Page 49 of Veil of Shadows

Applause broke out from the crowd within the stadium as we marched toward it. The huge circular structure soared to four stories, and a bright sky shone down on the open design since it didn’t have a roof.

“What do you suppose is happening within there right now?” I asked as we approached the entrance. At the arched doorway leading in, a wildling was collecting entry fees.

“Most likely hand-to-hand combat or races,” Phillen replied. “At the previous Centennial Matches, those were the most popular activities in these kinds of stadiums.”

Jax dug several rulibs from his pocket and gave it to the wildling. It was more than needed. Admittance only required a quarter of a rulib per fairy, and when the light caught onthe extravagant jewels studded in Jax’s cuff, the wildling’s head lifted.

He muttered a sound of surprise and then fell into a low bow, his hooves scraping across the grass. “Prince Adarian, such an honor.”

Jax inclined his head. “May I ask where the best view is in the stadium? I would be willing to pay extra for it.”

“No need, no need at all. The king has instructed us to give the best seats to all visiting royals. I have several areas reserved for fae such as you, and it would be my honor to show you, my prince.”

Jax’s expression stayed cool, his only reply a slight nod of his head. As I’d witnessed several times already, the crown prince of Stonewild Kingdom emerged, his freer counterpart, the Dark Raider, gone.

The wildling called another employee to take his place at the door, then he led us up several flights of stairs as the crowd continued their jubilant cries from their seats. I still hadn’t seen anything worthwhile since the stairwell was entirely encased within stone, but when the wildling finally stopped at the second landing and led us through a small maze of corridors, my eyes widened when the first glimpse of the arena floor hit me.

A vast open area, filled with sand and obstacles, spread out before us. Several competitors were fighting, each trying to win and guarantee their spot in the Centennial Matches.

Jax’s hand closed over mine, startling me from the scene. He pulled me closer to his side, and I remembered I was supposed to be his lover.

I slipped my arm around his waist as the wildling led us out onto a dais perched high above the arena floor. It projected slightly outward and sloped down at the perfect angle to allow us an unobstructed view. It also gave us clear glimpses of most of the crowd, even those seated higher above us.

“I hope this will do, my prince.” The wildling bowed.

“Indeed. Thank you.” Jax gave him several more rulibs. “Those are for you to keep. I insist.”

The wildling’s broad smile grew. He dipped into another bow and then scurried off.

Alone in the relatively private dais, Jax pulled me to the plush seating. Everywhere else in the arena, the seats were made of stone or wood, but here on the dais, the stone seating was covered in thick cushions and fluffy pillows. Elegant tables already filled with fruits and sparkling drinks waited, as though ready for whichever royal arrived, and it struck me how quickly such a structure and its amenities had been erected once the Mistvale spellcasters had arrived. It was truly marveling.

Jax lowered himself to the middle seat, his guards standing stoically behind him while Alec lounged on the chair near the railing. I began to lower myself to sit beside Jax, but before I could, hetskedand pulled me onto his lap.

I fell onto him, my breath huffing out of me and my stomach flipping.

Nearby, several siltenites leaned into each other, whispering and pointing toward us. They weren’t even trying to hide that they were talking about us.

“Are you comfortable, my love?” Jax leaned down and nipped at my neck.

My entire body flushed. “Um, yes, my prince.”

His hand drifted around my waist, and the bottom of his fingers skated upward and almost touched the lower portion of my breast.

I wasn’t sure if he even knew how close he’d come to touching me so intimately, but an answering pulse of longing throbbed in my core.

“Lean back. I won’t break.” He settled me against him, his firm chest strangely comfortable against my side.

Still, it took a few minutes to relax. I’d never sat this closely with any male before, not even when instructed to by Guardian Alleron when he’d asked me to charm males he was trying to seduce with my power.

I thought for certain I wouldn’t be able to relax with so many eyes on us, but Jax began making soft lulling motions with his hand. He ran his strong fingers up and down my back in circular strokes. The caresses were soothing and arousing simultaneously.

Stars and galaxy.

For the briefest moment, I closed my eyes. Tingles shot up my arms, and I allowed myself to enjoy his caressing touch, but just as fast, I whipped my eyes open and reminded myself we weren’t alone.

Tittering came from nearby. Several females were watching us and whispered behind cupped hands.

Snapping out of my reverie, I scanned the crowd, realizing the others were already subtly doing the same.

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