Page 53 of The Serpent Prince

Imani was, but she didn’t really know why.

If she was being honest, Kiran was still irritating her, but she tried to push those thoughts away. His reaction after they’d had sex hadn’t been anything unexpected. But she did feel some measure of disappointment knowing that night was the best she’d ever had, while it seemed standard fare for him.

Esa and Imani lapsed into silence.

At the top of the hill leading down into the city, a group of Drow elves stood waiting to greet them. They were tall and lean. All had the same piercing green eyes as Kiran. Their carriages were ornate and dark, almost ominous.

Many of them began eyeing the newcomers, sizing the other group up. Most of the elves openly stared at Imani. Her shadows started writhing under her skin, feeling uncomfortable with the attention. Slowly, their eyes started to get that faraway look, and Imani knew it was the soul draw at work.

“I told you to put it away,” Esa said.

“Shut up,” Imani muttered back and fisted her hand, holding her wand tight. She might have made a mistake leaving herself too unglamoured, but she was digging her heels in now. She didn’t want Ayla prancing around like she was better than everyone else. Besides, Imani hadn’t had a chance to ask Kiran to cast the echo shield again after she’d removed it for him the other night.

As more of their traveling party gathered, Kiran and Ayla finally deigned to appear. Ayla looked lovely in a cream-colored gown and cloak, her own silver hair shining, as well. Imani could barely feel a soul draw from her. Kiran held her hand.

Imani ground her teeth together at the sight, a spark of possessiveness she had no right to feel roiling through her.

She relaxed her breathing and focused on staying still, staring at the ground.

Formal greetings were exchanged between Kiran and the high sentinel, and bows and handshakes went around the First Witch and his entourage. The high sentinel was a younger man, yet older than Kiran. His handshake was firm against Kiran’s, and they spoke for several minutes. The high sentinel’s green eyes kept darting over to Imani. It was as if a string pulled his face toward her every few seconds.

She stared right back. Look at me, she silently commanded him.

Whipping his head to face Imani, Kiran’s eyes slitted, and Imani slinked farther into the crowd. But Kiran waved her over with a flick of his fingers. He looked like he wanted to breathe fire.

With her head held high, she marched to his side. “Yes, Your Highness,” she said with her head bowed.

Kiran’s hand fell to the small of her back. “Lady Aowyn, this is Master Nylan, High Sentinel of the Drow elves.”

She held out her hand, and he kissed it, staring intently at her. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you appear this morning, my dear. Two female Norn elves and one a high breed at that. The prince has confirmed you’ve lived in the Draswood like his chosen mate.”

Imani measured her words for a moment. “Indeed, I grew up in the Draswood, High Sentinel,” was all she said.

A serpentine grin spread across the sentinel’s face. Although, unlike Kiran, it didn’t make him more handsome. “I realize you’re not a formal member of the court yet, but I’d be honored if you’d join our table at dinner.”

Kiran’s hand pressed harder into her back, and it almost hurt. Heat rolled off his skin and seeped through the fabric of her dress.

“As I mentioned, she’s not a formal member of the court yet,” Kiran said through gritted teeth, but somehow with a smarmy smile.

“I’d be honored to join you.” Imani stole a look at Ayla, who was glaring daggers at her.

“Wonderful.” The high sentinel waved Kiran off. “Come, come; let’s make sure your party is settled. I’m sure you’re tired from your travels.”

No high sentinel would have waved off Tanyl, heir apparent or not. Imani felt a pang of anger for Kiran.

Everyone broke up and started back for their carriages. Imani moved toward hers, but a shadow stood beside her as the crowd thinned. Imani knew exactly who it belonged to, and she wasn’t in the mood.

With one offhand look behind her shoulder at the stone-faced prince, she moved back toward her coach.

Fingers wrapped tightly around her wrist.

Imani let out a frustrated noise at the pain and spun to face the Serpent Prince. They were alone now, except for a few footmen who milled about the area.

“What the fuck are you doing?” he hissed.

“I’m doing nothing! Existing?” she hissed back.

“The echo shield …” He ran his hands through his hair, mussing it. “I know I forgot to put it back on the other night after you recklessly removed it. Everyone was watching you. Ayla was supposed to keep them distracted, but no, of course everyone was fucking watching you, Imani.”