Page 69 of Crown of Light and Ashes
She wants to stake her claim on me. The knowledge is as intoxicating as the finest Shadow Realm wine.
"These incidents," Nesilhan continues, her strategic mind apparently sharpening despite her fatigue, "always occur when your people are perfectly positioned to mediate. Curious timing."
Both Ayla and I turn to her, though I'm not entirely surprised by her astute observation.
"What exactly are you suggesting?" Ayla asks, a new wariness in her tone.
"Manufactured conflicts," Nesilhan replies with a casual shrug that belies the calculation I can feel through our bond. "Someone hoping to provoke war between the courts might disguise themselves as shadow soldiers. Someone whose position strengthens when both Shadow and Light are weakened by mutual destruction."
The accusation hangs in the air, unspoken but unmistakable.Ayla's composure slips momentarily—a flicker of something like anger quickly suppressed.
"The Neutral Territories have always advocated for peace," she says, her voice cooler than before.
"Except when conflict serves your interests," I add, finding myself impressed by Nesilhan's reasoning. "A war between Shadow and Light grants significant leverage to neutral mediators, does it not? Particularly if both courts emerge weakened."
Ayla's eyes narrow. "If that is your assessment of our intentions, perhaps this meeting is premature."
"No accusations have been made," Nesilhan says smoothly, though I sense her satisfaction at rattling our guest. "Merely observations about convenient coincidences."
My wife is no mere assassin—she is a strategist capable of turning Ayla's seduction attempts into an interrogation of motives without ever breaking diplomatic protocol. Even exhausted, her mind remains sharp.
"We should investigate these incidents thoroughly," I suggest, watching Ayla's reaction carefully. "A joint team—Shadow Court, Light Court, and neutral representatives examining the evidence together."
Ayla hesitates just long enough to confirm Nesilhan's suspicions. "That would be... unprecedented."
"So is a blood-bound marriage between our courts," I reply, bringing Nesilhan's hand to my lips in a deliberately provocative gesture. Her skin is warm against my mouth, her pulse quickening as I maintain eye contact with Ayla. "I find I have developed an appreciation for... unconventional arrangements."
Through our bond, I feel Nesilhan's conflicted response—irritation at being used as a prop in this power play, combined with an unwilling flare of desire at my touch and a surge of possessive satisfaction at Ayla's obvious discomfort. The complexity of her emotions and hergrowing awareness that I can read them adds another layer to our dangerous game.
"I will need to consult with my superiors," Ayla says finally, her eyes flicking between us. "While I do, perhaps you might show me more of your palace, Lord Kaan? I find myself curious about your... private spaces."
"Of course," I agree, rising from my seat and pulling Nesilhan up with me, our hands still joined. "Lady Nesilhan and I would be delighted to continue your tour."
Ayla's smile falters slightly. "I would not want to impose on the Shadow Lady's time—"
"Nonsense," Nesilhan cuts in with a smile that does not reach her eyes, her possessiveness overriding her exhaustion. "I insist. Some areas of the palace can be quite... treacherous for the uninitiated. I would not want you to get lost and encounter something dangerous."
The threat beneath her polite words is unmistakable. Ayla's returning smile is equally edged. "How thoughtful. Though I have always had excellent balance, Lady Nesilhan."
"One can never be too careful in the Shadow Court," Nesilhan replies sweetly. "Particularly around things that do not belong to you."
I nearly laughed aloud at the exchange. My diplomatic wife has claws after all, and she is not afraid to show them.
"Shall we begin with the observatory wing?" I suggest, offering an arm to each woman. "It is quite removed from the recent... renovations." Ayla immediately places her hand on my arm, pressing her body closer than propriety dictates. Nesilhan hesitates before taking my other arm, her grip tighter than necessary, and I sense through our bond that she is still adjusting to how much I can read of her emotional state.
"I have always appreciated a commanding view," Ayla murmurs,glancing up at me through her lashes. "Particularly when it involves such... impressive heights."
"The Shadow Court does pride itself on its elevated... perspectives," I reply, deliberately ambiguous. Through our bond, I feel Nesilhan's grip on my arm tighten, fingers digging into my flesh with enough force that, had I been mortal, might leave bruises.
"The infinity pendant you gave Lady Nesilhan is exquisite," Ayla observes, nodding toward the silver symbol at my wife's throat. "Such an intimate gift. Do all your possessions display your mark so prominently?"
"Only the ones I treasure," I reply, watching Nesilhan from the corner of my eye. "Though 'possession' is such a limited term. I prefer to think of Lady Nesilhan as an extension of myself—bound by blood, joined by magic, united in purpose."
Nesilhan's jaw tightens nearly imperceptibly, but through our bond, I feel a complex surge of emotions—indignation at being called a possession, warring with an unexpected flare of pleasure at being described as "treasured" and "united."
"How romantic," Ayla says with a trace of mockery. "I never took you for a sentimentalist, Lord Kaan."
"I am not," I assure her darkly. "I simply appreciate beauty that is mine alone to corrupt."
