lifted his chin. “Go to the arena, cousin. I’ll be there shortly.”
“That’s the last command you’ll ever give me.” Scowling, Joachim pivoted on his heel and strode away.
Shaye had to put a stop to this.
“Dorian,” Valerian said, not giving her a chance to speak. “Gather the rest of the men. They’ll bear witness to the battle—they’ll see what happens to those who think to usurp my rule. Broderick, go and prepare my gear.”
Chairs skidded backward. Footsteps pounded.
I can’t believe this is happening, Shaye thought.
She’d been kidnapped from her mother’s wedding—shrug. She’d been dragged underwater, through a portal and into a lost city—yawn. She’d been chosen as the king’s mistress—could someone pass a nail file?
This battle...it was a nightmare.
“I’m asking you not to do this,” she said to Valerian. They were alone now, no one else in sight. “He’ll make a terrible king.”
Valerian sat down and once again regarded her through narrowed eyes. “He will never be king.”
Ugh. She’d insulted his skill again, which hadn’t been her intention.
“So you’ll win,” she said. “What will happen afterward?”
He popped a grape into his mouth. “You’ll admire my strength.”
Probably. Not that she’d admit such a horror aloud.
With a sigh, she plopped into her chair.
They finished their breakfast as if they’d never been interrupted. As if her stomach wasn’t churning with nervousness.
When they finished, he pushed to his feet and held out his hand, palm up. A silent command.
“They are awaiting us in the arena.”
She studied his palm, knowing the moment she intertwined her fingers with his, warmth would rush up her arm. Such a drugging warmth. She would tingle and ache.
Her throat constricted.
She stood, keeping her arms at her sides. “Go ahead. Lead the way.”
He frowned and beckoned her with a single wave of his fingers.
Stubborn, she crossed her arms over her chest.
Their gazes locked in challenge. The long length of his black lashes cast shadows over his cheeks. How did a man with honey-blond hair have such dark eyelashes?
“I need your touch, Shaye.” The words dripped with determination, but drifting beneath them was a very clear challenge: every resistance will be met and conquered until you’ve soared over the sweet edge of surrender. “My victory depends upon it.”
“No way.”
“Nymphs are strengthened through sex,” he said.
What! “I am not having sex with you.”
Not even to save him?
Well...
No. What? Can’t believe you’re even considering this. Death was an exaggeration on his part, surely. A way to get her into bed.
“Contact—any contact—helps.”
“Fine.” She clasped his hand.
The warmth she’d feared speared her, spreading up and out and soon overtaking her entire body.
He closed his eyes, as if savoring her.
Once again, her insides quivered. Such an innocent touch, and yet he affected her so...wantonly.
“One day...” he said.
A promise...or a warning?
He stalked out of the dining hall, dragging her with him.
“Slow down,” she said, struggling to keep up. “Please.”
He could have ignored her, but he obeyed. As if her words carried weight with him.
A girl could get used to that.
Her gaze snagged on the wall, where white marble was inlaid with silver stone, crumbling in spots. There were also scratch marks, she realized, as if someone had taken a tool to every inch.
“What happened here?” she asked.
“I was told humans invaded.”
Her gaze pierced his back, where hard muscle and sinew strained under his beautiful bronzed flesh. “Humans willingly visit Atlantis?”
“Some do, yes.”
Wow. People actually knew about this place, yet they’d managed to keep it a secret. If they’d returned home, that was.
“How long have you lived here?”
“My army claimed the palace from the dragons only a few weeks ago.”
Claimed. Aka “stolen,” she was sure. “In stories, dragons spew fire and eat humans as tasty snacks.”
“Stories are correct.” He sounded amused.
“Won’t the dragons want their palace back?”
“Oh, yes.”
Her eyes widened at his nonchalance. “And that doesn’t bother you? The thought of battling such fierce creatures?”
“No. Why should it?” He stopped to glare at her, his chest seeming to expand right before her eyes. The heat of his skin caressed her, and the heady scent of him filled her nose, fogging her head.
Sconces blazed from the walls, their glow flickering over the contours of his face. Shadows and light fought for dominance, playing over his cheeks, making him appear menacing.
“I’m fiercer,” he said. “I’m stronger.”
Hello, male arrogance. “Well, I’m sorry I don’t share your confidence,” she said dryly.
He frowned. “If the thought of dragons scares you—”
“Terrifies me,” she interjected. In this land, you were either predator or prey. Since she wasn’t a predator...
“How will you react when I introduce you to the vampires?”
A strangled gasp wheezed from her throat. “I’m not meeting vampires.”
“They are our friends.”
He talks as if we’re already a couple.
“Look. I know you told me those creatures existed, but I never actually thought you’d make me interact with them. Vampires drink blood, Valerian.”
“They won’t drink yours, Shaye.”
She sighed. There was simply no arguing with him. He had a response for everything.
“Let’s bargain,” she said. “You won’t introduce me to vampires, and I’ll...” What?
In the distance, swords clanged together. Grunts sounded, and male laughter abounded.
“I like where you are headed with this conversation,” he said. “We’ll revisit what you’re willing to do after the fight.”
“No. We finish it now.” She jumped in front of him to stop him and flatten her hands on his chest—oh, how he burned. “Forget the vampires. Win the fight, and I’ll kiss you.”
Desire flared in his eyes. The same consuming desire she’d encountered when she’d first watched him stride from the ocean.
“Give me a preview of this kiss,” he said.
Desire consumed her. “Or what? You’ll lose? I don’t think so, babe.” Babe? Her