growled.
Lahi backed away. That was yet another thing about him I didn't like—he was a coward.
“Protect you,” the guard clarified, as if that made things better.
“I do not need protection. I am a Dragon!”
“So am I, and I am only doing what I'm told.”
Sighing, I gave in. “Fine, but stay out of my way.”
The Sea Dragon inclined his head.
“I see this is a bad time,” Lahi murmured.
“Indeed, and I'm sorry, Lahi, but our relationship is in the past. We're just not compatible. But I wish you the best.” I left before Lahi could respond, a Sea Dragon dogging my steps.