Page 68 of Crown of Light and Ashes
"And if she decides to eliminate the competition?" Emir asks dryly.
"Even better," I grin. "Court life has been dreadfully dull since my recovery."
By the time I reach the small council chamber, Lady Ayla is seated at the table with two of her advisors. When I enter, she rises immediately, dismissing her companions with a subtle gesture.
"Lord Kaan," she purrs, her violet eyes drinking me in. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about our interrupted tour yesterday."
She looks fresh in a new gown of silver-gray that complements her silver-streaked dark hair. The neckline plunges daringly low. After three days as a palace guest, she has clearly chosen her wardrobe with deliberate intent.
"Lady Ayla," I acknowledge with a slight nod. "I understand these border incidents have grown urgent enough to extend your diplomatic mission. Light Court aggression must be truly pressing to keep you from your territories."
Her lips curve into a knowing smile. "I must admit, I found myself quite... stimulated by your palace yesterday before we were so unfortunately interrupted." She moves closer, her scent—something deliberately chosen to mimic twilight flowers—enveloping me. "I had trouble sleeping last night. There seemed to be quite a commotion in the east wing. Something about... walls cracking?"
The implication is clear, her knowing smile leaving no doubt that she overheard my night with Nesilhan.
"Renovations," I reply smoothly. "I find regular structuralimprovements keep the court alert. One never knows when a wall might... come down."
"How fascinating," she murmurs, stepping closer with practiced grace. "I have always admired men who take a direct approach to their dominion. Perhaps we could continue our private tour today? I am particularly interested in seeing your personal chambers."
Before I can respond, the chamber door opens. Nesilhan enters, and the sight of her momentarily steals my focus from everything else.
She wears a gown of midnight blue that matches my own formal attire; her hair is arranged in an intricate style that exposes the elegant line of her neck. Most striking of all, the silver infinity pendant I gave her hangs at her throat—my mark of eternal possession, displayed prominently for all to see.
After last night's revelations—her desperate need for me matched by my shameful slip of Isil's name—I half-expect her to avoid my gaze. Instead, she meets my eyes directly, her chin held high with that familiar defiance that always ignites my blood. Though I can sense her exhaustion through our bond, she carries herself with determined poise.
"Forgive my tardiness," she says, her voice cool and composed as she takes the seat to my right. "I was not informed of this meeting until moments ago."
Through our strengthening bond, I catch flickers of her emotional state, wariness, fatigue from our night together, and beneath it all, a sharp edge of possessiveness when her gaze lands on Ayla's hand still positioned near mine on the table. She has learned to mask her emotions, but our connection reveals what she tries to hide.
"Lady Nesilhan," I say, enjoying the momentary confusion on Ayla's face. "Lady Ayla Alacagündüz brings concerns about recent incidents along our borders with the Light Court."
Understanding dawns in Ayla's eyes. "The Shadow Lady," shemurmurs, inclining her head with calculated respect. "I have heard rumors of your marriage. How... unexpected."
"The blood debt demanded satisfaction," I reply smoothly, deliberately placing my hand over Nesilhan's on the table. "Lady Nesilhan graciously accepted the bond in exchange for her brother's life."
Through our connection, I feel Nesilhan's spike of irritation at my diplomatic phrasing, followed by a flicker of something else when my thumb caresses her wrist. Her pulse jumps beneath my touch, and I sense her growing awareness of how much I can read through our bond.
"How fortunate for the Shadow Court," Ayla says, her gaze lingering on our joined hands. "A Light Court bride brings such... opportunities for alliance."
"Indeed," Nesilhan replies with perfect political grace, though I feel her struggle to maintain composure while tired. "Just as the twilight clans have always found opportunity in positioning themselves between both realms."
Ayla's smile tightens almost imperceptibly. "We understand both shadow and light in ways pure-blooded courts cannot."
"I'm sure you do," Nesilhan agrees pleasantly. "Though understanding without commitment is merely observation."
My wife is proving herself more politically adept than I anticipated, even while fighting exhaustion. The thinly veiled hostility between the women is delightful to witness.
"These border incidents," I interject, focusing on the matter at hand, "six engagements between our forces and Light Court patrols, always in the disputed territories near your lands."
"We propose a summit," Ayla says, turning her attention to me with a smile that promises more than diplomacy. She leans forward deliberately, ensuring I have a clear view of her cleavage. "Representatives from all three territories, meeting to establish... firm boundaries. I would personally ensure your comfort during negotiations."
Through our bond, I feel Nesilhan's emotions surge—a hot, possessive jealousy that she tries and fails to suppress. Her fingers tense beneath mine, and I stroke my thumb along her wrist in response, fascinated by her reaction.
"How thoughtful," I reply, keeping my eyes on Ayla, though my attention remains fixed on Nesilhan's turbulent emotions. "Though I find comfort is overrated. I prefer stimulation."
Ayla's eyes glitter with invitation. "The Neutral Territories can be very stimulating, Lord Kaan."
"I am sure they pale in comparison to what the Shadow Court offers," Nesilhan interjects, her voice honey-sweet yet laced with venom. Through our bond, her jealousy flares stronger, accompanied by a surprising desire that she cannot fully hide from me, and her dawning realization that I can sense it all.
