Page 7 of A Queen’s Game (Aithyr Uprising #1)

Marietta walked to the stove and started the flame.

Though a shit hole, she picked it because not only was it cheap, but it had plumbing and a gas stove.

Marietta preferred to have interior gas lamps, but she couldn’t beat the price.

She filled the kettle, looking over her shoulder at Keyain. “Can I get you anything? Cup of tea?”

He glanced up from the stack of books he inspected. “I’m alright, but thank you.”

She placed the kettle on the stove, leaning back against the counter as she watched Keyain.

The elven man was a stranger, but he made himself at home as he walked around the room, attempting and failing to hide the judgment from his expression.

She laughed to herself as she turned to the whistling kettle, pouring it over the leaves in her teapot.

Even with Keyain’s close inspection of her apartment, calm washed over Marietta.

Perhaps his presence alleviated her anxiety.

Or, more realistically, it was the calming chamomile scent that drifted from her brewing tea.

Marietta turned back to the room as she waited for her tea to brew, watching Keyain grimace as he examined the items strewn across the couch. “I’m only in Kentro a week at a time,” Marietta said, drawing his gaze.

“And?”

“That’s why my apartment is small—and cheap.”

“Oh, I wasn’t judging,” he said, the blush climbing his cheeks again, as he stood to face her, arms clasped behind his back.

Marietta laughed to herself at his ridiculous blushing; such an adorable action didn’t match the man. “You most definitely are.”

“It’s just surprising. You dress like someone who’s well off.”

“That’s because I am well off.” Marietta hid her smirk as she turned back to the teapot, pouring the drink into a ceramic mug. Typical Syllogian elf focused on flaunting wealth and status.

Marietta met his gaze as she crossed the room, then dropped it to his body half-hidden by his coat.

Anticipation built as Keyain followed her, leaning against the opposite wall as she sat on the bed.

The couch would have been more appropriate, but the bed was a dare.

How would Keyain react? Thoughts darted in his eyes; she could see him trying to piece together Marietta, which thrilled her.

Heat sparked at the bottom of her stomach.

“Even if you’re only here part-time, I thought you’d want to live somewhere that marks your status,” Keyain said.

Marietta snorted. “I have nothing to prove, no status to claim. I only own this place as a means to hold the few items I own.”

Keyain shook his head, one side of his lips curving up. “You’re an interesting person.”

Marietta shrugged, raising an eyebrow. “Is that the best compliment you can give?

“I could insult you instead. You were foolish to go down that dark, abandoned street.”

“My anger distracted me.” Marietta’s fingers tapped the side of her mug as her eyes narrowed on Keyain. “On a normal evening, I wouldn’t have gone that way.”

“No kidding; alone at night, nonetheless.” He frowned, shaking his head. “I called your name at the bar.”

“I heard.”

“I could have walked you back.”

“I wasn’t in the mood to deal with you,” she murmured, blowing on her tea. Even under layers, she could see the strength of Keyain’s arms crossing over his broad chest.

“Look, I’m sorry about Alyck. He’s a good guy, I swear.”

Marietta rolled her eyes. Kicking him out sounded tempting, but the handsome elf delighted her, even as he defended his friend. “I suppose you would think good guys say clip, being from which elven city-state?”

His jaw tightened at her pointedness. “Satiros. He shouldn’t have said it, but Alyck likes to… rile people up to see what they do. It was inappropriate of him, and I apologize on his behalf.”

“Hmm,” she said as she sipped her hot drink, her expression the same.

Stupid, she should throw Keyain out and forget about him.

Why would she want to keep him around when he defended his terrible friend?

The slur still pissed her off, yet at least he hadn’t been the one to say it.

Keyain grew desperate as he shifted his weight from foot to foot, and gods did Marietta enjoy it.

His need for her to accept his apology was intoxicating.

Keyain mussed his hair. “I’d like to take your job offer.”

She lowered her mug, frowning. “You want it? Why?”

“I’m traveling around Enomenos already. We can travel together.” He kept his head lowered but raised his eyes to watch Marietta’s reaction.

“And you’re willing to travel about to whichever city-state I need?” she asked with a smirk, her eyes narrowing. “What work do you do in Satiros that could be so flexible?”

“A security job of sorts. I have a few months off at a time.” He smiled at Marietta’s smirk, lowering his eyes again.

“Interesting,” she mused. Keyain continued to shift under Marietta’s dominant gaze. It was almost too easy. “What credentials do you have?”

“For one, I don’t order my ales two at a time.”

“A great start,” she said, “but Alyck set the bar low.”

“I also protected you tonight.”

“Another great point.” Marietta sipped her tea again, watching him stress.

“I’m exceptional with a sword.”

“I’m sure you are,” Marietta teased, raising a brow.

That damned blush reappeared across his cheeks, causing her stomach to tighten. “You’re making this quite difficult.”

“Is that a problem?”

He paused, his stare locked onto Marietta with furrowed brows and a smile. “No. Not at all.”

“Good, because you have the job,” she said, smirking over the rim of her mug. “But I’m paying you less because of Alyck.”

“Fine by me,” he said, chuckling, “your company will make up the difference.”

“Is that so?” Marietta paused, deciding how that evening would go.

She set her mug on the stack of books beside the bed, her heart skipping a beat as recklessness flared through her after the night’s events.

The attack had made her feel helpless. Getting to know Keyain more intimately would put her in control.

Her eyes snapped back at him, daring. “How about we test your company tonight?” She leaned back on the bed, inviting him.

A surprised smile grew on Keyain’s face as he pushed off the wall, stalking towards Marietta. One of the more stupid things she had done, she admitted, but Keyain was alluring—strong, deadly, and most likely exceptional with his sword . What’s the worst that could happen?

Marietta’s breath hitched as his finger lifted her chin, his gaze burning through her. His lips found hers, kissing with that confidence that carried him as he pushed her onto her back.

Keyain shucked off his jacket and tossed it to the floor.

Marietta drew him back to her mouth, working her fingers into the muscle of his back.

Though she knew how large he was, she didn’t understand the extent of it until he was on top, thrusting his pelvis against her.

Not uncomfortable, but also not the control she wanted.

“Sit up,” she demanded.

“What?”

“Sit up and take off your shirt.”

Keyain took a few calming breaths and pulled himself back. He grabbed the hem of his shirt and dropped it next to his coat.

The broad width of his shoulders extenuated the narrowness of his waist. Everything in between was hardened with muscle. Marietta’s gaze traveled lower to the bulge in his pants. “I see your sword is ready to be unsheathed,” she teased with her lips curling into a smirk.

“Really?” he said, his voice breathy. “That’s why you wanted me to sit up? To tease me about my sword ?”

“Not at all.” Marietta pushed herself up and grabbed Keyain’s chin. “I want to be on top.”

Keyain returned her smirk and turned to lie back on the bed. “By all means.”

Marietta straddled him, splaying her hands across his broad chest. “But I am ever so curious.”

“About what?” he murmured, lifting his hips into her.

“What type of sword are we working with here? Is it a long sword? Maybe a broadsword?”

Keyain paused and gave her a look. “Seriously?”

She ran her hand down his stomach. “Maybe it’s only a dagger.”

“It’s bigger than that,” he said defensively.

“Hmm.” She ran her hand over his bulge. Keyain moaned as she rubbed, feeling the length of him. “Indeed you are. Perhaps it’s a bastard sword.”

“You are so difficult,” he said, shaking his head with a smile. “Why do you know so much about swords?”

Marietta sat back, undoing the first button of her blouse. With a hard swallow, Keyain’s gaze trailed her hands. “I told you: I’m in the business to know other people’s business. I’m a jack of all trades, and I know a master in at least one.”

“Isn’t the phrase ‘jack of all trades but a master of none?’”

“Traditionally, yes.” Her hands reached her navel, the silk parting to show her skin. Keyain drank in the view, his cheeks flushing. “Yet my worth is tied directly to who I know, so knowing one master in each trade is an asset.” She undid the last button and slid her blouse from her shoulders.

Keyain’s expression was pained as he stared at her chest. “This is hardly the time to talk about business.”

“Then don’t ask silly questions like why I would know about swords.” Her black curls tumbled onto her breasts. She played with the end of one, looking down at Keyain. “Now tell me, what is it that you want?”

“You.”

“You want me to fuck you, Keyain?”

He shuddered as she said his name, ending with a nod.

She leaned forward, her breasts rubbing against his chest. Marietta moved in to kiss him, stopping just so her lips brushed against his. “I need you to use your words.”

“Yes,” he said, breathless as his hands gripped her hips.

She laughed, dragging her teeth across his bottom lip before sitting back. “I’ll be happy to,” she said, toying with the ties of her pants. “But you’ll have to do some extra work.”

“Gladly.” He reached to undo them himself, but she pushed away his hands.