Page 74 of The Serpent Prince

“I know. I’m sorry, I didn’t expect this crowd, but don’t hide. You’re stunning, as planned,” he admitted after a moment.

“Such a fickle prince. Doesn’t like it when he gets what he wants.” She smiled demurely and lightly reached up to brush her fingers down his cheek, unable to stop herself.

His eyes, more expressive now that she knew him better, lit up with hunger. He turned and pressed a soft kiss to her palm. “I think, in this instance, I’m allowed to be fickle when it comes to you, aomagho ruya.” The act felt strange and intimate, although quite typical behavior for heartmates, even in front of others.

After he pulled away, Kiran was brooding and glaring again at the dozens of people staring at them.

A group of what appeared to be high-ranking elves approached to greet them.

More and more people watched now, crowding them and growing louder. The energy and magic around them grew thicker. Imani’s smile fell because, unlike earlier, the clamoring from the crowd made her nervous. People looking and being curious was fine, but her soul draw was powerful, and this situation could escalate without her illusion. She wished they’d allowed her to wear even a light one.

Her breath started coming faster, and Kiran noticed.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Kiran murmured against the shell of her ear. The prince gently pulled her closer, cradling her head against him, hiding her from the crowd again.

While she couldn’t see anything buried against his chest, she could imagine his murderous look at everyone trying to glance at them. At the same time, a quiet purr only she could hear sounded from his chest as he stroked her hair, calming her. He pressed a kiss through her hair, and she allowed it … It was expected behavior.

But they were such imposters, and without some glamour, letting her soul draw out like this was a dangerous game, especially since they weren’t truly heartmates.

A flare of worry sparked in her gut. She hoped the flesh magic spell was powerful enough to trick the dwarves. Zadie and Kiran had said they would be looking for every reason not to trust them.

Even when the dwarves welcoming them stood close in greeting, Kiran never let her go.

One of the elves stepped forward.

“Your Highness, I’m Ven, steward to High Sentinel Thalem. We were sorry to hear about your chosen mate, but you are lucky to have found your heartmate so soon after such a tragedy. We are honored that your father, the king, has sent you and your new princess to meet with us. It’s been too long since we have been able to host the royal family here.”

“Thank you. Her Highness and I are honored to be here, as well,” he said politely, but with an edge to his voice.

Imani still couldn’t see his face as he continued to keep her hidden against him, but for once, she didn’t mind. She could feel the unrest of the crowd growing.

Laying her cheek against his abdomen, she breathed him in as he gently massaged her head as he held her against him. With his other fingers, he traced circles down her spine where he firmly held her back.

He was so much taller than her, but she carefully peeked her head up to glance at the crowd.

More elves stared, their eyes glued to her and Kiran. Catching some of their eyes through his arms, she stared back and could see them look dreamily at her, sensing their desire. Their reverence for and fear of Kiran—maybe from his reputation or possibly the intimidating, powerful magic he was putting off—seemed to hold them back from getting a closer look.

More acutely than ever, she felt Kiran’s unease coming off him in waves. She slowly reached up and lightly rubbed his chest in an effort to calm him.

He continued speaking to the steward politely but with a frustrated undertone. “Forgive me, but this audience is unexpected. I’m always on edge when so many eyes are on her, but especially if she’s anxious … which she is right now.”

A little embarrassed, Imani buried herself deeper against him.

He dropped a kiss on her hair before adding, “If I’m not mistaken, this is inconsistent with the security requirements we need for her. My staff sent a full list ahead of our arrival. I hope you understand. With your illusion regulations, I can’t take my heartmate anywhere else until I get assurances. She’s different from the Niflheim elves.”

Imani hadn’t known he’d done that ahead of time. She supposed it made sense if she was going without her glamour. Her soul draw was wild and alive, reaching its tentacles out to its prey without hindrance. Without her illusion magic, not even her shadows could possibly hold back an entire mob of people.

“Yes, I apologize. It won’t happen again,” Ven said in a somber tone.

An awkward silence fell, then Ven continued. “She’s … Well, we were just remarking, Prince Kiran,” he murmured, pausing to consider his words.

Imani lifted her chin to look up at Kiran, who had leveled Ven with a piercing gaze.

Ven cleared his throat then met his eyes. “Forgive us, I know you said she was … a different breed from the Niflheim elves. But this is … a surprise still. You must understand that we are all fascinated and quite mesmerized by your heartmate. I suppose you hear this often, but she’s lovely … and like no elf we’ve ever seen before. It’s causing quite a stir.”

“I’m well aware of the stir she’s caused. Believe me; she and I are used to people staring. But without her glamour—which you won’t allow—she’s at risk. I hope you followed every instruction we sent ahead of time for her, even if you missed this one.” His voice dropped lower. “Because I can assure you I do not react well when she’s in a vulnerable spot.”

Imani shivered a little and rubbed her nose against his shirt.