Page 130 of City of Snakes
“Like what?”
“With...heat.”
The corners of his mouth turned up, and I placed my hands on my hips, which only seemed to ignite his interest.
“I’m serious, Krait. That better be a ‘filet me’ stare. We discussed this.”
“Did we?” he asked with one raised brow.
“Yes,” I shot back.
Things were about to get complicated enough in the upcoming years. Yet Krait made me feel safe, protected, heard, and wanted in his own toxically grumpy way. I hated admitting that I’d miss him.
He sighed and said, “You are ravishing—you can’t expect me not to notice. Your terms never stated I couldn’t appreciate the sight of you.”
Fuck.
I was falling for the King of the Sahlms.
We had no time for heartache or petty, girlish crushes. Not when our realms were at stake, not when my people were at the fingertips of the Death Origin if we did not succeed. Not when we would have a child that deserved a stable upbringing. I knew the limits of what he could offer me.
While my mind rattled, he’d drawn his eyes up to catch mine again.
I needed to change the damned subject.
“I sent Hurley to Asterie,” I blurted.
“What is a ‘Hurley’?” he asked.
“The boy—the one who led the men from Sahlmkar to my room…when I was attacked.”
All of the steam in his gaze evaporated. “You did what?”
Now, that was a tone I could work with.
“He is a Water-wielder,” I explained.
“He should be adeadWater-wielder along with his company that night.”
Popping a hip out, I said, “He is a scared boy—one that may solve your drought problems when I send him back to you. I believe you were looking for the words ‘thank you.’”
He ground out, “Thank you.” When I slipped into his mind, he was roiling with distaste for what I’d just revealed.“Stubborn woman.”
Fighting a triumphant smirk, I took his offered arm. As he led me down to the carriage, I wondered if I’d ever find another man with whom I so enjoyed arguing.
Chapter 39
Sybilla
Hundreds of tents were pitched along the riverbed Krait had brought me to that first night, just outside the city. Tealight candles were set on the rocks that speckled the banks of the too-low river. Heavy clouds still gathered and had turned dark purple in the setting sun.
Children flew charmed flaming kites in the turbulent wind, and the smell of fried bread wafted past. I’d had it once during a night market with El—the fluffy bread had been topped with hot peppers and various mouthwatering sauces.
Beside the water, musicians played for coins, and those who had gotten an early start on celebrations were already dancing with bare feet through the tall brown grasses of the riverbanks. Here in the wash, the thin tree coverage created flickering shadows on the ground.
The humidity added a chill to the air, which left goosebumps on my arms. I could understand why the people of the Sahlms gathered to celebrate—I’d never thought I’dmissfeeling cold.
I hadn’t seen an ounce of rain since arriving and longed for the sound of pattering on rooftops that so frequently occurred in Luz.
