That didn’t really mean anything. My lineage might have been rare, but the only thing I excelled at wasincantinghumans.
“I don’t know why it matters, anyway.”
I glanced at him, annoyed at the bait. “Why what matters?”
“TwoPrizivac Vodes cordaeing. Only one is needed to create a hive heir. It’s not as though their offspring will be any more or less powerful if both were born from aVidere.”
“It’s a means of status. Like human royalty marrying each other.”
“Eh.”
“It also blends power across territories. Or it did once, when there were more of them. The heir of one seacordaeinganother means they’ll inherit the power of both.”
Pheolix shrugged.
I ground my teeth, annoyance only growing with his indifference. “And I suppose, in some ways, it’s romantic.”
“Ah, is it now?” He opened the courtyard door for me, a taunting smile sneaking across his mouth. “You want it for the romance? Even if the hive heir is an ass?”
“No.”
“What about a blackguard ass?”
With a long-suffering sigh, I slid past him, into the empty throne hall. Sconces carved from gold lit the interior walls, the ceiling a canopy of chandeliers and tear-drop glass, wicks flickering from somewhere within. Long beams of heavy oak ran across the ceiling. Someone had recently restocked the runners with fresh lilacs. Usually, the palace opted for dried lavender or roses to perfume the halls, but as with the birds and rain, spring was here and fleeting.
Cobalt velvet carpet brushed under the soles of my shoes, muffling my steps as I led Pheolix to the servants’ stairway and down to the kitchens. Pots and pans clattered, inviting us in. Water boiled. Oil spat. A dozen pairs of feet harmonized to the tune of the kitchen, cooks and maids dancing around each other in close quarters. One kitchen maid recognized me from across the room, holding up a finger to let me know she’d spotted me. I rested against the far wall. They knew I always wanted whatever was on the fish menu and always asked for a tray of two meals to take with me.
Pheolix leaned into my side, dropping his hushed voice directly into my ear. “What about a blackguard ass of a siren?”
His breath was warm, sending goosebumps rioting against the surface of my arms. “Why are you mocking me?” I demanded, eyes forward.
A flash of teeth. “Because you’re beautiful, and I can’t help myself.”
Theia and all the moons across the stars. I hated that his smirk and square chin were the only things visible. Suddenly, Pheolix had the most unbearable face I’d ever seen half of. “Take that stupid hood off,” I demanded.
He tsked at me. “Once again, trying to convince me to disrobe for you. Corrupting my innocence with your wicked ways.”
Even more unbearable. “I am not.”
“No, Lady Selena,” he suddenly called out. Loud enough his voice echoed across the walls and into the deep reaches of the room. “No, I will not strip naked with you and dance theSaltareto the music of clashing pots and pans here in the kitchens.”
The clatter stopped.
My mouth hung open as I gawked at him in shock, fire roaring up my neck and into my cheeks. The maid, halfway to us with a loaded tray, stopped in her tracks, eyes wide.
Pheolix aimed his attention at her. “Can’t seem to tame this one.”
Skin aflame, I walked to her as quickly as I could, taking the tray without a word and turning toward the door.
Pheolix fell in behind me. “You were all witnesses to my harassment by Lady—” he began. But his voice cut as I summoned the water in his heart to stall. He choked and swayed on his feet, falling against the wall behind him.
I released him just as I rounded the top step, not bothering to glance back.
20
Cebrinne
“Thank Theia above, I’m starving,” I said as Selena walked through the door.
