Page 24 of Realms of Swords and Storms
"I don't think so. He's... different from the other nobles. He questions things. Thinks for himself."
"Trust?"
I hesitated. "I don't know yet. But I like him. That's part of the problem."
Another rumble, this one laced with possessive displeasure. I smiled despite myself, pressing a soothing kiss to his chest.
"Don't worry. I'm not planning on adding another complication to my life." Even as I said the words, I knew they weren't entirely honest. There was something about Jalend that drew me—his quiet intelligence, the unexpected kindness beneath his reserved exterior, the way he looked at me as though he truly saw me.
Sirrax's arms tightened around me, as if he could physically prevent me from developing feelings for anyone else. "Time," he reminded me. "Must go."
I sighed, reluctantly pulling away from his warmth. "I know. Training starts at dawn."
He watched as I gathered my scattered clothing, his golden eyes tracking my movements with predatory attention. "Tomorrow?" he asked as I dressed.
"Yes," I promised. "Like always."
He nodded, rising to his feet in one fluid motion. The moonlight played across his midnight skin, highlighting the powerful muscles of his chest and arms. I couldn't resist going to him for one more kiss, breathing in his scent of smoke and starlight.
"Be careful," I whispered against his lips.
His smile was fierce, predatory. "Always careful. Always watching."
I slipped back into the academy just as the eastern sky began to lighten, making it to my quarters without being seen. After a quick wash to remove Sirrax's scent from my skin, I changed into my training clothes and headed to the practice fields, where the day's drills would soon begin.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the first hint of autumn's approach. Other students were already gathering, stretching muscles, adjusting equipment. I spotted Jalend across the field, his back to me as he checked the straps of his riding gear. The sight of him sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach that I quickly suppressed.
"You're distracted this morning."
I started at Septimus's voice behind me. He stood just a few paces away, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable.
"Just thinking about the training exercise," I lied smoothly.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "You've been distracted a lot lately. Disappearing at night, returning just before dawn."
My heart skipped a beat. "Have you been watching me?"
"It's my job to watch you," he reminded me, voice low enough that no one else could hear. "To keep you safe. Hard to do that when you're sneaking off alone. Are you going to see Marcus?"
"Yes, sometimes. Sometimes I just like to take Sirrax flying without the eyes of the legate on us all the time. But you don't need to worry, I can take care of myself."
I brushed aside the twinge of guilt. I didn't know how to even start to explain what was going on with Sirrax, and he'd asked me to keep it quiet for now. I knew he didn't trust my men like I did. I comforted myself that I was lying to protect Sirrax and thatthey'd forgive me when I finally explained. Right now, though, Septimus shook his head in frustration.
"I know you can take care of yourself, but that's not the point."
Before I could respond, Tarshi approached, his expression carefully neutral. "Instructor Varius is looking for you, Livia. Something about your dragon's feeding schedule."
I nodded, grateful for the interruption. "Thank you, Tarshi."
As I turned to go, I caught them exchanging a glance—something complex passing between them, tension that wasn't entirely the hostility I'd come to expect. Septimus's jaw tightened, a muscle ticking beneath the skin. Tarshi's eyes narrowed, something almost challenging in his gaze.
Then the moment passed, so quickly I wondered if I'd imagined it. Septimus looked away first, busying himself with adjusting my riding gear, which he'd brought from my quarters.
"Your saddle needs new straps," he muttered, fingers testing the leather.
"I'll see to it this afternoon," Tarshi replied, though Septimus hadn't been addressing him.
Their eyes met again, and I could have sworn a slight flush crept up Septimus's neck. What was that about?
