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Andnotindulging in something that would readily own you body and soul.As the thought occurred, he met this female’s gaze. She peered up at him with her blond brows drawn, and a charge passed between them, like lightning.

Silt was reminded of when bolts struck sand and birthed glass. He felt equally electrified and brittle.

Breaking the moment, she said, “I’ve answered your questions. Now tell me what you were going to say earlier. Why did you find it interesting that only hours passed before I was captured?”

“Because the Gaolers don’t work that fast. Someone informed on you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You have an enemy with both foresightandthe ear of the Gaolers. Do you know any oracles?”

“Yes, I’m close friends with one. But Balery is steadfastly loyal.”

“Might want to rethink that.”

She frowned. “My uncle Lothaire entertains a friendship of sorts with Nïx the Ever-Knowing.”

“The most powerful soothsayer in all the worlds? You’re caught up in her web, and you don’t even know it.”

“Then my brother is too—if not my entire kingdom.” With a firm nod, Kosmina said, “I have much work to do and must return as soon as possible.”

Moments later, Silt caught her gaze trailing over a loose rock beside their path. “Sand almighty, how many times have you tried to off me?”

She shrugged. “One too few. Logic dictates that I take you down before Mirceo arrives or before I succumb to another of Nightside’s threats.”

“True. If he somehow breaches this realm, his odds of survival would make even yours look good.”

“Now, if only something could make your control of sand look good.”

“I’ll get it back, princess, then show you control as you’ve never seen.”

She feigned a yawn. “If I use Dorada’s ring, my second wish should be for you to enjoy all the cruelty you’ve ever delivered.”

He enjoyed verbally sparring with her, found it a refreshing change from her braining him. “Why not wish for what you really want? More of my kiss. Of course, you don’t need the ring for that. I can grant all your fantasies. I’ll do it right now.”

“How can you desire someone you want to hurt?” Judging by her expression, she wrestled with this question herself. “And someone who regrets kissing you in the first place?”

Her disdain rankled, reminding him of when highborn Sorceri females had shared his bed then refused to acknowledge him, an Inferi, in public. And they’d been better than the ones who’d simply demanded his presence in their bedchambers. Those females hadn’t even treated him like a man, more like an animal.

Memories harshened his tone. “Desire you? I just need to get off. Before you flatter yourself, know that I’ll sleep with anything, and you’re the only quarry in this realm for all I know. You’re notpreferred, princess; you’re justavailable.” Giving a laugh, he said, “Butyou, ah, you delighted in my kiss.”

“I’m going crazy from plague, remember? And I just died. Let’s just say I’m not at my most discerning.”

His lips thinned. She wouldn’t have surrendered to him otherwise, and they both knew it. “That was your first kiss, wasn’t it?”

Her cheeks reddened, burning through the blood he’d given her. “I don’t want to discuss this.”

“Come on, princess, are we not to talk about how you took my lips like a vampire starved?”

“Madman!Youkissedme.”

“Hard to remember, when you met me with such enthusiasm. You were so close to coming for me, aching for me to fill you.”

Blushing to the tips of those ears, she said, “I desire more than an exchange of . . . culminations. I want a communion.”

“Huh?”

She exhaled an impatient breath, as if he wasn’t worth her upcoming explanation: “I won’t make love until I’m in love. It’s that simple.”