Page 22 of A Kiss of Flame
His blood heated in reaction. Barith knew Levian was playing the part, but they both loved to one-up each other. “Oh, I can get the job done, lass,” he grumbled, pulling her in so her slender body pressed against him. She fit rather well. Levian leanedback, her seductive expression faltering. Barith smiled smugly down at her. “As ye already know.”
A flare of violet filled her eyes before a dark smile tugged at her lips. “I’ll make you a wager,” she offered.
“Will ye?” he said, sliding his hands to her hips.
Her expression darkened a touch. “Whoever calls chicken or gets the name of our ‘friend’ first wins,” she explained, substituting the word ‘Curator’ to be tactful.
He grumbled. A voice in his head told him he shouldn’t take her bet. Even as a sun dragon, he knew when it was best not to play with fire. Yet he also knew it would seem odd if he didn’t accept; besides, the voice was not nearly as loud as the one telling him to take the mage’s challenge just for the satisfaction of watching her crack like an egg.
“What are the stakes?” he asked.
“I want the mermaid necklace,” she told him. The necklace was one of the rarest gems in his collection. It was a stunningly crafted swirl of delicate gold inlaid with pearls and diamonds.
He grunted. It was one of his favorites, and she knew it. “Fine,” he agreed. “And I’ll have the sapphire necklace back.” Levian had won it from him decades ago in another bet, and he knew it to be one of her favorite pieces.
A wolfish grin spread over her lips as she leaned in, her mouth shy of touching his. “This might be the easiest bet I’ll ever win,” she taunted.
He chuckled. “Aye?”
She nodded, keeping her plump mouth hovering near his. Her finger glowed violet as she traced it over his lips, sending a tingle shooting down from his mouth to his cock. He rumbled a growl, and she laughed, pushing him back playfully before slipping from his grasp.
“Welcome,” a soft voice came from the far side of the room. “I apologize for the delay, but it seems you two have beenentertaining yourselves.” A fae with deep olive skin, dressed in a slinky black dress that clung to their slim, muscled frame, stood by one of the bronze statues. Their short, white hair was perfectly swept to one side, accentuating their pointed ears covered in dangling earrings. They smiled coyly and added, “I must apologize for interrupting.”
Levian moved closer to Barith, stroking his arm affectionately. “It’s no bother at all,” she replied.
And they were off to the races, Barith thought.
“I’m Sil, your escort. Would you follow me, please?” The fae snapped their fingers, and a door appeared in the wall between the statues. Sil led them down a long, empty hallway lined with dark green textured paper. “I’m here to offer any aid you may desire,” they added, snapping their fingers again as a door appeared to the left, which they opened immediately, gesturing for Barith and Levian to enter. “Your private room.”
The mage glided into the small chamber, immediately throwing herself over a dark grey settee. The walls were covered in rich blue paper adorned with a silvery star chart and complimenting fabrics draped from the ceiling. A large dark wood wardrobe stood behind the settee, next to a matching chair and an elegantly carved wood dressing screen. A small oblong table covered in decadent plates of fruit, cheese, chocolates, and wine was laid out, which Levian perused. Barith stood behind Levian as Sil closed the door, sealing them in, and he tamped down the impulse to shudder at being trapped further underground.
“As first-time guests, you should know there are a few rules here in Kamár,” Sil explained, crossing to the wall opposite where they entered. “Clear consent is paramount everywhere, including your own room and all common areas. Refusal to comply will result in immediate expulsion and banishment. You are welcome to every chamber within Kamár that reveals itself toyou, and your invitation permits you both to stay no longer than three consecutive days with or without the other.
“Only the two of you will be able to find this private chamber—no other patrons are allowed entry, even if invited. It’s your sanctuary, though other rooms are available if you desire additional company.
“If you need anything not contained here, simply step outside, ask the room, and step back in. If the room cannot manifest what you require, call, and I will assist.” Sil motioned to a thick velvet rope that hung along the wall before snapping their fingers. Another door appeared next to the rope. “Magick is allowed but dampened in all of Kamár,” the fae finished. “Any questions?”
Barith had a hundred but couldn’t form any into words.
“Where would you suggest we start?” Levian asked, snatching a truffle from the tray and popping it into her mouth.
Sil’s golden eyes shifted between them both. “I would recommend starting with the pools,” they suggested.
Levian’s brows rose. “Pools?”
The fae smiled before explaining, “They are unique to our current location and rather popular with the members.”
The mage looked to Barith and smiled. “It sounds like we must.” He grunted his agreement.
Sil nodded and snapped their fingers again. “I’ll see it done,” they said, motioning to the wardrobe. “You’ll find suitable options to change into here unless you prefer to go unclothed. Just call when you’re ready, and I’ll escort you.”
Levian thanked Sil, and the faerie gave a final nod before leaving, the door remaining this time. Levian shot up and flew to the wardrobe when the fae was gone. “I wonder what they have here?” she chimed with delight, throwing open the doors.
Barith felt a touch of whiplash at how quickly Levian’s countenance had changed. The seductress was gone, replacedby her usual spirited self. He couldn’t help but smile at her excitement as she sifted through the clothes. She pulled out a long silk robe and held it against her front. It was rather flattering, though not as much as her dress.
“I assume they can hear us in here?” Barith guessed.
Levian tossed the robe over the screen and went back to rummaging. “I’d wager every room is enchanted to record anything a patron might be stupid enough to disclose that the Eldreth could use to their advantage,” she replied.