Yet his insistence of conversing with her in private was too intriguing to pass up. She had more questions. And Jade wanted answers.
“Fine,” she conceded, whether it was in her best interest or not. “You may speak with me alone.” Yes, he was that persuasive; though when all was said and done, what choice did she really have? He was the one in charge. Still, Jade told him, “Here in the village, not at the castle.”
Demands. Who was she to make them? And yet she did.
A hint of amusement crossed his prominent facial features. With a nod, he said, “The library, then.” He eyed Lisette. “Do you mind?”
Her worried g
aze flitted to Jade, who gave her a small smile of reassurance.
“Of course not,” Lisette consented. What choice did she have?
“Jade.” Michael’s imploring tone tugged at her heartstrings. Certainly, he’d obsess over her safety.
“It’ll be okay,” she told him. “His Majesty merely wishes a discussion behind closed doors and everyone here knows when and where we’re meeting. Should anything happen to me, the king could hardly expect it to be dismissed. Particularly by the slayers, right?”
She glanced over her shoulder and found Walker and Toran rigid and at the ready—for what, she wasn’t sure. It wasn’t as though the two of them could take on an entire kingdom on her behalf, if something went awry. Even with Lisette’s vanquishing spells to help. Regardless, having everyone bear witness as she made the arrangement with the most superior of immortals provided a modicum of relief.
So she said, “Lead the way, my Lord.”
They marched down the aisle, out the door and along the walkway, Jade’s strides wide enough to keep up with the Demon King’s. Though, given his powerful legs, she suspected he’d slowed his usual pace a tad so she could match it. When they reached the library, he burst into it and turned swiftly to confront her.
“First,” he said as he wagged a finger in front of her, as though she were a disobedient child who needed to be scolded, “enough with challenging me. Do not forget, I am the king.”
“I know you’re the king,” she said. “I meant no disrespect. I’m simply hoping for honest answers. And while you may not believe I’m entitled to them, I disagree, given that your laws have been broken by your…creatures. Possibly even by you,” she added as she moved away. She crossed to the fireplace to warm her hands, since she’d left the meeting hall without slipping into her jacket.
“Take this.” Davian removed his gloves and cloak, and offered the latter to her.
She stared at the garment, wary. To not accept the grand gesture would only annoy him further when it came to her impudence. And though he’d demonstrated a measure of admiration for her determined resolve, she knew not to push her luck. There was such a thing as being too stubborn for one’s own good.
She draped the cloak over her shoulders. Jade wasn’t a small woman, but the black material dwarfed her and pooled at her feet.
“Thank you,” she said. “And I apologize for being so blunt. I’ve not spoken to a royal before, and I tend to say what’s on my mind without censoring it. I’ll behave as appropriately as I can manage during this conversation.”
He crooked a brow at her, sardonically, which told her he doubted she was capable of keeping her promise. “I’ll give you wide berth in private, but you try my patience in public. I won’t have you making a mockery of me or demeaning my governance.”
“I assure you, neither was my intention. And why the leniency when we’re not in earshot of anyone?”
“Because,” he said as he rubbed the back of his neck, as though her very presence brought on bunched muscles. Or a pinched nerve.
He didn’t speak for several moments.
Jade found this perplexing. He did not seem like the type of man who would ever be at a loss for conversation.
“Your Highness?” she prompted.
“Call me Davian when we’re alone.”
When we’re alone…?
Was this to become a regular occurrence?
Jade’s heart kicked into a staccato beat that quickened her breath.
“Why are we alone?” she carefully asked.
“Because…” he repeated before his jaw tightened. Only for a moment. Then he quietly asserted, “I need you.”