Page 195 of The Throne Seeker
“Come in,” a sharp, familiar voice called.
The guard entered as she waited just outside. “I have someone to see you.”
“Not now,” Moretti retorted, irritated.
“It’s someone you’ll want to see,” the guard pressed.
“Whoever it is can wait. Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?”
Rose took a deep breath as she walked into the room, keeping her face hidden.
Moretti was in a meeting, surrounded by men, sitting at a large rectangular table cluttered by parchment and maps.
Their quills halted the moment she walked in. A wall of windows behind them offered a sweeping view of the city, though the gloomy weather prevented the sunlight from brightening the room, forcing them to light the candles on the table.
“I can come back another time,” she said in a smooth voice that didn’t sound like her own.
Moretti’s head flew up sharply from the parchment in front of him, his dazzling blue eyes sparkling at the sight of her.
“Gentlemen, could you give us a moment,” Moretti said, his tone letting them know it wasn’t a question.
One by one, they shuffled out, each of them trying to peer under her hood, but she kept her face hidden. Once they were alone, she returned her attention back to Moretti. He hadn’t moved from the head of the table.
“I was afraid I’d never see you again,” he said, looking at her with unadulterated relief. “When I didn’t hear from you, I thought something might have happened to you.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” she said, walking around the table toward him. “But I’m here now.”
He looked her over. “You don’t sound pleased to be.”
“I am… I’m just nervous.” Which was true.
“It’s hard to tell with that hood on,” he teased, tilting his head to the side to get a better look.
She took a mental breath as she pulled the hood back, revealing her face.
He took a step backward as his eyes widened in awe, examining her from head to toe. It took him a long moment to recover from the shock. She could see his internal wheels turning, trying to piece together what he was seeing.
“How?” he whispered, his eyes still drinking her in.
“It’s a long story,” she said simply, clasping her hands together.
“You’re… you’re a siren?” He looked her over again, both amazed and intrigued.
She took a small step toward him. “Yes. But you don’t need to be scared of me.”
His eyes never left hers as he came closer. His aura was different than Roman’s—more smooth and refined. “I’m notscaredof you. It’s just—you were beautiful then, but now… now you’re the most glorious creature I’ve ever seen.” Moretti leaned unconsciously closer to her lips.
Her siren reveled in his praise. “Thank you.”
Moretti’s mouth spread into a wide grin. “You have no idea how powerful or beautiful you actually are, do you? You act as though you couldn’t hurt a fly. Damn you.” He tucked her silky white hair behind her ear. “The fact only makes you even more attractive.”
She gave a dangerous smile despite herself—her siren’s doing.
His eyes shifted to her lips. He swore. “Look at that smile… and thatsmell.” He drew a deep breath as his eyes glazed over. “It’s addicting.”
Her siren craved more praise, yearned for it—to be complimented, desired, and adored.
She stopped it before it escalated. “I came because I need your help.”
