Page 73 of The Serpent Prince

And then there was that power emanating from him. His core existence was projecting his complete superiority over every single one of these elves. Indeed, Kiran carried himself with even more condescension, annoyance, and smugness than usual, his magical signature exuding his full magical power.

It almost took her breath away.

His attitude wasn’t unfounded. Despite being a high Drow elf, Kiran was technically, and potentially, in line for the throne, even if the chance was small. And, as a prince, everyone here was beneath him. He was richer, more powerful—politically and magically—and he had her.

As soon as they emerged from the train, Imani understood exactly why she hardly had to convince Kiran and Zadie to bring her along.

Every single set of eyes was on her. Even ones she couldn’t see.

She would play her part perfectly. Even if it meant selling her soul for a little while.

Without the glamour or echo shield they wouldn’t let visitors wear, Imani let her own magical signature out in full force, including her soul draw. A show of power to match Kiran’s.

He gave her a look out of the corner of his eye when she did, and a minuscule smile lifted up the corners of his mouth slightly.

She lifted her chin, letting the silver and diamonds catch the dim light as her hair fluttered over her face and neck. More elves came out to watch, and she tilted her head back to see them better.

There were dozens, maybe more, and they all were pale-skinned with dark hair and blue eyes that watched her from afar. Some waved and pointed.

She’d never had this type of attention on her, even in the throne room or during the duel with Aiden. It was all-consuming—borderline obsessive. While things were going to plan, she hadn’t expected this many eyes on her right away.

As if he felt her disquiet, Kiran suddenly moved his hand protectively to her back. “I need you to stay at my side, my love,” he ordered, not hiding the irritation in his tone. He pulled her closer with his one hand, holding her face with his other, kissing her brow.

Standing confused, she wondered how to follow his lead. She’d never heard him call her that or act like this before.

It sounded so natural. So easy.

I guess the game has already started.

He didn’t seem to notice her bewilderment. His sharp gaze glared everywhere around them as he led her forward. Rubbing his hand up and down her spine, he kept her calm while his eyes watched—observed—with a predatory air about him.

While she had seen his cruelty and his madness, she’d never seen this mix of a tender yet hardened version of Kiran. With that look in his eyes, she knew without a doubt that she did not want him as an enemy. He was just as intimidating as the rumors said.

Several servants greeted them and scurried around them. Kiran quietly commanded them like only he could. She remained silent, curiously looking around the inside of the mountainside. Her mouth gaped a little, and she wasn’t pretending. It was beautiful here.

An elf, clearly the head servant, came forward and bowed deeply, welcoming them. Imani gave him a hint of a smile, feeling her magic simmering under her skin. Her complexion glimmered and glowed, and the elf servant flushed with Imani’s attention on him. His eyes shone with desire as he walked them toward the underground city of Eto.

Kiran’s hand was firm on her back, rubbing in slow circles. Where he was unsmiling and taciturn to everyone looking at her, Imani gave small smirks to those she caught staring.

He tried to drag her closer to him.

Irritation flooded her, and she forced them to pause walking momentarily. Some possessiveness was expected from heartmates, but Kiran needed to relax. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be getting out of here alive if he attacked these people.

She leaned up to him, her mouth brushing his ear. “Will you be threatening to murder people the whole weekend?” she teased, recalling his comment on the train.

He continued his languid touches on her back, but he wasn’t amused. He narrowed his eyes at her, his brow wrinkled, as if in pain. “If you keep looking around with those perfect blue eyes … and glowing and glittering like an actual fucking diamond, then yes, probably,” he muttered.

“I’m not allowed to wear my glamour, and you know it.”

“I know,” he sighed, dragging a hand through his hair and letting it fall from her back. “It’s just that you feel so different. You smell so different. It’s probably the spell making me feel these urges. I’m not sure, but it feels like it’s … it’s doing something to me around these other elves,” he admitted softly as his aura wrapped around her in a cocoon of warmth. The magic was subtle, yet she knew exactly what he was doing—warning others away.

She caught another one of the servants stealing a look at her, and she gave him a small smile. A quiet warning growl rumbled from Kiran. The boy scampered away.

This sham was going to be more difficult to pull off than she’d anticipated.

She glared, her voice still a murmur in his ear so only they could hear. “Just because we’re pretending these next few days and sleeping together doesn’t mean you have any real claim to me. A little possessiveness is normal, but we need these people to actually like us and to see me. Focus and remember our agreement.” She stared up at him with an arched brow, waiting for a response.

He mesmerized everyone equally, but in a far more dangerous way. Where she made people feel serene and curious, Kiran was unmistakably insane and threatening, making everyone uneasy. But it sent a shiver of desire through her.