Then he lay down next to her. He let her take the lead and gave in to her kisses. He helped her take him in. He stroked her thighs and caressed her ears with the sound of her name repeated like an intimate prayer.
He chased away darkness and cold.
He gave her light and warmth.
Chapter 24
Sensing movement, Lannahi opened her eyes. Ashared was lying on his side propping himself up on his elbow and looking down at her.
“Do you wish to continue our game?” he asked with a smile indicating that he was well aware of how exhausted she felt.
A part of her wanted to rise to the challenge, but the sweet soreness between her thighs stopped her. She didn’t think pleasure was something to be feared, but that was how she felt now. More… her body couldn’t take any more.
“I do,” she said. “But not today.”
The challenging gleam in his eyes turned soft with satisfaction. He leaned over and cradled her head as he kissed her slowly and tenderly.
When she was close to changing her mind, he interrupted and murmured in her ear, “Let me know when you feel like playing again.”
When he rose from her bed and began to dress, she watched him without saying a word. Since they had exchanged oaths not to harm one another, she could suggest that he spend the night with her, but though the thought of waking up in his arms seemed interesting, she’d never shared a bed with a man before and wasn’t sure if she would like it… and if he would want to. It was too soon…
“Your Highness,” Lizaar’s voice scattered her thoughts.
Lannahi tore her gaze away from her plate. Lizaar’s eyes and tone of voice betrayed moderate irritation, which indicated that this wasn’t the first attempt on her part to gain Lannahi’s attention.
“Yes?” Lannahi asked.
She wondered if Lizaar already knew that she and Ashared had started sleeping together. The guards on sentry duty in the corridor saw that Ashared had left her chamber at a suspicious hour and probably reported it to Kalahadd, who in turn might have reported it to Lizaar… but maybe he didn’t have to? Maybe Ashared told her about his intentions himself. After all, he didn’t try too hard to keep them a secret…
“What is the point of asking me for a report if you aren’t listening?” Lizaar asked, disgruntled.
Back to routine, Lannahi thought wryly.
During the visit of the enchanters from Goldenshadows, Lizaar requested to eat in her own chambers instead of with the rest of the party and for the past two days, Lannahi heard only pleasant conversation and laughter. The contrast with the present moment was brutal.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” Lannahi said. “Do you remember our conversation about Goldfrost’s weaknesses? I was thinking of addressing another one.”
It wasn’t a lie. Lannahi had really been thinking about it. Earlier.
Lizaar’s face was skeptical at first, but seeing Lannahi’s seriousness, it turned into a mask of polite curiosity. “And what did you come up with?”
“The musicians from Goldenshadows praised the instruments in the ballroom. I know from Nazarr that they were made by an artisan from Rubycrest. I’m wondering if we should place an order with him.”
Lizaar furrowed her brow, not quite grasping Lannahi’s meaning.
“A gift for my friends,” Lannahi said. “I’m sure they will enjoy it… and brag about it.”
Lizaar’s eyes widened with understanding. “You want to invest in instruments?”
There was no disbelief in her voice. She was surprised but Lannahi could see Lizaar analyzing the possibilities.
“That was my first thought,” Lannahi admitted. “Hardly objective, of course, but it doesn’t change the fact that goldcopper is not the only wealth that Goldfrost has access to. If we encouraged artisans to engage in woodworking, the city could gain a second revenue stream. I suggested instruments because I know how to make them popular, but if you have another idea, I would love to hear it.”
After a moment, a shadow appeared on Lizaar’s face. “The shapeshifters won’t like it if we cut down too many trees.”
Lannahi smiled. “We can ask flowerspeakers to encourage the seedlings to grow faster. I’m sure Blann will volunteer first. In time, the shapeshifters will hardly notice the difference.”
Astonishment robbed Lizaar of speech. Then she laughed.
