Page 22 of Wild Flame

“That hardly seems fair,” he murmured.

I snorted. “If you knew my mother, you’d know fair doesn’t factor into it.”

His brows drew together, and something close to sympathy flickered in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

I bristled slightly at his words and shrugged. “It’s fine. My sister got really good at sneaking books to me whenever she could, and I got really good at hiding them.” I had learned at an early age never to show a preference or love for anything around my mother. It would become just another tool she would use against me.

His head tilted slightly, and those eyes of his never left me as I spoke. It was kind of unnerving to be the object of such a stare. It almost reminded me of a dragon’s, intent and focused as it was.

“You’re close to your sister?” he asked.

“We’re twins,” I said in answer.

His lip twitched. “I see.”

Feeling suddenly vulnerable, I clutched the book to my chest. “Well, then . . . I will bid you goodnight.”

“Nonsense.” He gestured to another divan across the low table from his. “Please, sit.” The spot looked warm and inviting, and I had no doubt that if he weren’t here, it would have been the exact place I would have chosen for myself to read the night away.

But hewashere.

“No, thank you,” I insisted. “I really should get to bed.” Reluctantly, I placed the book on the table.

But before I could step away, he picked it up and handed it back to me. Our eyes met. “You are allowed to take books from the library, siren.” Our fingers brushed briefly as I accepted it, clutching it to my chest. “Though your invitation to join me here is always open.”

Unexpected warmth suffused me at the gesture. This man kept surprising me. He was both exactly—and not at all—what I expected, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. It was a moment before I remembered myself and nodded before murmuring, “Goodnight, Malik.”

“Goodnight, Princess.”

His words, spoken in that rich tone, followed me down the aisle, out of the library, and all the way back to my darkened chambers. It was only after I had changed and climbed into bed that I realized I had called him by his name.

Chapter Nine

“And how have you found our fair city so far, Your Highness?” Prince Amir asked the next night at dinner. I had once again been seated next to the Zehvitian royals. Prince Amir sat across from me, while his brother sat at the head of the table. Zara and Queen Vashti had already been excused and were mingling with the other guests in the banquet hall. Dozens of dragons in their minor forms were spread out around the hall. Amir’s dragon, Virath, sprawled lazily next to his rider, while Azrun was beside Malik. The red dragon’s back was straight as his assessing gaze scanned his surroundings, deceptively casual, but ready. I was constantly amazed at how similar dragon’s temperaments were to their riders.

“Hot,” I replied honestly.

Amir chuckled. So did a few others who remained at the table.

“Really? This heat is mild compared to that of the true summer months.”

I gave him a tight smile. “Then it is fortunate I missed them.”

“I suppose it takes strong Zehvitian blood to handle our weather,” Priya—who sat a few seats down from me—commented with a fake smile as she lifted her wine goblet to her lips.

I made sure my smile wasn’t at all fake as I responded. “I wonder how well your Zehvitian blood would handle a Halmarish winter, my lady?”

Amir chuckled as Priya’s mouth tightened and tipped his glass to me. “Touche', Princess. Though surely you have found something to like about our kingdom.”

“She has. I hear you have befriended our sister,” Malik stated.

A look of annoyance flashed over Amir’s face at the interruption, but he masked it quickly.

“Word travels fast,” was all I said.

Malik eyed me. “It’s hard to keep anything a secret in this palace.”

I gave him a look. “It’s not a secret. Do you have a problem with my befriending your sister, Your Highness?”

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