Page 25

In truth, his statement had put me at ease.

I waited a moment, only to make him think I was not entirely convinced.

But it was purely for show, because after years of being a prisoner, and over a month of salty slop, food had become my weakness.

No doubt, Lord Embers had caught sight of that after watching me devour the breakfast he’d previously planned.

The tart looked almost too beautiful to eat— almost .

Not wanting to appear too swayed, I said, “If you are not truly working with Lady Jesmine, then why are you here, Lord Embers?”

He started slicing the dessert. “That’s a sensible question, and there is a respectable reason …

but I am not sure I am ready to expose all my secrets yet.

” His eyes softened. “I hope you understand. We’ve only just made it back to friendly terms, and you still address me as Lord Embers, instead of Devrix. ” He winked.

Fair enough, I wasn’t about to reveal my secret plotting with him, either.

He handed me a plate with a generous serving before helping himself and retreating to the chair across from me. “Tell me, what is it that you enjoy in life … or better, what were some of your favorite hobbies before you found yourself a prisoner?”

It was a simple question. I thought back to the last memory of my mother, when she was still healthy enough to take Clay and me to a little spot on the river.

The trees were dense along the bank, but we had found a small path to an opening where the sun soaked through.

My mother would bring a basket and the three of us would wade in the river collecting and comparing rocks until our cheeks were kissed rosy with heat and sunshine.

I looked down at my wrist, the blue beads made from stones we’d collected. Returning my attention back to Lord Embers—or Devrix, as he preferred, I answered, “Collecting rocks on the riverbanks with my brother and mom.”

“Your expression tells me it is a fond memory.” The edges of his eyes creased with his smile.

Somehow, Devrix’s kind eyes and soothing manner led me to share more memories of my mother—time spent with her in the garden, and how Clay and I grew closer after her death.

Devrix told me he had an older sister, but they were always distant. She found him a nuisance when their parents let him tag along, annoyed when she and her friends were held back from their big kid adventures. “Clay is lucky to have an older sister that dotes on him,” he said.

I grew silent, wondering if Clay thought that. What memories does he hold on to from our childhood? Is he concerned about my fate, knowing I’d been sent as the Blood Offering?

“I hope I didn’t offend you?”

I shrugged. For some reason, I felt the urge to talk about it.

“My brother and I … Well, you asked me if I believe we choose our path, or if fate decides. There was a time I thought I had beat fate.” Devrix watched me with interest as I continued.

“You see, my father did not handle my mother’s passing well, and as time went on and I grew older, I decided it would be better if Clay and I distanced ourselves from him. ”

For a moment, I hesitated to expose more, but it felt good to talk about the thoughts that circled my mind.

“As luck would have it, I came upon a significant amount of money and wanted to do something good. I planned to take Clay and start over, away from the reach of my father. Clay was only eleven then ...” Disappointment rose as I revisited the turns my life had made.

The life I was so close to starting, never allowed to sprout.

“I should have realized it would have been scary to leave home for him. … There were some things that happened then. Fate or bad decisions, those events led me here. I just wish I knew how he was doing now.” I played off my sadness with a smile.

“It is obvious you care, despite what events took place.”

“I do.” I nodded.

Our plates were empty, and I wasn’t sure how much time had passed. I stood, suddenly aware of how comfortable I’d become in his presence. “I should … umm.”

Before I completed whatever was about to stumble from my mouth, Devrix said, “Thank you for confiding in me with your worries, Nova. I enjoyed your company, and I’m glad we could clear things up between us before I leave.”

“You are leaving?” The news felt like a loss.

“I must return to Ohmlora for a few days. I’ll be back again soon to continue my work for the king.” With a warm smile, he held out his hand. “I hope to see you then.”

His outstretched hand hovered in the air, a question of trust. A second passed before I lifted my hand and placed it in his.

He ever so slowly bent and laid a kiss above my knuckles. Something low in my stomach tightened. As he pulled away, his fingertips skimmed over mine and he gently released my hand.

“Goodnight, Lord—” I stopped myself, then continued, “Goodnight, Devrix.”

My emotions and reason stood divided. He is an Ashlora, I reminded myself. Handsome as he is, he is dangerous. I turned and stepped out of the room, needing space to clear my thoughts.

As I dashed down the hall, a plethora of emotions whirled within. Finding myself alone, not having to play down my enjoyment or worry about my safety, I let myself smile openly as a bubble of happiness built in my chest.

I had let an Ashlora near. And I enjoyed his affection.