“We only met a fortnight ago.” Her green depths widened at him, clouded with uncertainty, before she angled her face toward the ground.
Bloody hell. How was he supposed to explain this? She clutched her shawl about her and faced the forest. Nazrin grabbed her gently by the shoulder and spun her around, drawing her against his chest. He lifted her chin so his gaze met hers.
She closed her eyes, but not before he glimpsed the tears within. “We don’t even belong in the same world.”
“Essa, look at me.” He leaned forward to nuzzle her neck and whispered, “In what world could we not be together?”
She shivered against him and her pulse sped in an augmenting rhythm of beats.
“I’ve never desired anyone like I want you, not in all my five hundred years.” The words spilled with surprising ease. Enough to make him question whether he ought to speak the others as well.
Lifting on her toes, she pressed her lips against his, finding another use for his mouth.
She tasted more ethereal than the ambrosia that had made him immortal.
Nazrin shifted his hand to the back of her head and compelled her mouth to his. He skimmed her lips with his tongue and then delved inside her mouth to sample more of that nectar. She closed her eyes and moaned, her body soft and willing in his arms. He slid his hand down her waist, around the curve of her hip, and along the lush flesh of her bottom. His length twitched as he tightened his grip and pulled her closer.
A crunch of earth crackled in the distance. Someone approached.
Damn, but this would have to wait.
Nazrin released Essa and brushed the backs of his fingers along her cheek. “Did you enjoy your time at Court, Sirena?”
She blinked as if out of a dream. He smiled at the heady reaction he’d had on her.
“The things women deem fashionable never cease to amaze me.” He held up his hand, stained with bright orange paste.
Her brows furrowed, her hand shot to dab her cheek. She gasped and scrubbed at the paint with her sleeve. No use. The formula they used was impervious to water, and to her sleeve.
Chuckling, Nazrin squinted at the trees and seized a step back. They were no longer alone.
***
“Essa.” Cassie squealed, dashing toward them. “By the gods, where have you been?” The maiden enveloped her in a fierce embrace. Then she held Essa out at arm’s length and shrieked. “Eek. I can’t believe they consider this fashionable. Am I right, Nazrin?”
He nodded his assent, grinning.
Essa had to find some soap. Now.
She winced at how she’d met his brother with this paint slathered across her face and rubbed at her cheek. Her hand trailed across her lips, and Nazrin’s kiss overthrew her humiliation.
Nazrin’s kiss. Sweet gods. Her heart had been crushed, only to soar again. But for how long?
Her cheeks flushed and she was certain her blush penetrated the paint.
Cassie appraised her. “How did you find Court? Horrid, I’m sure.” She chattered so fast Essa had no opportunity to respond, not that the maiden was listening for an answer.
Her friend regarded Nazrin. “I’m going to steal Essa away for the day.”
“She’s yours.” At his nod, her heart sank. She’d hoped for some time alone with him, even if only in the training field.
“Am I not required to train and perform my chores?” she hinted. “I wouldn’t want to get into trouble again.”
“I’ve made arrangements.” Nazrin waved her off.
Oh dear, this can’t be good.
“Thank you.” The dove on Cassie’s shoulder cooed in agreement.
As her friend grabbed her arm and dragged her along, Essa peered behind her at Nazrin. He winked at her, a teasing gleam in his eye, despite the interruption of their kiss. What caused his odd behavior?
She didn’t have time to contemplate it for long. Cassie assaulted her with questions as she tugged her toward the village. “Where have you been this whole time? What was Court like? Do they truly dine on gilded plates?”
“I, ah.” She laughed at her friend’s rapid expulsion of questions, but then winced. Lost in Nazrin’s copper gaze, she’d forgotten. He made the world fade away. Apollo, her aunt. “That’s a long story.”
“I’ll bet it is.” The maiden sent her a sly smile. “Come, my villa is ahead. We’ll discuss this later.”
At Cassie’s home, she helped Essa scrub the paint off her face. “There, all clean.” The maiden proceeded to comb Essa’s hair and plait it in two long braids, which fell on either side of her face. “Tell me everything.”
She sighed and offered her friend a report of her impression of Kai’s Court. “It’s not quite my taste.”
Cassie puffed her lips. “Not mine either.” She set down the comb. “Finished. Let’s see about fitting your gown.”
“Gown?”
“Oh, yes, for the dance.” She beamed. “It’ll be wonderful.”
She groaned. Not again.
Her friend gave her a playful shove. “I’ll teach you to enjoy dancing, someday. Now, wipe away that frown and let’s get ready for the birthday celebration.”
“A birthday? Whose?”
“Amaya, of course. Children are so precious, aren’t they?” Cassie’s smile took on a wistful slant.
“When does the celebration begin?” She had no gift for Nazrin’s niece. That simply wouldn’t do.
“This evening. We’ve plenty of time to dress. I’ll even help you practice the dance.”
“Oh, thank you.” Even though dancing didn’t appeal to her, she appreciated her friend’s offer. “Would you mind if I fetched something for her first?”
“Not at all. I’ll meet you at Nazrin’s cabin later.”
She waved goodbye to Cassie and headed to the lake.
***
Essa dove into the lake, eager to retrieve her treasure.
She’d spotted some recently, and it didn’t take long for her to locate them again. After selecting one of the rocks, she kicked to the surface. A quick morphos and she trekked to Nazrin’s cabin. Cassie already wore her gown—a flowing blue silk chiton. Her russet locks were braided and twirled atop her head in an intricate styling.
“You look lovely.” Essa flashed her a smile.
“Thank you. Now, here’s yours.” She flourished a gown in front of Essa.
A sigh escaped her as her fingers brushed the lovely fabric.
“I hoped you’d like it.” Her friend beamed, helping her into the gown. The long Ionic chiton was pinned at both shoulders and belted at the waist. It flowed in lush ivory folds down to her ankles, gold embroidery trimming its hem. Sandals, with straps which twisted halfway up her calves, peeked out from underneath. A couple of green silk ribbons in her still-damp hair and she was as ready as she would ever be.
Essa wrapped her gift in a delicate purple silk handkerchief and tied it with a pink ribbon Cassie had given her. She hoped Amaya would like her present. These stones were among her favorite toys as a child. Tucking the gift into her bag, she looped her arm with Cassie’s and they followed the drone of voices to the town square. Ribbons were strung from each corner and tied together in the center, creating a canopy. Four rainbows met above them—a sight sure to delight a child.
Nazrin reclined on a bench in one corner, conversing with some men. He stopped mid-sentence as his scrutiny fell across her. Those piercing pools grew dark and intense, making her feel like Aphrodite. He wore an ivory chiton, trimmed with gold embroidery—the masculine version of her garment. Nazrin was dressed to complement her.
Clever Cassie.
A table laden with delicately wrapped presents occupied one corner. Essa decided to hold on to hers, to give the girl her present in private. It was a simple gift, nothing extravagant. Besides, she had to show Amaya how the stone functioned.
“Uncle Nazrin!” Amaya squealed as she flew to him. He caught her and flipped her into the air, his deep baritone laughter mixing with her high-pitched cries. After tossing her a few times, he spun her around before enclosing her in an enormous embrace and depositing a loud kiss on her cheek. The child scrubbed it off and squirmed out of his arms.
Nazrin squatted beside her. “Happy Birthday, pneuma.” Breath. What a sweet endearment. The lass beamed. “How old are you today?”
“Four years old.”
Aedre drifted toward her. “No, sweetling,” she corrected, “your birthday is today, and you’re a big lass, but you’re only one.”
“No, four.” The girl was stubborn. Just like her uncle.
Any last defenses she’d had against Nazrin were stripped away. Her feet cemented to the ground beneath them. Her eyes, unable to blink as she observed the little girl, whose face shone with pure innocent admiration, and the man, full of love for her. She wrung her hands, squeezing each finger. Hot blood pumped into her veins and her limbs grew fluid once more. She backed away, requiring more air to breathe than she found in this space.
Her entire life, she’d grieved the absence of caring parents to raise her. She’d yearned for a true family. Beholding Nazrin in this manner, a warm wave washed through her. Although she couldn’t change her childhood, everything awaited her in her future. The possibility of a loving partner and children to adore. A chance to be the mother her own never had.
If she ceded her goal of becoming Apollo’s Pythia.
It was too much. Her heart pulsed inside her chest, in slow dull thuds. No. She couldn’t have both; she had to choose.
“Would you like to open your presents?” Gaven asked.
“Yes!” Amaya skipped to the table and tore through the gifts with delight.
After she finished opening and playing with the last of her presents, Essa went to greet them. “May I borrow Amaya for a few minutes?” Her parents nodded as Essa clasped the girl’s hand and led her to the lakeshore.
“I have something for you.” She presented the package.
The girl ripped at the ribbon and set aside the handkerchief. Her cherub features scrunched together in disappointment. “It’s a rock.”
Essa smiled. “No, it’s a magic rock.” She plucked the stone and displayed it on her palm. It was as big as her fist, and as white and smooth as marble. Crouching to the water’s edge, she submerged the stone.
Amaya peered into the water, her turquoise orbs widening. The water painted the rock into a deep, rosy pink. It sparkled, as did the girl’s eyes. Amaya let out a gasp of awe and clapped her hands.
“The stone changes to a different color depending on the temperature of the water,” Essa hummed.
Amaya beamed. “Can I try?”
“Of course.” She removed the stone and handed it to the child. As the water evaporated, it turned white again.
“So, this is where you’ve been hiding.” Nazrin stepped behind them, his deep chuckle resonating intimately through Essa’s entire being.