Page 62 of The Seeker
Heaven above, she was perceptive. “Nothing about you is too much.”
Her lips twitched and she turned to face the highway. “That’s kind.”
“No, it’s a fact.”
“Rhys, you don’t need to flatter—”
“I don’t flatter. I don’t flirt. I’m often a cranky arsehole, and I’m too impressed with my own opinion because I’m smarter than the vast majority of the world. That’s a fact too.”
She gave a sharp laugh. “No false modesty for you.”
“So believe me when I say nothing about you is too much. You are exactly who you should be. And you’re going to need every bit of stubbornness, caution, and vigilance when you take your place in the Irin world. I didn’t understand it before; I’m starting to now.”
Her voice was softer. “Thank you.”
“As a point of curiosity, is that why your parents are trying to arrange a mating for you? To find a suitable candidate for the heir who’ll understand the level of your responsibilities?”
She glanced into the back seat, but Roch was still sleeping. “Yes,” she said quietly. “That’s one reason.”
“And they like me for that role?”
She winced. “I was hoping you hadn’t caught that.”
“I don’t miss much.”
“I know.” She crossed her arms. “You came highly recommended as a scholar, which they knew I would prefer. They approve of your family because, while your mother didn’t have the same role as Anamitra did—”
“She’s still a sage. Elders come to her for council.”
“Yes. And your father is not known to be a scribe whose ego competes with his mate’s. You would understand my role and the role of my future mate better than most warriors.”
“Except the Tomir.” He felt a spike of jealousy. “The Tomir warriors are dedicated to you. They would do anything for you according to my research. You could have your pick of hundreds of highly trained scribes, any of whom would worship you.”
Meera’s lips turned to a hard line. “The Tomir are dedicated to the heir, not to me.”
“Who wouldn’t listen to the heir of Anamitra?”
“If the heir of Anamitra speaks, the whole world listens. But I am speaking of my daughter.”
Rhys understood Maarut’s words far better now. “You need a mate, not another member of your retinue.”
Meera gave a sharp nod.
“I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No, you meant to imply that I would want a servant instead of a partner for a mate. Who could possibly be offended by that?”
He smiled. “Never fear, princess, I speak fluent sarcasm.”
“Princess?” She curled her lip. “Don’t call me that.”
The corner of his mouth turned up. “It’s more than a bit accurate though, don’t you think?”
“Rhys, I’m not some idle figurehead who—”
“Who said princesses are idle? Quite narrow-minded of you, Meera.”
“Don’t turn this around on me. You’re the one trying to minimize—”
