Chapter Nine

T he subsequent days passed in a flurry of performative activity. Evienne and the Beitarans attended meals in the great hall, toured the city, and had tea with the queens. Lord Lùtair—who insisted Evienne should call him Solon—seemed particularly interested in Léhiona, but the Queen Consort did not return his curiosity. Evienne assumed something about the magic that silenced Léhiona would cause her distress if she tried to reminisce with the Beitarans; as a result, it seemed she preferred to keep her distance rather than test the limits of the magic that bound her.

Solon was often occupied throughout the day by various diplomatic talks with other nobles, which meant Evienne was left alone with Orion for long stretches of time. All of the conversation with him since the lecture had been pleasant, albeit shallow. No more whispered flirtations. It was enough to make her think she had imagined the whole thing.

Instead, discussions of palace architecture had featured heavily, but always with the witty undertone of humor she was coming to expect from the Professor. She had no idea what the Beitarans’ true motives for this trip could be, but at least they did not seem malicious. Despite this, she remained vigilant, trying to casually discover more about their backgrounds. She spent hours pondering all the bits of rather mundane information she managed to get from them, trying to piece together some sort of plausible deeper reason for their trip here. Unfortunately for Evienne, they truly seemed to be here to enjoy themselves and socialize with the other attendees.

The reward for her pondering was nothing more than stolen glances at Orion and his confusingly, infuriatingly beautiful face. He was tall; Evienne was of average height, and she barely reached his collarbones. His shoulders were broad, but his frame tapered elegantly at his waist. His arms and legs were toned, but not bulky. He was all lithe, graceful lines and impossible angles. Evienne couldn’t keep her eyes off him.

Half of the time, she caught herself staring at him; he—embarrassingly—also caught her staring at him. It would have been entirely too humiliating but for the intense curiosity in his gaze whenever their eyes met. It was enough to make her face heat on more than one occasion.

On the evening of the official start of the celebration, the opening night ball, Evienne donned the first of many gowns she had commissioned for the month’s festivities. It was a shade of purple so rich it rivaled the midnight sky. Its velvet skirt was draped to move and flow around her legs from where it began at the curve of her full waist. The bodice was corseted, with a sweetheart neckline and sleeves that draped off the side of her shoulders. The back scooped down below her shoulder blades, and she wore her hair swept up off her neck in a pile of curls atop her head. Two teardrop diamonds hung from her ears.

Evienne darkened her lips to a deep blood red, slipped her silver bladed ring onto her hand, and made her way to the throne room. It was the largest, most ornate space in Lucinne. Its glass ceiling was latticed with delicate filigree bronze work. Stained glass windows in shades of royal blue and navy were situated at intervals around the space as well. The bronze throne sat at the far end of the room on a dais with a banquet table set before it. Aldith and Léhiona were already in their places when Evienne entered through a side door.

She strode up to the dais, sinking into a deep curtsy as she approached. The room echoed with voices from all of the guests at the long tables filling the hall. She caught the sound of Cecelia’s melodic laughter from somewhere nearby and smiled as she rose to address the queens.

“Your majesties, I hope you are well and enjoying the opening celebration so far?”

“We are indeed,” Léhiona answered enthusiastically. This event was the culmination of years of planning for the queens. Evienne hoped they were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor over the coming weeks.

“How are your charges faring?” Aldith asked quietly, her expression remaining smooth and neutral.

“They are well, your majesty. Settling in comfortably, I believe.” Evienne kept her words vague, but Aldith’s appraising gaze made it clear she understood Evienne’s message that there seemed to be no imminent threat.

“Wonderful. We were glad to meet them the other day for tea, but we will hope to see more of the Beitarans in the coming weeks,” Aldith flicked her gaze over Evienne’s shoulder, no doubt seeking out the two northerners where they sat near the far wall of the hall.

“Ah, Evienne, our very own High Sangviere!” Sylvain called to her as he made his way over to where she stood before the queens.

“Sylvain, it’s so good to see you!” Evienne threw her arms around him in a hug which he happily returned. Aldith cleared her throat, and Evienne remembered herself, quickly letting go of Sylvain as she shot Aldith an apologetic look.

The prince hadn’t changed much in the year since he’d seen her; she supposed he had just settled more into his adulthood. His frame was a bit less lanky, but his tan skin and dark curls were just like his sister’s.

Sylvain rolled his eyes conspiratorially and whispered just for her, “Let’s catch up sometime when the hawk isn’t watching?” He winked at her, turning to give an elaborate flourishing bow to Aldith, and Evienne bit her lip to avoid smiling. He strode off into the crowd, and Evienne curtsied, turning to make her way to her own seat near Solon and Orion. She and the queens had decided to keep their friendship less public for the duration of the celebration—flaunting their close personal ties could raise suspicions with their Beitaran visitors—but Evienne couldn’t help her excitement at seeing Sylvain. He was like a little brother to her, too.

Sliding into her seat next to the Orion, Evienne reached for her wine glass and took a sip of the dry, spicy vintage. She could feel Orion’s attention on her before he spoke.

“Are you well this evening, Evienne?”

Every time he said her name, the way the vowels rolled through his rich voice sent a chill down her spine.

“I am, thank you,” she answered, a tad breathless.

“You certainly look well,” he said with a devilish smile. Did this man always have a bit of dark laughter behind his words? Evienne could never quite tell if he was trying to seduce her or not. If he was, it was certainly working.

“You are absolutely shameless!” She said with a laugh. She turned her face toward him then, their gazes locking. This time Evienne didn’t shy away from her body’s reaction to his proximity; let him see how he affected her. She knew her cheeks had to be a vibrant pink; she could feel herself flushing.

No one had ever had this effect on her. She wondered absently if he was doing something to manipulate her, but it was unlikely since his people’s magic had dwindled so significantly. And anyway, she didn’t think that sort of magic had ever been part of their abilities.She only had herself to blame for all her blushing and butterflies.

“We’ve spent nearly a week in each other’s company, and I’m embarrassed to say I still don’t know what your particular area of academic interest is.”

He smiled at her slowly before responding. “I study the history of magic. Both the magic of Beitar as well as other areas across Domhan na Rùin.”

His answer was a bit surprising to Evienne; she didn’t know what she had expected, but it wasn’t a magic historian from a nation with no magic left.

“I see. And, if it is not too presumptuous of me to ask, what is the current state of Beitar’s magic?” Evienne didn’t see any real harm in just asking outright. They had to know Ichornians would be curious.

“It is now extinct, I’m afraid. Save for our King’s,” he answered plainly.

Evienne had assumed as much, but his admission still pricked sadness to life in her heart. She let her feelings show on her face as she answered.

“I am sorry for the loss, truly. It’s one no people should suffer.”

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “It is a point of great sorrow for our people that we are unable to shift and experience the other half of our souls. I believe many of the Tuanadair feel the lack of balance deeply.”

“I can only imagine what it would be like to be cut off from my magic. I think I would feel completely disconnected from our world then. Are your people able to tell what sort of shifter they are? Is there any awareness of that part of one’s soul without active magic?”

“In rare cases we can tell without any magic. Many only have a vague sense of their whole soul while they cannot access it,” he replied.

Evienne was taken aback at how open he was being, considering how distant his country had been for the last centuries. She had assumed asking him about it in a crowded ballroom wouldn’t get her far; she wouldn’t have been surprised if they had been required to submit to a magical gag similar to Léhiona’s, but it seemed their King was becoming more lax in his old age.

“Do you know what your animal is?”

Orion’s brows rose at her question, but Evienne held his gaze, not backing down.She panicked internally that perhaps she had pushed him too far with such a question.

“That’s a rather personal question, don’t you think, Evienne?” They sat there, gazes locked, and Evienne’s heart stopped. Orion’s mouth pulled up ever so slightly at the corner, hinting at his amusement. He wasn’t offended, then, just teasing her, as usual.Relief washed over her, and she decided to have a bit of fun.

“You can ask me a personal question in return, if you wish,” Evienne answered, returning Orion’s smirk. “I’m an open book.”

He arched a brow at her, a dimple appearing on his cheek as he smiled. “Then tell me, High Sangviere, why it is I see your cheeks flush every time we speak?”

She felt heat creeping down her neck even now, her eyes widening a bit in surprise at his boldness. She didn’t mind it; she preferred to have things out in the open. But she had never met her match in frankness, and this man was startlingly blunt.

Before Evienne could answer, the sound of music drifted through the hall—the dancing was beginning. During these grand banquets, there was no set meal time. Guests could come and go from their places as they pleased, the dishes on the table continually refreshed throughout the night.

“Would you care to dance with me?” Evienne’s voice came out more breathless than she wished, her question about Orion’s Tuanadair nature conveniently forgotten.

Orion inclined his head before standing in one smooth motion. He offered her his hand, that knowing smile still warming his ethereal face.

Evienne took his hand, his skin cool and smooth under her touch. His hand was easily twice the size of her own, but held her delicately. His thumb casually ran over the back of her hand in a caress that sent a wave of tingles down her spine.

They made their way to the large open space at one end of the hall that had been reserved for dancing, the sound of the string orchestra growing more insistent with their approach. The couples parted as the first song ended, and a lush tune in three-quarter time began to play.

Orion led her to the edge of the dance floor and turned to face her, pulling her body close and resting his other hand on her waist. They stood chest to chest, and she had to tilt her head back to peer up at him.

Sylvain was on the dance floor as well, a beautiful auburn-haired man opposite him. He caught Evienne’s stare and winked at her.

The music started again, and they began to move in a swirling pattern of three steps, turning as they went, moving with the other couples in a great circle. This was one of the few dance patterns that were fairly universal across Domhan na Rùin.

Evienne was painfully aware of every place where her body touched Orion’s. He smelled of cardamom and sandalwood, and his sleek black hair caught the bronzy light of the room. Her fingertips dug into his midnight blue jacket; it was tailored to perfection, double-breasted, and buttoned tight around his narrow waist.

Evienne’s deep purple gown flowed around her legs as they danced, their movements surprisingly natural. She was grateful he wasn’t making her talk and dance at the same time; she wasn’t coordinated enough for that. No, rather than talk, they only danced, and his thumb made idle strokes against her waist where he held her.

When the music ended, he kept hold of her hand and led her toward the terrace that was open to the chill night air. They made their way through the crowd and stepped out into the inky dark, finding a spot near the bronze railing.

This terrace had a beautiful view out over Lucinne. Even at night, the mage light streaming from the windows across the city was tinged with color from all of the stained glass. The bronze used so plentifully throughout the city caught the moonlight with a warm reflection, making all the buildings appear as though lit by candlelight.Evienne would never grow tired of this view.

Orion’s voice pulled her from her reverie; she rarely took the time to simply admire the city she called home.

“You look at this view as if you’ve never seen it before,” Orion observed.

She gave a halfhearted chuckle and said, “I almost never stop what I’m doing to take in this beautiful place that I love so dearly. I’ve lived in Ichorna my whole life, and Lucinne for nearly twenty years, and I think I’d do just about anything for my people.”

“Your devotion is admirable; your people are lucky to have you as a defender,” Orion smiled at her, his words earnest.

“I try to be worthy of them, but I feel there is more I could do,” Evienne sighed. “Enough about me, though. Time for you to share all of your innermost thoughts and feelings,” Evienne said with her own mischievous smile.

“Well, at this moment, I find my mind consumed with a very specific topic,” Orion’s dimple was on display, but his gaze was heated. Evienne raised her eyebrows at him in question.

“Evienne, you appreciate bluntness, I think, so I will be straightforward with you. I am intrigued by you. I know my time in this city will be short, but I find my thoughts constantly drawn to you since my arrival, and I intend to invest my time in knowing you better.”

Thoughts spun wildly through Evienne’s head at Orion’s words. She was supposed to be getting him off-balance, not the other way around. She wasn’t cut out to spy, she realized. She craved authenticity too much to play games with people. A rather inconvenient observation given her current situation.

Evienne felt herself wanting to be closer, though she already stood quite close to him. She knew she must look surprised at his words, and she was. He was right—she did prefer bluntness—but it was a rare indulgence, especially when it came to matters of the heart. She felt all sorts of emotions as she looked at him. Excitement, longing, curiosity—all alongside the pang of fear that had kept her from letting herself really be intimate with anyone in the time since she had left Dominique.

She decided then that she would let herself have this enjoyment. She could do this without getting attached, just as she had a hundred times before. Orion wouldn’t be here long; there was no risk of her losing all of the work she had done to reclaim herself. Other than perhaps being a bit unprofessional, she didn’t see any harm.

“Orion,” she began, placing her hand over his on the cool railing. “I do appreciate your frankness; I will endeavor to match it. I find myself drawn to you for reasons that I do not fully understand. I know your time here is limited, but I will enjoy it all the same, in more ways than one, if I understand the full extent of your proposition.”

He leaned into her space then, sliding his other hand around her waist. It didn’t even cross her mind to pull away.

“Well then, High Sangviere and Protector of Lucinne,” his voice lowered in volume, only for the two of them. “I believe we understand each other. I would like to make good on our agreement now, if that is acceptable to you?”

Evienne peered at him through her lashes. Her breath caught at his words. She had a job to do, but she supposed getting closer to him could make him more comfortable opening up to her about his motives. If she was being honest, though, she would accept any excuse her mind could give her to be with him. She just—wanted to.

She nodded, bringing her hands to his chest. His fingers tensed on her waist, and he leaned in to brush his lips against her cheek. Evienne’s breath left her in a silent pant, and she angled her head, bringing her lips to his in a gentle kiss.

Heartbeats passed before Orion deepened the kiss, his hands sliding up Evienne’s back to pull her flush to his body. He groaned softly as her lips parted for him, their tongues brushing. Evienne pulled away with a gasp, her whole body alight with desire for this man in a way she had never felt for anyone.

“Come with me.” Evienne took Orion’s hand and led him through the halls until they came to the library. She knew all of the librarians were attending the celebration, so it would certainly be quiet amongst the stacks. They entered the great wooden doors, and Evienne closed them behind her with a gentle thud.She silently prayed that no one would come looking for them or notice they’d gone.

They made their way to one of the hearths that was set up with a few sofas and a low table. It was one of the many reading areas in the massive palace library. This particular nook was along the back wall, far from the main entrance.

The fire that had been burning was nothing more than a pile of embers, casting a warm orange glow on the plush rug. The whole of the library was filled with windows, so the moon’s light made the space bright despite the dying fire.

Orion didn’t waste a moment, pulling Evienne back into his embrace. His lips found the sensitive crook of her neck and Evienne let out a little moan at the tingling she felt in her fingertips. She breathed in his warm, spicy scent and felt her pulse come to life in her core. All hesitation left her mind as she focused on simply feeling .

“Is this what you want?” Orion sounded breathless, his hands bracing her generous waist. His fingers were splayed, with his forefingers brushing the underside of her breasts. She looked up at him, noticing the color in his cheeks. He was just as affected by this as she was.

“Yes. Please.” Evienne couldn’t believe she was all but begging, but she didn’t know what else to make of this pull between them. She had taken many lovers, but something about this felt new.

“Good,” Orion answered, drawing his hands up her sides until he cupped her breasts fully in his hands through her dress. He bent to capture her mouth again, the kiss demanding from the start this time. She brought her hands to wrap around his neck, running them through his silky hair. He slid his hands back down her body, grabbing her rear and pulling her closer to him. She felt his hardness against her stomach and moaned again.

“May I touch you?” Orion’s voice was a breathless rumble against her neck.

“Yes,” Evienne moaned as he began to pull her toward one of the couches. Orion sat and guided Evienne into a position astride him. She had never shied away from being on display; in fact, she rather enjoyed it. Her skirt gathered around her waist, exposing her rounded hips and full thighs.

Orion’s gaze was fixed on all of the places where her creamy soft skin was revealed. His hands slid reverently up her thighs, and he glanced up at her, his eyes full of his lust and something else she couldn’t quite place. She leaned down, cupping his jaw with one hand, and whispered in his ear, “Now, touch me.”