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“Is something wrong?” Katana asked. Had she brought up something she shouldn’t have?

He simply shook his head and looked up at the blossoms in the trees.

“Do you know how long it has been since I have been kissed?” Katana splashed her chest once more. His head snapped in her direction and looked like she’d struck him across the face. Then his gaze dipped again to her wet bralette and now peaked nipples. Could she get that blush to deepen even further? Get him to smile again? He had such a lovely smile; it was a shame to see him frown.

“And it has been even longer since I have been properly bedded.” Yes, those cheeks could get rather rosy. “It has been at least a few thousand years. I am practically a virgin these days.”

The bob of his throat and the sudden flare of his pupils were satisfying to watch. “Maker Above, Katana,” he murmured, but the corners of his mouth began to curl up. “I’m going to have to go find a cold river to plunge into in a minute.”

“Or you could join me, but it is far from cold.”

“I better not.”

She strode out of the water and past him, brushing her knuckles against his shoulder. She walked out from under the shade of the poplar trees where the sun felt wonderful on her skin. Her magic tingled and relished in the light.

When she turned back around, he was leaned up against a tree trunk with his muscular arms crossed. It was freeing to be away from Atlanta, and to flirt like she never could without worrying he would hurt her. “I think it is almost supper. Mystomach is growling.” She picked up her dress and draped it over her arm.

He practically stumbled pushing off the tree and was at her side in a flash. “You can’t go inside like that.”

“Like what?”

His eyes flared. “Like—dripping wet and practically naked. That white bra isn’t hidinganything.”

“I suppose I will just have to stand here until I am dry. I do not want to get my dress wet. It could stain the silk. It is a delicate fabric.”

Her brow arched as she watched him tug off his tunic. A moment later, he took the dress from her arm and slipped his too-large shirt over her head. Giggling, she pushed her arms through the sleeves and let the white cotton fabric drape to her mid thighs. The sleeves fell just past her fingertips. “This is sure to cause more gossip than breakfast.”

Chapter 14

THANE

Thane anxiously curled and uncurled his fingers. She was correct about the gossip. Maybe he could sneak her inside… No, why did this even bother him? There was no reason to sneak about with her. He was High King and committed to no one. Gods, she looked good. Her round perky ass was even noticeable in his oversized shirt.It has been even longer since I have been properly bedded…She was either sweetly naive or knew exactly what she was doing, and she was too old to be naive. Now all he could think about was what bedding her might be like. But it was wrong. He shouldn’t be thinking about her this way. They would only ever be friends. He wouldn’t let what was left of his heart get tangled up into another mess.

Slamming his eyes shut, he rubbed his forehead as if it could scrub away the thoughts. “We can go in and change first, then dinner.”

She playfully patted his arm. “I did not plan to go like this, Thane. Remember when I said I have an affinity for fashion? I like to attend dinner parties properly dressed.” They started walking side by side. “How will the seating arrangements be?”she tsked. “I do not think Valeen should be seated anywhere near your mother.”

Dread slowly worked its way through him. A dinner party with Valeen, Hel, his mother, and Katana sounded like a nightmare. It was sure to be an interesting evening. “Definitely not. Although I don’t think any amount of distance will keep them from arguing.”

Katana let out aha. “Oh, so it will be a fun night then. Entertaining at least.” She gestured ahead. “There is Valeen and Hel now.” She practically bounced on her toes as she waved at them.

Thane groaned. Valeen’s face was difficult to read as her bright blue eyes flicked back and forth between them. Hel on the other hand looked like he was about to have the best time of his life.

“Hello, Katana,” Hel said with a mischievous smirk. His eyes dragged over her and then he glanced at Thane. “What have we been up to? Something where clothes were optional, I see.”

She grinned at him. “We—well, I took a dip in the hot springs. It felt so nice. And I did not want to ruin my dress, so Thane lent me his shirt. We are heading inside for dinner if you would join us. Oh, um, did you do what you needed to in Calladira?” she grimaced at even asking the question.

Valeen stared at Thane, scrutinizing his face. Whether she wanted to smile or tear his head off, he couldn’t decide. “Aldrich is dead.”

A strange sense of relief washed through him. Aldrich had been on the back of his mind since the battle with his father. Now he didn’t have to worry he’d show up to try to kill him and take the throne for his. Or even gather supporters to campaign against him for the rightful heir. “How did they react to another Lord of theirs dying?” He tapped his boot. They were never going to have peace with the woodland elves.

“No one had anything to say about it, if that’s what you’re asking.” Hel rubbed his chin. “I have that effect on people. Didn’t someone say something about dinner? I’m famished.”

Thane paced outsidethe dining hall. Piper, Fennan, Leif, Orlandia, Talon, and Katana were already inside. He peeked through the crack in the door and spotted Hel casually drop into the chair on the opposite end of the High King’s seat.

“What are you doing with Katana? I know about the whole flirting and teasing thing between you but what was that outside?” Valeen’s voice sent a shiver down his spine. He had to take a deep breath before he turned around and faced her. The dying light from sunset peeked through the nearby window and bathed her in amber.

“You’re going to have to clarify.”