“Tricky, tricky Astra,” someone muttered.
As if these females were any better. They intended to betray him at the first opportunity.
“Now that that’s settled, I’m guessing the meeting is over,” Blythe said, reclining and kicking up her legs. “The big guy is starved. Someone make him a sammich. Extra pickles.”
The women ignored her, no one even sparing her a glance.
The taller of the Amazons offered him a tight smile. “Minus the wraiths, roughly ninety-five percent of the realm has signed on to participate in the tournament.”
Exactly as hoped. Even those who had no interest in sex or sperm sought a way home.
“This assembly is concluded.” The tall Amazon banged a gavel.
The councilmembers stood, their customary leers returning. Some winked at him. Others blew him a kiss. The manticore made a crude hand gesture.
He showcased no reaction. But Blythe...might have. Had she stiffened, as if she were upset by the attention he received from the others? Surely not. Wishful thinking on his part, nothing more.
“What about that sandwich?” he asked on her behalf.
“Food-wise, you’re on your own today,” a gorgon said as everyone else filed out the door. “We’re busy preparing for the festivities. Unless you’re hungry for gorgon? Because I’m already hot and ready to be served. No?”
He didn’t deign to respond.
“Tomorrow,” the Amazon piped up, pausing in the doorway to glance at him, “someone will collect you at sunrise and escort you to the opening ceremony.”
Opening ceremony. The moment his truce with Blythe ended.
He nodded. “I’ll be ready.”
15
THE SURPRISE
“Come.” Roux extended his hand to Blythe as soon as they were alone in the conference room. “I will feed you.”
She reciprocated, linking their fingers without thought. Thought came after. Dang him! His newfound charm had to stop. Roux, with his tragic past, sexy-rough features, and desperate passions was nothing to her. Less than nothing. That hadn’t changed and wouldn’t. Ever. But she didn’t let him go. Not yet.
“Where are we going?” she grumbled.
“A village we passed when I carried you to the palace.”
He transported her to a clearing with ancient fae-type beings scattered about. Eleven of them, to be exact. They ranged from the palest white to the most flawless black, with hair in every shade imaginable. All wore dresses made of leaves and flower petals. They flittered about, either gardening or cooking.
The scent of roasting vegetables coated a cool breeze, and her mouth watered.
“Not the sandwich you requested, but food,” Roux said, sounding proud of himself.
Ugh. Why was eventhatcharming?
Noticing the enormous male in their midst, a fae shrieked. “He’s back!”
The others shrieked as well, practically stampeding each other to race off. Dude. “They are not your biggest fans.”
“No. They are the first of the fae-nymphs,” Roux explained, resignation replacing his pride. “Mars filled his harem with them. By force. To escape him for good, they came here.”
Her chest clenched. Roux had been a victim of the god too, yet he garnered the same reaction as his perpetrator. Perhaps another reason he’d always despised being touched.He’d never known if someone reacted to him or his father.
The clenching worsened as the Astra led her forward. They’d never let go of the other’s hand, she realized with a start.