A jolt runs through me as our skin meets, and I feel a burning sensation through the shared point of contact. The image of him dragging a damp cloth over my naked skin, washing away dirt, blood, and tears, takes over my mind. His touch is gentle enough to make tears spring to my eyes. Then I blink, and it is gone.
I quickly pull my hand away, but not before I catch a look in his eyes that sends a shiver down my aching spine. They are cold and calculating, and it's clear that he has an ulterior motive for this game.
"Another diamond could be interesting. But what do you want in return?" the prince asks, shirtless and sweaty.
"Make me an offer," the king says, his voice smooth as silk. Then I notice that neither of them have begun drinking. Prince Keksej waits for the Enduar King to drink first so he knows the mead isn't poisoned.
The Enduar raises the glass to his lips and takes a long drink.
Satisfied, my master downs his drink in one gulp and slams the glass down on the table. "You steal enough of my people. How about I offer you one of the hearty men we brought?"
My stomach drops at the words, and I feel sick with fear. Mikal. The king raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the proposal. For a moment, I'm frozen, unable to move or speak, but then I force myself to look up at the Enduar. There's something about his gaze that takes everything in me to keep my composure.
"A diamond for a slave?" the king says slowly. I hate the way he says it. Like humans aren't worth his jewels. Then, "Very well. If I win, you will let me choose one of your slaves."
1 Damned monsters.
2 For the love of the gods.
Chapter4
Lapis Lazuli
TEO
No less than six of my hunters are stationed outside for when I reveal what I truly want. The tension in the air is thick enough to be cut with a knife, but the idiot in front of me continues to drink. A trail of mead trickles down his flaming beard, and there is a damp patch on his hairy chest.
He doesn't know that I have a gemstone pressed on the inside of my cheek to prevent intoxication. He was so surprised when I arrived, he didn't even think to look. Damned fool.
Even still, the burn of the alcohol is a welcome distraction from the anger and grief spiraling through my veins. I steal another glance as my fourth glass is poured.
Right there, between my mate's breasts, is a brand.
Two godsdamned brands, actually.
And she was in here alone, wearingthatwhile he was naked. Blood has soaked through the back and trailed down her legs. Her feet leave bloody splotches wherever she walks. I swear on every star in the sky, he will pay for this. Images of slicing his head off, and watching him bleed out at my feet run through my mind while I watch the shirtless giant down another glass.
Frustrated, I grab the jug from the slave, and she skitters away. It's too big for her anyway. Much easier if I pour.
The prince laughs. "She's a small thing—a tiny, little pest."
I eyeball him, and frown. He goes right back to drinking. He cannot even sense my murderous thoughts, which is for the best. Our official trade agreement has kept us alive thus far, and war must be avoided at all costs. I see the faces of my people, the mates, the children. Protecting them falls squarely on my shoulders.
The sixth glass comes and goes, and soon, the tall jug is almost empty. He still sits in his seat. The anticipation is making me want to crawl out of my skin.
Soon. It's almost time to reveal my hand.
The Prince sways when he yanks the jug away from me. "I pour now," he slurs.
I oblige and allow him to pick up the jug, he spills some of it into his lap, and I snarl. "Careful," I chide. “That is a very good brew.”
He sways a little, and he scrunches up his face. He blinks rapidly, throat bobbing. Then, he leans over on his side and vomits on the ground.
It is done. I won. Relief is the sweetest emotion.
I watch the prince wipe his mouth. Then he narrows his eyes and straightens up in his seat. "What trickery is this?" he growls.
I raise a brow. "Trickery?" I echo, feigning innocence. "I offered you a drinking game, and you accepted. You even chose the rules. What did you say?Giant rules?This,” I gesture to him, “just happened to be a result of your own weakness, First Prince."