Unlit_A Kingdoms of Earth & Air Novel

by Keri Arthur

  Music started up from somewhere ahead. It was a lovely, sprightly tune, one I recognized and had often danced to. As I moved toward the sound, a blue-clad figure stepped firmly into my path and forced me to stop.

  He bowed with something of a flourish, his gaze sweeping my length before it rose to linger a little longer than was polite on my breasts. I gently cleared my throat and his gaze jumped to my face, a slight tinge of pink touching his cheeks.

  “Lady N,” he said, “may I have the honor of this dance?”

  I hesitated, studying him over my now empty wineglass, desperately trying to remember his name. He was wearing blue, so that meant Rossi allegiance. After another moment, it came to me—Tavish. He just happened to be the youngest brother of Saska’s husband, Marcus, and could be an excellent source of information.

  Tease, the wind said. Leave him with heated dreams and desires so that he might be more pliable on the morrow.

  The wind, it seemed, was feeling rather wicked this night. And she was also speaking to me far more clearly than she ever had before. In fact, her whisperings were so clear she could have almost been another woman standing beside me. Was it this place? We were in the Rossi stronghold, after all, so her strength and power would likely be infused into the very walls.

  “Alas, Lord T, I have promised my first dance of the night to my Lord T. And he, rather annoyingly, has currently disappeared.” As his face fell, I stepped closer and brushed the rim of my glass across his chest. “I would, however, be very appreciative of another glass of that delightful red.”

  He bowed, took my glass, and hurried off. I couldn’t help but wonder how old he was—for a surety, he was not only a lot younger than me, but also a whole lot more innocent. He came back within minutes and handed me a full glass of wine with another flourish. I smiled and raised my glass to him. “Good deeds never go unnoted. Perhaps we can talk more on the matter tomorrow night?”

  “That,” he said, with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes, “would be most welcome.”

  “A date then.” I clicked my glass against his. “Tell me, how goes the lady S? Has she recovered from her trials in the desert?”

  He hesitated. “I don’t know, as she keeps mostly to her suite.”

  “But I’d expect her lord was glad to see her returned?”

  “One would expect that, yes.” He glanced past me, and his face went pale. He bowed. “I mustn’t delay you any longer, Lady N. Until tomorrow night, then.”

  He spun and hurried off. Someone had obviously scared him off, but who?

  I turned, and the reason for Tavish’s sudden departure became crystal clear. I certainly would have done the same, had our positions been reversed.

  Because the man who strolled toward me with dark nonchalance was none other than Lord Kiro himself.

  5

  He was, once again, dressed from head to toe in black, a color that suited the dark caress of his energy. His silvery hair and eyes glimmered like ice in the brightness of the room, and his mouth—oddly lush and eternally kissable—was painted black to match his rather devilish mask.

  I blinked at the direction of those thoughts, and thrust them firmly from my mind. Part of this man’s personal magic was that of enticement and seduction, and knowing that placed the power of it in my hands more than his.

  So I held my ground and took a sip of the wine, watching him approach with what I hoped was an expression of disinterest.

  He stopped and bowed politely. His energy was a darkly seductive wave that had pinpricks of heat skittering across my skin. While I couldn’t control the reactions of my body, I gave it little heed, and simply did the required curtsey.

  “Lord K, what a pleasure to see you again.”

  “Indeed, Lady N. You are looking much more—” He paused, his gaze scanning me, a leisurely caress that felt so real it stirred desire and made me ache. When his eyes finally returned to mine, they burned with heat. But whether that was real, or merely part of his power and whatever he was trying to pull from me, I couldn’t say. He smiled. “—delectable in that outfit.”

  “My Lord T has very good taste in dresses, it seems.”

  “Indeed.” He swirled the wine in his glass, the movement languid—a sensation that seemed to echo through me. “I have to admit, I was rather surprised to learn you were an item.”

  There was something in his voice that made me think it was said more for those who might be listening than me. I raised my glass, took another drink, and then licked the remaining droplets from my lips. I might not have his power of seduction, but I could certainly play his games. His gaze followed the movement and something flared within his eyes. Something that wasn’t desire, but rather an acknowledgment of my resistance and a spark of even greater determination.

  “Why?” I murmured. “You should be well aware that restraint isn’t practiced where I come from.”

  “Indeed. But Lord T is not known for his hedonistic tendencies.”

  “Then perhaps you don’t know as much about him as you thought.”

  “Perhaps.” He stepped into my personal space, an impolite act that would set tongues wagging. But that’s exactly what Trey wanted—and something I could certainly twist to my advantage.

  Or so the wind assured me.

  I raised my free hand and placed my palm against his chest. His skin, even through the black silk, was unusually warm under my fingertips, the muscles taut. From a distance it would look like an act of desire; only Kiro knew it wasn’t.

  “How does the lady S recover from her trials in Tenterra?”

  “Is that what you were asking young T about?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Of course. What else would I be seeking?”

  “I fear I don’t know.”

  He placed an odd emphasis on the word “fear.” I was under no illusion that he in any way feared me, but he certainly didn’t trust me. And while I might be holding a secret, he seemed to think it was bigger—and far more dangerous—than it actually was. It was time I called him out on it.

  “And I fear I do not understand your suspicions of me.” I cocked my head to one side and studied him for several seconds. “Perhaps you have walked too long in this world, and see secrets and dishonesty where there are none.”

  He laughed, a warm and surprisingly real sound that caused heads to turn. And, no doubt, set tongues wagging even harder. “Perhaps you are right.”

  His tone suggested otherwise. I gave him a cool smile and murmured, “Whatever you think of me, Lord K, believe one thing—I would give my life for the protection of Winterborne. How many in this room do you think would do the same? Would you?”

  “I have given over my entire life to that very practice.”

  Which didn’t answer the initial part of my question, but I let it slide. “Then perhaps you’ve been jaded by a lifetime of such service, and see wrongs where none exist.”

  “Lady N, you are an intriguing woman.” He paused, and added with an edge that spoke of suspicion, “I can see why Lord T is enamored with you.”

  “Perhaps he merely sees what is there, and what is not.”

  It was a response that addressed what he hadn’t said, and his gaze narrowed. I smiled, stepped back, and said in a slightly louder tone, “It has been a delight talking to you, Lord K, but I’m afraid I must move on.”

  With a perfunctory bow, I turned and did just that. His heated gaze burned into my back even as whispers and surprise followed me. I ignored them and continued to the area that held the musicians and bards. I passed the remaining hours there, talking to many but promising little. It wasn’t just men who approached but also women, young and old. Many of these were openly inviting of a sexual liaison, and it took me by surprise. Fluid sexuality was common among those of us who were deemed unlit or who held no magic, but I’d honestly expected it would be more frowned upon here amongst those who held power or who lived in the shadows of it, especially given the relentless pursuit for children born of magic. Although per
haps—if what Trey had said was true and Lord Kiro did apply his dark energy to both men and women—it was not so much frowned upon, as given official blessing only at such events and celebrations as this masque and the summer solstice.

  If that were the case, then, for the first time in my life, I felt sorry for them.

  When the hour of three finally approached, I unhurriedly made my way back to the nook. But before I could reach it, fingers caught my arm and pulled me to a gentle stop. I turned, one eyebrow raised in query, and discovered it was a woman rather than a man. Her dress was the rich gold of the Hawthorne line and it hugged her curves delightfully, while the mask did little to hide the perfection of her face. But it wasn’t just her beauty that had my heart pounding, but also the two very familiar silver bracelets that decorated her wrists. This was none other than the younger of the two women I’d noticed talking earlier.

  I bowed my head and murmured, “I’m sorry, my lady, but I don’t believe we have been introduced.”

  “I’m Lady P, and I was most desirous to talk to the woman who has intrigued half the masque this night.”

  She was tall and lithe in build, with pert breasts, silvery hair, and ice-colored eyes. What I could see of her face was both intriguing and captivating.

  She held out her right hand, as if in invitation. I hesitated, unsure what was expected of such an offering. A kiss, most likely, but there was a stubbornness within me that refused to abide by such haughty expectations.

  Something flared in her eyes; determination most certainly, but something else also. Something that was deep, dark, and foreign.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady P.” I gave her another formal half nod. “What can do for you?”

  “I was wondering if, perhaps, you would be available for a discussion of a more personal nature?”

  She dropped her hand, letting it skim down my waist and exposed left hip in a flirtatious manner. Her touch was light, her fingers warm, and the desire that stirred within me was strengthened by not only her closeness but also the richness of her scent—a heady mix of wildflowers and lust. Lady P was definitely out to seduce. And while the strength of my reaction would normally have made me a more than willing partner, suspicion nevertheless stirred. Because despite the desire, there was a coldly determined light in her eyes, one that suggested she wasn’t here of her own volition.

  It was a suspicion the wind agreed with.

  “Alas,” I said softly, “I’m now late for such a meeting with my lord.”

  “Then perhaps,” she murmured, her hand slipping to my rump as she closed the space between us. Her breasts pressed against mine, allowing me to feel the racing of her heart. There was no doubt she wanted me, even if the suspicion there was more than lust at play here lingered. “We should make it tomorrow night, at a time when your lord is well occupied with others.”

  Suggesting she didn’t only want our liaison to be unofficial, but also that she was aware enough of Trey’s movements to be certain he wasn’t going to be around the following night. And all of that just deepened the suspicions.

  I hesitated and then shrugged one shoulder, as if it was of no importance to me.

  “Perhaps I shall agree to such a meeting out on the balcony at midnight, and perhaps I will not.” I let a seductive smile tease my lips. “Shall we see what the night brings, Lady P?”

  “We shall.” Her lips brushed my cheek, leaving my skin tingling as she stepped back and bowed lightly. “I wait in anticipation, Lady N.”

  So, she’d certainly been asking after me, given I’d never mentioned my name.

  “Indeed you will,” I murmured, then bowed and continued my journey. And once again was aware of a heated gaze watching my departure.

  I was somewhat relieved to find Trey already at the nook, waiting for me.

  “Lady N,” he said, offering me another glass of red, “I’m delighted you managed to find your way back to my side.”

  Amusement touched my lips. “Did you doubt it would be otherwise?”

  “Oh, yes.” He pressed a hand to my spine once again, and guided me toward the internal balcony and the staircase down to the guest accommodation area. “It seemed your attention was in much demand. Just as it would seem I’ve won our wager.”

  “I wouldn’t be so confident about that—not until after the equinox unveiling.”

  “Oh, I have every confidence an unveiling will only increase the intrigue.”

  I didn’t bother replying. Only time would tell which of us was right. A footman met us at the bottom of the stairs and proceeded to guide us through the myriad of lushly decorated halls until we came to an elegant silver and glass door situated toward the rear of the building.

  “We’ve taken the liberty of supplying you with a range of food and drink. If you desire anything else, please ring the bell, my lord.” The footman opened the door and then stepped aside to allow us entry.

  “Thank you,” Trey said. “But I think we shall be all right for the rest of the evening.”

  “As you wish, my lord.” The footman bowed and retreated.

  I walked inside. The suite was of a simple design, consisting of a large lounging area, a plush bathing area that could be curtained off or not, and the offset and partially walled bedding area. There were also several large glass doors that led onto a balcony. Beyond that lay the sea. I could hear her call through the whisper of the wind. The only other door in the area, aside from the entrance, was into what I presumed was the privy. There were a number of paintings and tapestries on the walls depicting scenery, and a multitude of colorful rugs on the stone floor.

  That floor was warm against the soles of my feet, and contained an odd sense of power.

  I frowned and walked across to the long, kneeling-height table that sat in the middle of the main room. It held trays of sweetmeats, breads, and cheeses, and there was also a decanter of wine and an ornate silver coffeepot set atop a heating pad.

  Trey stripped off his belt and mask, tossing both onto one of the well-padded blue-velvet chairs as he headed for the coffeepot. “Drink?”

  “Please.”

  I took off my mask and stretched out on one of the fur-covered cloudsaks, crossing my legs at my ankles. It was a position that revealed the long length of my unstained leg and a good portion of my right buttock. Trey handed me a coffee then sat down on one of the hassocks to my left—an optimal position to view what was on show. If he noticed, there was no immediate evidence of it.

  “So, what did the night and this celebration reveal to you?”

  I took a drink, winced at the bitter taste, and then quickly updated him. “I guess the most intriguing is the fact that although Lord Marcus is hosting this event to celebrate the return of his lady, neither of them appeared.”

  “A curious anomaly many commented on. Any theories?”

  “No, but I did talk to Tavish briefly. Saska apparently keeps to her rooms and sees no one. I got the distinct impression Marcus isn’t pleased about her return.”

  “Which is far more information than I managed,” he said. “Although I did learn Marcus has a hetaera who has given him three sons, one of them born long before he and Saska were committed.”

  A hetaera was one step up from a mistress. It basically meant she was treated as the lady of the house by everyone within it, but wasn’t formally acknowledged as such. Saska’s return would have been a great blow to her hopes and her standing in this place. “Was she there tonight?”

  “No, but she’ll apparently be in attendance tomorrow night.” He smiled. “Which is rather fitting, given it is the night of knives.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “It’s a symbolistic representation of the cutting of old ties and the forging of new. That knife you threatened to plunge into my heart will be a most appropriate adornment.”

  “And an appropriate response if Lord Kiro decides to test the boundaries of my patience.”

  His smile grew. “Did you glean anything else from young
Tavish?”

  “No, but only because Kiro intervened.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Did he indeed?”

  “He seemed rather determined I should not flirt with that young man.”

  “Perhaps that’s because he has designs on him.”

  “No. There was nothing sexual in his interference.” I hesitated. “He did try to seduce me, however, even though he does not trust me.”

  “Neither is surprising. He knows you keep secrets.”

  “Everyone keeps secrets. Most are not worth worrying about.” I shrugged. “Besides, I’m not one of those women whose lips are loosened after a tumble, however exceptional it may be.”

  “I’m guessing, then, you have not been bedded by a man such as Kiro?”

  “No, and I have no desire to be, either. No matter how much his personal magic might push such onto me.”

  Something glittered in his eyes, something that almost suggested satisfaction. But all he said was “Anything else?”

  I hesitated. “I saw two women wearing bracelets similar to the ones Saska gifted to us.”

  An eyebrow rose. “And this caught your attention because?”

  I took another sip of coffee but it was far too strong for my palate. I wrinkled my nose and placed the cup back onto the table. “Because you said you’d not seen their like before.”

  “That’s hardly surprising given I’ve been absent in any real capacity for just over seventeen years.”

  “Seventeen?” I blinked. “How young were you when you went to Blacklake? You can’t possibly be more than a few years older than me.”

  “I would wager I’m at least five years older,” he said. “As for the reasons—isn’t that part of our wager?”

  “It is indeed.” Five years would make him thirty-three and that was a very young age to become commander. Given the respect he generated from his people, it wasn’t a position he’d been handed, either, but rather one earned.

  He stretched his long legs out until his toes touched my lower thigh. It was little more than a light press of skin against skin, and yet it caused a reaction more intense than anything Lord Kiro, with all his sexual prowess and magic, could ever hope to achieve.