“Now, where’s the fun in that?” Casually, I lean against a tent post. “Besides, I think you enjoy our little exchanges.”
She crosses her arms, the subtle movement drawing my eye to the henna designs on her hands. The patterns seem to shift with her mood. Today, they are sharp and angular, with swirls that wrap around her hands like serpents. “You’re delusional.”
“Perhaps.” I shrug. “But at least I’m not boring.”
She tilts her head, examining me like one might a particularly annoying insect. “Do you practice being this infuriating, or does it come naturally?”
“Born talent. Though, I must say, your wit challenges me.”
“I’m glad that I can help,” she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
I smirk. “See? Was that so hard? A glimpse of humor suits you.”
“I’m not here to suit anyone.”
“Not even a little?” I hold up my thumb and finger, barely an inch apart.
“Not even at all.” She huffs and glances away, but not before I catch the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
“Ah, there it is. A crack in your wall.”
She quickly masks her expression. “You’re imagining things.”
“Am I? Or maybe you don’t dislike me as much as you pretend.”
“Trust me,” she says as she levels me with a stare cold enough to freeze volcanic ash, “my dislike is very real.”
“Then, why are you still standing here talking to me?”
She opens her mouth, then closes it, searching for a rebuttal.
Sensing a small victory, I grin. “Maybe it’s because you find me intriguing.”
“Intriguing isn’t the word I’d use.” She grips the hilt of her sword. “Annoying. Exasperating. Those come to mind.”
“Yet here we are.” I gesture between us.
She squares her shoulders. “You’re like a stray dog that won’t stop following me.”
I laugh. “A dog? I’ve been called many things, but that’s a first.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” She tries once more to move past me.
I step aside with a graceful bow. “As the lady wishes.”
A sudden gust of wind whips her hair into her face. She shoves it back and eyes me warily. “You’re not going to try to stop me this time?”
“I’m not entirely without manners.” I flash a grin at her, liking that she stirs the reckless energy within me. The energy I have had to tame over the last few months.
“Good night, Aleksander.” She turns and walks away.
“Sweet dreams, Kythara,” I call after her.
She doesn’t look back, but I catch the slightest stiffness in her posture.
Most people tiptoe around me, but she meets me head on, unafraid to push back.
“Enjoying the evening, My Lord?” One of the Watchers stands nearby, eyeing me curiously.
