Page 55

I have spent so long in battle, so long in control, so long focused on the weight of my crown that I have forgotten what it is to laugh without restraint, to live without every choice hinging on war.

And yet, here she is. Sitting across from me, barefoot in my chambers, licking butter from her fingers, teasing me like this is all a game—like she doesn’t realize the hold she has on me.

Or worse, like she does.

Vaela sighs, popping another bite into her mouth before giving me a pointed look. “I can hear you thinking, you know. It’s loud, and quite frankly, exhausting. Relax, Dragon Queen.” She reaches for the goblet beside her, taking a slow sip before flashing me a wicked grin. “Or at least try to pretend you know how.”

I narrow my eyes, picking up a piece of lobster from my plate, studying it before I speak. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to make me enjoy your company.”

“Oh, Nyxara,” she drawls, pressing a hand to her chest in feigned offense. “That implies I haven’t already succeeded.” She tilts her head, smirking as she drags a claw lightly against the rim of her goblet. “Besides, I am very, very good at making people enjoy themselves.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, here you are,” she hums, taking another slow sip of wine, her gaze never leaving mine. “Dining with me. Humoring me. Tolerating me, even.”

I scoff. “Tolerating is a strong word.”

She taps a finger against her chin in mock consideration. “True. Enduring, then.”

I shake my head, exasperated. “Are you always this unbearable?”

Vaela grins, biting off another piece of lobster. “Only for you, Dragon Queen.”

I sigh, setting my utensils down, the remnants of the meal nothing more than scattered shells and discarded citrus peels. “This was meant to fortify us for the day ahead, not to give you an excuse to hear yourself talk.”

Vaela flicks a droplet of melted butter from her wrist, utterly unbothered. “Oh, but my voice is lovely, isn’t it?” Her smirk is wicked, teasing, and she knows exactly what she’s doing.

I don’t entertain her, already rising to leave when she stretches, rolling her shoulders with a pleased hum. “As much as I do enjoy lingering here, after last night, I’d say we could both use a bath.”

I pause, considering it.

She tilts her head, grinning. “Oh, don’t look so surprised, Dragon Queen. Even I require more than just salt water every now and then.”

I shake my head, exhaling. “Fine. Come on.”

She rises, padding barefoot toward me, her silver hair spilling in loose waves over her shoulders. “A bath with the fearsome Dragon Queen. I’d be honored.”

I scoff. “Don’t push it.”

She only hums, smug, leading the way toward the bathing chambers.

And despite myself, I follow.

The water laps at my shoulders, warm and heavy with the scent of crushed lavender and deep-sea minerals. The cavern around us is vast, carved from the ancient stone beneath the castle, its walls lined with glowing moss that casts everything in a soft, ethereal blue-green light. Waterfalls trickle from the ceiling in delicate, silken streams, feeding into the massive in-ground pool, their steady rhythm echo a soothing lull against the rough edges of my thoughts. The air is thick with steam, curling around us in ghostly wisps, carrying the faint scent of salt and something darker—something uniquely Vaela.

She is draped against the opposite side of the bath, her silver hair floating around her like liquid moonlight, her skin glowing with that iridescent sheen that I’ve grown to love. Droplets slidedown the sharp lines of her collarbones, catching on her skin before disappearing into the water. Her silver hair clings to her shoulders, damp strands curling at her throat, framing her face in a way that makes it impossible to look away. The water ripples lazily around her, shifting just enough to tease at the curve of her waist, her hips, giving glimpses of bare skin before obscuring it again. She’s completely naked, completely unguarded—but the way she watches me, eyes steady and unreadable, makes it clear she’s still in control.

I should not be watching her.

But I am.

She tilts her head, white-blue eyes gleaming through the haze of steam. "Enjoying the view, Dragon Queen?"

I exhale sharply, shifting my gaze as I reach for the bar of fragrant soap resting on the edge of the bath. "Just making sure you don’t vanish beneath the surface."

Vaela chuckles, the sound low and indulgent. "How thoughtful, Dragon Queen. But I hate to disappoint—I couldn't drown even if I tried."

She glides through the water with effortless grace, her fingers trailing lazily across the surface, parting the waves as if the ocean itself bends to her will. It likely does.