Page 69 of The Truth-Teller's Bargain
“Is everything all right?” he asked, and she offered a polite smile, not entirely sure of the answer.
“I am quite tired... It’s been a long day,” she said, her voice carrying the exhaustion she felt.
“Agreed.” He glanced at his own door for a moment before speaking again. “Thank you for what you did today. This victory is because of you.”
Alethea had a hard time accepting that, but she chose to believe him regardless. His confidence in her abilities never failed to amaze her. “I’m glad I could help without, you know...” She’d never considered herself useful outside her powers, but Nakir had put his faith in her beyond the magic in her veins.
Another silence passed, this one less comfortable.
“I should... go to bed,” Alethea stated uselessly.
“Of course,” he replied. “Have a good night, Thea.”
“You too,” she said softly, yet still she lingered in the doorway.
Neither of them moved.
Alethea couldn’t help a small, awkward smile. “Are you... waiting for me?” she asked, peeking up at him through her hair.
“I am,” he admitted, his gaze unwavering. He was so imposing, standing there across the hall from her, his tall figure towering even from a distance. She was arrested by his ambergaze; by the tenderness she found there. In the soft glow of the hallway lantern, his eyes appeared almost ethereal, like endless pools of gold. Despite the weariness etched into his expression, there was a determination that burned fiercely within him.
She let her fingers fall from the door handle, turning toward him. “I...” She faltered. “I’m not sure about the idea of... sleeping alone.” She had slept alone every night of her life until meeting Nakir—it was silly to be so unhappy about being apart from him, especially when she had little idea of his feelings for her. She chanced a look up at him to try to ascertain if he thought her as foolish as she thought herself to be, but his expression had softened.
“I could stay with you until you fell asleep.”
It was a kind offer that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She bit the inside of her cheek and nodded, finally opening the door to her chambers.
The room was quite generous. The flickering glow of the hearth cast warm, dancing shadows across the walls, creating a cozy ambiance. A large four-poster bed, adorned with Lenorean white and cerulean, stood as the room’s centerpiece on the western wall, promising a night of decadent sleep. The double doors led to a small balcony, where she could see the twinkling lights of the city streets below.
Beside the crackling fire, a small bookshelf stood proud, its shelves lined with various tomes. The scent of old parchment mingled with the fragrance of burning wood, creating a comforting aroma. Alethea’s bags had been brought up and set neatly beside the entryway.
Nakir closed and locked the door behind him. She was aware of the guards stationed just down the hallway, but she felt safer knowing it was just the two of them present. He lingered in the entryway while she studied her new surroundings.
He spoke first, nearly startling her when he asked, “Did you mean what you told them?”
She shot him a pointed look across the room. “You know I can’t lie.”
He stalked closer, his footsteps measured, deliberate, resonating in the quiet room. His gaze—that familiar burning intensity she’d grown accustomed to—remained fixed upon her, demanding every ounce of her attention.
“I want to hear you say it.”
Her heart caught in her throat. She wanted to give him anything he desired.
Alethea felt her cheeks flush, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic whirlwind of emotions. “Yes,” she breathed. “I meant every word.”
Nakir stepped even closer, now only a foot or two away from her. “It’s difficult for me to imagine sleeping alone too.”
Nakir crossed the final distance between them, everything about him graceful yet purposeful. He gently took her hand in his. His fingers were warm against her skin, firm yet tender. With a gentle, deliberate motion, he raised her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her fingers. The gesture sent a fluttering sensation throughout her body. Her gaze unwillingly fell to his lips, trying to recall the memory of them against hers.
Nakir took a step back, his eyes still holding an intensity that sent her heart into a frenzied rhythm. The heat of the moment slowly dissipated, leaving her feeling empty and chilled.
“You should get some rest. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”
Her stomach sank again, and she swallowed thickly, turning to the bed.
Alethea tried to get a handle on her disappointment as she slipped out of her gown, leaving her in nothing but her thin, pale pink slip. She chided herself for her sudden awareness of her own body and how much skin was exposed to him—he’d already seen parts of her that would make any maiden blush. Alethea slipped under the luxurious covers, drawing them up to her chin and settling in.
Nakir took up residence in a dark blue velvet armchair, where he sat with his elbows on each arm and his fingers interlaced over his mouth. He appeared relaxed, but she could see the darkness brewing behind those molten amber eyes.
