Page 19 of Blood Singer

"A pity," Rhucard said, though he didn't sound particularly discouraged. "I suppose that means I'll have to work harder to change your mind."

Under the table, my claws pierced the meat of my own palms. The sharp sting of pain kept me anchored in my chair, but the quiet satisfaction humming through my veins when she deflected him was impossible to deny. I wanted to hold onto my anger. I wanted to believe she was calculating every syllable just to disarm me, but every time she spoke, every time she handled these arrogant males with quiet grace, my resolve frayed a little more.

"The concept has merit," I said, forcing my voice to remain level. "Though implementing such a system would require significant coordination."

"It would," Leila agreed. Relief flickered briefly in her expression at the shift back to business. "But it's not impossible. It would take time, but it's a viable solution that respects Earth's protectorate status while still addressing Drakhoni needs."

"Time," Rhucard said, his tone darkening. "We've already lost seven hundred and fifty years. How much more are we supposed to wait while our population dwindles?"

"I understand your frustration," Leila said, genuine sympathy in her voice. "But rushing into a solution will only make things worse. That won't help anyone."

She looked at him with real compassion, and my chest tightened uncomfortably. I tried to convince myself that her empathy was a tactical maneuver, an operative saying the right words to pacify an aggressive leader. But the soft sincerity in her tone made it nearly impossible to believe she was lying.

Rhucard's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. He knew she was right.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of political talk and careful diplomacy. Rhucard kept flirting with Leila, his comments just subtle enough to avoid an outright challenge, but obvious enough to make his intentions clear. Every time he leaned in close to her, every time his gaze lingered on the curve of her shoulders, the urge to rip his head off pounded against my skull. I had to focus on my breathing just to keep the dragon from bursting through my skin.

I told myself I was only furious because Rhucard was disrespecting an official envoy. I told myself it was my duty as king to keep order at my table.

It was a total lie.

The truth was that seeing another male breathe in her scent made me want to burn the hall to the ground. Even while my mind warned me that she was an impossible riddle sent to break my focus, my body recognized her in a way that defied every logical defense I had.

When the servants finally cleared the table and Murdette finished filling a quiet pause with castle history, Rhucard pushed his chair back with a satisfied grin.

"Well, this has been enlightening. Thank you for the hospitality, cousin." He drew out the word with deliberate insolence, his red eyes sliding back to Leila. "Lady Hunter, it's been a pleasure. Perhaps I could escort you back to your quarters? I'd love to continue our conversation about these dating apps. I want to make sure my profile is compelling."

The pure nerve of the offer sent a shockwave of heat through my limbs. The heavy legs of my chair scraped against the stone floor as I stood before I had even consciously decided to move.

"That won't be necessary," I said. "I'll escort Lady Hunter and Lady Jazarazant back to their rooms myself. As their host, it's my responsibility to ensure their comfort and safety."

Rhucard's grin widened, and I realized he had baited me on purpose. He had prodded until he found the raw nerve, and I had handed him the exact reaction he wanted. Asshole.

"Of course," he said smoothly. "How thoughtful of you. I suppose I should head back to the northern wastes anyway. It's a long flight, and I'd like to arrive before dawn."

"Safe travels," I said, my tone making it clear the words were a dismissal.

Rhucard's eyes gleamed with irritating triumph, but he gave a shallow bow toward Leila. "Until we meet again, Lady Hunter. I look forward to seeing my profile on this dating app of yours."

"I'll make sure the Alliance sends you the information once the system is established," Leila said diplomatically, though there was a faint smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth.

Rhucard turned and swaggered out of the hall, his heavy boots fading down the corridor. The suffocating weight in the room shifted, but the relief was short-lived. I turned to find Leila watching me, her head tilted slightly, her green eyes bright and searching.

"Shall we?" I said, gesturing toward the door.

She exchanged a glance with Binwee, who looked far too knowing for my comfort, then nodded. "Thank you. It's been a long day."

We walked through the castle corridors in silence, our footsteps echoing off the stone walls. I stayed close beside her, painfully aware of the soft rustle of her dress and the warmth radiating from her skin. Every breath brought in that clean, maddening scent of wildflowers and rain, so rich and undeniably alive.

I told myself I was walking beside her out of royal duty. I told myself my violent urge to tear Rhucard apart was just territorial pride. I told myself she was an Alliance trick sent to exploit the memory of a woman I had failed to save seven centuries ago.

I repeated every lie I could think of.

Yet as we climbed the stairs toward the guest quarters, and that faint, impossible song of her blood resonated against my senses, I knew none of those excuses were going to keep me safe from her.

Chapter 7

Leila