Page 12 of The Never List (Never List #1)

Rylee

Kal laughs under his breath as I reach the bottom step, shaking his head. He leans against one of those two-wheeled contraptions made of iron and leather and metal, powered by intense Occuli magic only the wealthy can afford: a velomage. I’ve only ever seen one once, outside a nightclub in the Obsidian City when sneaking out with Layce and Ivy. The rest of us must walk or, for those more fortunate, use carriages pulled by horses. This looks like a cross between a carriage and a horse, only in the sense that you must mount it to ride.

Kal folds his muscular arms, his tight ruby shirt showing off the definition of his broad chest. His brown hair is styled to fall effortlessly over his forehead, and the dark, rugged pants he wears hug his massive thighs.

Goddess, he is delectable. His blue eyes trail the length of my body, each slow pass like a caress as I stop before him, looking up at him with a smile.

“Interesting color choice,” he says, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Do you like it?” I ask, doing a little spin to give him the full view, trying to imitate the same spin I’ve seen Erin do a thousand times when working a target. The memory of her threatens to catch up with me by the time I face Kal, and I do my best to shove it down so he can’t see the grief in my eyes.

“It suits you,” he says, nothing but warmth in his tone.

I didn’t have a clue how he’d react—from the stories, I half expected this Legend to scold me about tact—but his casual confidence leaves no room for things as petty as telling a woman what she can and can’t wear. At least that’s how it looks from where I’m standing, but only time will tell.

“Thank you,” I say, giving a little dip before eyeing the velomage behind him. “Are you going to use that?”

His grin stretches wider. “Have you ever seen one before?”

“From afar,” I say, grateful these things aren’t common enough in Cedar and Silk that it would be suspicious that I haven’t seen one up close before.

Kal lifts one leg over it, like he would mount a horse, and settles in the seat. He grips a set of metal bars with one hand and holds the other out to me. “I’m honored to be your first ride,” he says, his voice going low and seductive in a way that’s too smooth to not be rehearsed.

I bite my lower lip, my heart thundering in my chest. “Is it safe?” I eye the magical contraption suspiciously.

He laughs again, the sound like the comfort of a warm blanket. “In my hands?” he asks. “You’re always safe.”

A wave of heat crashes inside me at his declaration, and I can’t lie, it’s hard to defend against. I know he’s playing the game as much as I am. We need each other: I need him to trust me enough to fall for me so when the truth comes out, he won’t damn me, and he needs me to choose him in the end. Still, it’s… nice to feel wanted in this way, even if it’s all a game.

I slide my hand into his, and he wraps his fingers around mine as he tugs me close. I mimic his movement, situating myself behind him. I’ve been on a horse a time or two, and while this is similar, I can feel the humming of magic beneath the seat. Magic is a temperamental thing—everyone knows that—and I can only hope the obscene amount of wealth and power Kal has ensures this thing won’t explode beneath us.

Kal wraps my arm around his abdomen, and I reach around with my free hand, pulling my body tight to his, my chest pressing against his broad back.

“Hold on tight,” he says, giving me a one-second warning before taking off.

The rumble of the thing vibrates throughout my entire body in a pleasant way, and I cling to him as his speed increases. The royal city flashes by in a blur, and the people crowding along the main roads wave as their prince darts in and out of carriages and horses.

My eyes water from the wind, but a wild laugh shakes free when he takes a turn at top speed, the velomage leaning so far over I’m sure we’ll tip. Kal maneuvers it with an expert grace that speaks volumes about how many times he’s done this before. It’s exhilarating, my heart in my throat and my adrenaline soaring to an all-time high that I absolutely live for.

After a few more high-speed minutes, Kal slows, taking a bridge up and over the main road, offering us a stunning view of the city as we leave. I wipe at my eyes to clear them. The bridge dips suddenly, and we go soaring down so quickly, my stomach flips and my nails bite into his abdomen.

He turns his head just enough for me to see his profile as we level out, a full grin on his face. He frees one hand and reaches back, stroking my calf in a way that is both reassuring and possessive. A bolt of lightning scorches my center at the simple touch, making me buzz in a way that has nothing to do with the magic roaring beneath us.

I’m in trouble if a few caresses and a fast ride have me melting for this man.

It’s over an hour before we cross the border into his city—we passed Jax’s Obsidian City along the way—and I still can’t shake the fluttery feeling Kal has given me. It’s only my body reacting to him, not my heart, and as long as I keep it that way, I’ll be fine. I decide that if I can’t fight it, I might as well drench myself in these feelings in the hopes of shedding all other worries. Is it slightly delusional? Maybe, but I’ll dive into any fantasy right now in order to keep myself together.

“What do you think?” Kal asks. He slows as we reach the main road, so I can actually see everything around us.

“It’s breathtaking,” I answer honestly. I’ve never ventured as far as the Ruby Aire before, and I’m instantly regretting that decision.

The city is stunning. A collection of ancient buildings varies in stonework and detail and size, but all have a common ruby roof. The sun glitters off those roofs, dappling the cobblestone sidewalks in sparkling crimson. We enter a bustling cluster of market buildings housing luxurious items. People are strolling in and out, wearing clothes that show their nobility: elegant dresses or suits, silk blouses and slacks, tunics and leggings, their hair and makeup impeccable. And beyond the city center, I catch glimpses of the lush fields and pastures that support the agricultural wealth that Kal’s people are known for. There isn’t a sign of poverty in sight.

A rock settles in my stomach as Kal brings us to a stop along a stretch of road lined with bright buildings, shops, cafés, and taverns. How can a city like this exist—with such wealth and abundance that people have the luxury of strolling around in their finest without a care in the world—while those in the Ashlands have to beg for food most days, let alone clothes that are warm and durable?

I knew the Legends’ cities are wealthy, but hearing about it and seeing it are two very different things. Once again, I hope for change in the Ashlands, but hope gets me nowhere. If I had real power…if I had the support of four powerful mates, perhaps I could change things—

No. Survive first, dream later. I blame Kal and his peaceful, prosperous city for making my head drift toward unattainable things.

“Would you like to have lunch with me?” Kal asks as he helps me off the velomage.

“Of course—” I jolt at the sudden appearance of two Occuli behind Kal.

He turns around, spotting them before shifting back to me with an apologetic look. “I assumed you knew—”

“I did,” I say, catching my breath. I have a hard time taking my eyes off the Occuli. They’re even more terrifying in person. Their eyes…pools of black that seem endless. Their power feels otherworldly, too, ancient and jagged, so unlike Kal or any of the other Legends, whose powers feel like a strong, unshakable beacon. I force my focus back to Kal. “Just…startled me.”

“They have a knack for that,” he says. “But they won’t touch you, with hands or magic. They’re under strict orders and will meet death if they do.”

“Is it so easy to deliver death sentences?” I ask, wondering if a bit of the Legend I’ve heard so many stories about has slipped through the calm, caring persona he’s shown me. I have no love for the Occuli, but I don’t relish unnecessary death.

“It is if they break the rules when it comes to you,” he explains. “You’re our mate potential,” he continues. “Your safety, comfort, and well-being are of utmost importance to us.”

Butterflies take flight in my stomach. Would he think so if he knew the truth?

“Hungry?” he asks, and it’s such a sweet gesture to change the subject.

“Always,” I say. If there is one thing I’m certain about in this game, it’s the food. I’ll never let an opportunity slip by where I’m allowed to eat.

He holds out his hand, then leads us down the street when I take it. “Try to ignore them,” he says into my ear when he catches me eyeing the Occuli again. He smooths back some of my hair that’s come loose, the touch easy and welcome. “And if it gets to be too much, just tell me, and I’ll take you home. They’re not allowed inside my estate.”

I wet my lips, noting the sincerity in his eyes.

He shifts us, interlocking our fingers as he guides me down the busy cobblestone pathway. The other pedestrians move to the side and flash him gracious smiles as he walks by. They don’t balk in fear or dip their heads to avert his attention; they welcome it. Some even say a few kind words as we pass.

Definitely not what I was expecting from a prince rumored to have pushed a man off one of these buildings for simply looking at him the wrong way.

“This is my favorite café in the city,” he says, holding open a door for me at the base of a quaint building pressed between two taller ones. The scents of fresh-baked bread and sugar and coffee hit me as we walk in. The hostess practically falls over herself to get to us.

“Your highness,” she says, bowing low at the waist. “I didn’t realize you’d be in today.”

“Spontaneity struck,” he says. “Alice, this is Rylee. I wanted to take her to the best café in town for her first visit.”

Alice beams at him, then me. “Of course,” she says. “Your usual seat?”

Kal nods, and she weaves through the place, guiding us to a back corner table that offers more privacy. I slide into a cushioned seat across from him. The lanterns around us are low and flickering with the faint hint of red.

“What can I get you?” she asks, eyes darting between the two of us.

I flounder, having only been to a handful of restaurants in my entire life. That’s what happens when it takes me two months’ wages just to afford a meal at one in Leaf and Claw.

“Would it be all right if I asked the chef to surprise us?” Kal asks me. “She’s the best, trust me.”

“Definitely,” I say, sighing with relief. He could’ve easily ordered for me, but it’s adorable that he asked. He’s playing this game much better than me so far.

“I’ll let her know,” Alice says. “Coffee?”

“Please,” Kal and I say in unison, then laugh as Alice winks at us and disappears. She returns with our coffees in record time, along with a silver tray with cream and three different types of sugar on it.

Kal immediately scoops some white sugar into his coffee, topping it off with a heavy amount of cream. I watch his motions carefully, taking mental notes. If I learn enough of his preferences, winning him over will be easier.

“You don’t take anything in yours?” he asks, holding the mug up to his lips.

I blink a few times, then glance at the sugars again. “I’m not against a little chocolate in mine,” I say. “But I don’t mind drinking it plain, either.”

Kal smiles, then nods to a darker-looking sugar. “Try that one.”

I pick up the small spoon and stir it into my coffee. Kal watches me as I take a sip. My eyebrows rise involuntarily at the sweet, rich flavor.

“Like it?”

“Love,” I say, taking another steaming hot sip. The dark sugar has transformed the drink into a blissful, velvety texture with notes of chocolate and cinnamon.

“I told you,” he says, raising his mug to mine. “This is the best place. They make everything here, right down to their infused sugars.”

I gently clink my mug against his, my muscles relaxing as I take another sip. I can’t imagine having coffee every morning, or a life that would allow for such luxuries, but I’m going to enjoy it while I’m allowed.

A crack sounds from across the room, and I jump. One of the Occuli is holding a green flame in the palm of his hand, those black eyes reflecting the flame’s color. He nods at Kal, an emotionless smile on his lips. The conjurer is already bored with us and playing with magic for entertainment? Or is he showing a slip of his power in the hopes of intimidating me?

Kal dips his head, but a muscle in his jaw flexes. “The flames are a form of communication,” he explains.

I tilt my head.

“A direct line to my father,” he continues. “They’re reporting. Likely telling my father we’ve arrived safe in the Ruby Aire.”

Goddess, the power in that direct line to the kings is astounding. And terrifying. One slip, and I won’t even have time to beg for my life before the kings know about my misstep. My nerves tangle at the thought.

“Do you ever get used to that?” I ask, forcing the fear from my tone. “Being tracked constantly during this time?”

“Not really,” he answers. “You adjust. You learn to separate yourself into different categories.” I flash a silent question at that. “When the Occuli are around, I behave a certain way,” he explains. “A way that would be acceptable to the kings and not cause further interruption in my life. Then, I behave differently when I’m around my friends and those I trust.”

I take another sip, scanning the lines of his face. “What about privately?” I dare to ask. “What’s that like?”

He wets his lips, blue eyes flaring at the question. “What do you mean?” He lowers his voice, eyes darting to the Occuli across the room and back.

My heart flutters at the way his voice shifts, the way his eyes darken just slightly. “I mean,” I say, hushing my words, “the private Kal. The one you become in the safety behind closed doors.” I can’t help but think of the kiss from last night. The way he’d held me against him, scooped me up and claimed my mouth and then left me hanging in wire-tight suspense. My lips tingle with the memory. “The one I think I got a glimpse of last night.”

He smirks, then takes another drink, not taking his eyes off me. Slowly, he sets down his mug, drawing out the tension so much, I think I might break. “I’ll show you sometime,” he says. “If you’re up for it.”

Anticipation unfurls in my core, and I shift in my seat. “I think you’d be surprised what I’m up for,” I say, a little breathless from the butterflies in my stomach. I’m not faking this reaction, and I don’t exactly hate it. I should hate it. Hate him and everything his royal blood represents. But he’s making it impossible.

His eyes are full of curiosity. “Is that right?”

“What, the other potentials never surprised you?”

His smile drops, and he clears his throat. “The other potentials were clearly not a match.”

“And who’s to say I am?” I grin. “Isn’t it too early to tell?”

A startled laugh rips from his lips. “You really are different,” he says, leaning back in his seat. “Jax was right.”

A thrill rushes through me at the sound of Jax’s name.

“He chose you because of it,” he says. “Not that he’d admit every reason behind his decision, but…” Kal nods, something churning in his eyes. “I see it now.”

“Jax isn’t a big sharer?” I guess.

Kal laughs again, shaking his head. “Never has been. Not even when we were kids.”

I try to picture the Legends as young boys running around without a handle on their powers and have a hard time wrapping my head around the image. “I can’t imagine any of you as children,” I admit. “It must’ve been chaotic.”

“Where do you think we earned our name?”

“You’re not serious.”

“My mother gave it to us,” he says, eyes going distant, soft. “After scolding us for destroying one of her favorite tea rooms during a game.”

I swallow hard, watching his features shift as the memory plays out behind his eyes.

“As we were cleaning up the room we wrecked, I heard her explaining to Axl’s mother what we’d done. She said, ‘these little Legends of Chaos broke all my favorite teacups.’”

I laugh, shocked at the story I’ve never heard. Everyone who has ever spoken about the Legends around me has glorified the name with stories of destruction, madness, and murder. And here he’s saying it’s about teacups?

“Do you remember her well?” I ask, marveling at the fact that I’m asking about the goddess Neph like she’s any other mother in Lumathyst.

“Here and there,” he answers. “We were only six when they went to sleep.” A muscle in his jaw pops, his eyes hardening as he stares at a spot on the table, seeing something else entirely, I imagine.

“I remember when it happened,” I say, shrugging. “Even though I was only four.”

Kal nods, his gaze still distant.

I’m about to ask him where he is, what he’s remembering, but Alice returns with our food, setting it before us. Kal blinks away the memory, shifting back into that publicly acceptable version of himself so easily, it’s almost jarring.

Careful. I’ll have to be very careful with him. While he might be charming and sexy and downright intriguing, he’s also clearly an expert at wearing invisible masks.

So am I, but he doesn’t need to know that.

I glance down at the plates, inhaling the sweet smell of fresh bread and something like caramel.

“This is one of her specialties,” Kal explains as Alice leaves us to it. “You’re going to love it.”

I scoop up a knife and fork, slice through a piece of bread that is big and thick like a novel, and pop it into my mouth. It’s seared in some kind of egg, milk, and sugar mixture and then topped with vibrant fruit and cream that create a blend of flavors that work so well together, I can’t help but close my eyes.

“Goddess,” I say after finishing the bite. “How is that real?”

Kal chuckles, grinning pridefully. “Right?”

I take another bite. It’s all warm and sweet and savory at the same time—pure decadence on a plate. How can anyone ever complain about their lives in these cities when they can eat like kings every day?

I clean my plate, and Alice returns to clear it and refill our mugs with more coffee.

“I can see why you’d own a place like this,” I say, my head a little buzzed from the food and company.

“This isn’t mine.”

“I thought you owned everything in the Ruby Aire.”

He grins, shaking his head. “I own the land by birth, and some establishments I’ve created from the ground up. I have control over our imports and exports with Cardrayton in the southwest—they give us a great deal of the livestock used to support the other cities of Lumathyst. And I’ll always help my people when they have a dream they want to accomplish, but mostly I encourage them to build their own wealth.”

My lips part, surprise tangling up my words. His simple response makes my heart expand. Hearing him put words to dreams I’ve had myself is something I wasn’t expecting. I clear my throat, reaching for my coffee with shaky fingers.

“I guess that’s why they call you the Dreamer—” I miss the handle of my mug, toppling it toward Kal and searing one of his fingers with the hot liquid.

He hisses, drawing his hand back.

“I’m so sorry!” I’m up in a flash, rounding the table to his side with my cloth napkin as I try to clean up my mess. Mortification slides over me in a suffocating wave, and I can practically feel the Occuli reporting my absolute blunder. Royalty doesn’t spill coffee.

“It’s fine,” Kal says, shaking out his hand. “I promise—”

“Let me see,” I say, grabbing his hand before he can reply. His index finger got most of the damage, his smooth skin now an angry red. Instinctively, I bring it to my mouth, wrapping my lips around it without thinking. I swirl my tongue around the wound, treating it like I would my own if the same had happened to me.

Kal goes still, and I snap my eyes up to his. Something intense flickers there as he watches me.

Heat flares in my center as it dawns on me that this is likely not normal mate potential behavior. There’s probably some unspoken rule to not be physically intimate in public with the Legends, but Kal doesn’t seem to mind.

In fact, he looks completely into it.

I swirl my tongue around his finger another time, taking it a little deeper in my mouth before pulling it out. “Better?” I ask, slightly breathless at the way he’s looking at me.

“Not even close,” he answers, his voice rough.

I lean in, lowering my voice to a whisper. “Now we’re even,” I tease. “You left me tense and aching last night after that kiss—”

“Come with me,” he demands, grabbing my hand.

As quickly as it came, the heat is gone, replaced by a tightening in my chest as he drags me through the café, almost too fast for me to keep up. Shit, I definitely crossed a line. Either my bold words or presumptuous move embarrassed him in front of the Occuli—

He barrels through a side door, letting it close behind us as he grips my shoulders and presses me against a wall. It looks like a washing chamber, but the lighting is so dark in here, I can’t really tell.

For the first time since meeting him, I can see the Legend of Chaos everyone talks about in Kal. The one with infinite strength and a temper to match. The hard cut of his jaw, the determined set to his eyes, the no-room-for-escape power.

I’m in his city. He can do whatever he wants to me, and I’d never be able to stop him. A sliver of icy fear creeps into my blood as he leans closer, and I can’t help but think I’ve ruined things before they’ve even begun.