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He was turned on, his memories as lustful as mine.

I tightened my grip on Rhett’s arm, forcing myself to walk straight when I’d rather vanish into Zayne’s shadows and fuck him.

Rhett turned to me with an obnoxiously knowing smile and sparkling eyes. “Must have been a real good time. I’m so glad you went to the beach.”

The throne room was set up as the morning before, though perhaps a little more disheveled, as if the partying had gone late into the night. The marble looked in need of a shine, and looking closer, the attendees were similarly worn, their eyes and clothes a little less bright. Only the coral ceiling remained vibrant.

The tether stretched as Rhett steered me toward the same table as before while Zayne lingered at the perimeter of the room.

Animatedly, Rhett spoke to his fellow merchants, all of them seemingly eager to see me again. I smiled kindly, played the role, and then glanced across the room, confirming the Starlit King was in a deep conversation with his secretary.

All I needed was the opportunity to ask about that lesson. I’d set it up so we met in a public place, somewhere Zayne and Rhett could follow.

When he glanced my way, the warm daylight did nothing to quiet my nerves as I met his gaze. The Starlit King set down his papers and studied me.

I felt like prey.

My body tightened, trapped under his gaze. I tightened my resolve. I needed control, and I was convinced he knew how to teach it.

The corners of the Starlit King’s lips turned upward in a smile, and in reply, I managed a demure nod of my head. He stood, the ring of courtiers parting to give him space as he approached.

Heart pounding, I stepped closer too.

“Aida,” he began, drawing out my false name. “I’m glad to see you’ve returned.”

My fingertips glowed, and I couldn’t quite decide if the ebbing light was intentional or not. Either way, I grimaced at the sight, acting displeased.

The Starlit King followed my gaze. “I hope your magic didn’t misbehave while you were out.”

My grip tightened as I tried not to think of Ninti. “No new issues. Just the old ones.”

He cleared his throat. “I came over to apologize. I’m sorry if I frightened you with the promise of lessons, I only meant to help.”

Shyly, caught off guard, I looked down at my still-glowing hands. “I understand…” I swallowed. “I’m sorry I ran without explaining—I was so embarrassed, to gain your attention, to be so powerless. But it’s time I swallow my pride and accept. I’d appreciate the lesson, if you’re still offering.”

A smile slowly spread across his lips. “Fortunately for you, I am a king who looks out for his own.”

“Would it be possible to meet in the visitor wing’s courtyard at the break?” I prompted. The others could easily follow me there.

“Gladly.”

I stomached a new wave of doubt. “You’re very generous.”

He turned toward his secretary, leaving me. In his stead, merchants around me filed in, each prepared to pepper me with yet another probing question.

Heart racing, I framed my face into the perfect expression of a starstruck girl who would be taught by royalty.

Chapter twenty-eight

Being Seen

Zayne

Ayla would have her lesson.

It would be easy to sulk in the shadows, frustrated by the way she smiled at him and he doted on her, but that wouldn’t help. She was sure this was her best way forward, and her confidence was something I was eager to nurture.

Presumably this was still a manipulation—the Starlit King did nothing for altruism—but whatever it was, we could handle it.Shecould handle it. And for the first session of the trade assembly, I would have to trust her implicitly while I focused on my immediate mission: steal Lord Tallus’s shard.