Page 59 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"Elias," Areana said warmly. "Will you be joining the ladies for dinner?"
He shook his head. "Lord Navuh said that I should return to the hotel, my lady."
Disappointment flashed in Tamira's eyes before she schooled her expression back to polite neutrality. They'd had so little time together lately, just stolen moments in the tent while he helped carry the books from the crates the servants brought over from the library to the drying racks.
It wasn't enough.
18
AREANA
The private dining room in Navuh's wing glowed with soft candlelight, the flames reflected in the crystal glasses and silver cutlery that adorned the intimate table set for two.
Areana had chosen her dress carefully for this evening. It was a deep burgundy silk that complemented the black and red décor her mate favored, cut to flatter without being overtly seductive. After five thousand years together, she knew that Navuh preferred subtle elegance and class to seductive displays.
"You look lovely," Navuh said as he pulled out her chair, his fingers brushing against her bare shoulders. "The color suits you."
"Thank you, my love." She smiled up at him with genuine warmth.
Their love was complicated, twisted, and thorny, but it was real, and it burned bright even after five thousand years.
He took his seat across from her, pouring wine into both their glasses with his usual grace and elegance. To those who didn't know him, Navuh could appear almost feminine. He was slim, not buff and muscular, and his fingers were long and elegant like a musician's. He preferred to wear elaborate robes rather than modern clothing, but his haircut was the latest fashion.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this private dinner?" he asked, raising his glass to her. "Not that I'm complaining, but I know how much you love your ladies and hover over them like a mother goose."
She smiled. "Do I detect a note of jealousy?"
"More than a note. I'm jealous of anyone who has your affection."
Areana leaned closer to Navuh and kissed his cheek. "You will always be my number one. No one will ever take your place."
"I should hope so. You are mine, and mine alone." He took a sip of wine, then set the glass down. "I have news that might please you."
"Oh?" Areana kept her tone light, curious but not overly eager. "What news do you bring me?"
"The construction in the basement is done. As of this evening, you and your ladies are free to resume your archaeological expeditions through the stored furniture and décor."
"That's wonderful news. The ladies will be thrilled. I can't wait to see what's down there."
"I thought you might be pleased." He paused as the door opened and two servants entered with their first course—a soup that smelled of saffron and seafood. Once they'd served and departed, Navuh continued. "But that's not all. I've also arranged for the basement to be devoid of staff after dinner each evening."
Areana's hand stilled halfway to her soup spoon. This was more than she'd dared hope for. "There would be no one there?"
"It will be off limits to servants and guards." His tone was casual, but she caught the slight upturn of his lips, the satisfaction of someone who enjoyed surprising her with something he knew would make her happy. "After dinner, the entire basement will be at your disposal."
The implications hung between them, unspoken but crystal clear. He was giving them privacy, not just for searching through furniture but for the couples who so desperately needed time alone together.
"Navuh—" she began, but he held up a hand.
"Don't thank me yet. There are conditions."
Of course, there were. There were always conditions with Navuh. "What are they?"
"The men can accompany you and the ladies to the basement, but they must leave the house by nine at the latest. Any later and the staff will talk. Questions will beasked about why they are spending evenings in my home."
Three hours. From dinner at six until nine. It wasn't much, but it was infinitely more than what they had now. Areana set down her spoon and rose from her chair, moving around the table to her mate's side.
Navuh's eyes darkened with interest as she approached.
