FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
ALAZAR - An Alliance I Don't Want

Warlock Grove, Nightway

ALAZAR

The season changed in Nightway from lush green to warm Fall golds to soft Winter flakes. Now Warlock Grove rested still beneath a blanket of glistening silver. Skeletal tree branches reached for any remaining wisps of sunlight.

Riaura walked in step with Alazar. Pointing to a bird here or there. “There’s a Blue Tail Finch, Alazar!”

She knows how rare they are.

He smiled. “And that one?” He pointed to a red one in the distance.

“A Crimson.”

He nodded proudly.

“I remember.” She bragged. Slipping an arm about his waist, she abruptly tugged him around to face her. “I recall everything you’ve said to me.”

I doubt everything. Seems a bit farfetched.

“Do you?” He put his fists on his hips to refrain from touching her.

Frowning, she pressed closer.

As I’d hoped she would.

She spoke against his lips. “Wisdom, honesty, loyalty. These are the ingredients of a good realm. And the realm is a reflection of the ruler.” She mocked in a deep voice.

Those are my words.

“I don’t sound like that.”

“You’re right. More pompous.”

I’m not pompous.

“I prefer to call it confident.”

“You’ll call it as you see fit, Alazar.” She sighed, falling into step again. “Are we almost to Deer Valley? It seems much further today.”

That’s just the weather.

“It always does when it’s cold, Ri.” He gave her a soft smile and offered her his hand. Feeling hers interlinking it.

When a heavy gust spun up, she shivered.

Cold? He pressed his cloak around her and pulled her into his warmth.

She made a small purring sound.

Spurring him to round on her and place short kisses on her lips before drawing back to give her a brooding study. “You understand this affair, don’t you Dove?”

“You do understand the dangers of an affair with a future queen?” She mimicked his voice again.

You know what I’m asking.

“I don’t jest, Ri.” He frowned, brows drawing together.

“Yes, Alazar.” She sobered. “I know you’re not a man smitten with my quick wit and pretty face.”

Perhaps not yet.

“You’re correct.” He pulled her into step with him. Walking together with his arms about her shoulders. “However, you do have a quick wit which is enchanting. But you’re no pretty face.”

“I’m not?” Her head twisted to send him a wounded look.

“No, Riaura. You’re gorgeous. Huge green eyes,” He paused again, catching her elbow to turn her. Rubbing those lips with a gloved thumb. “Lush, kissable mouth. Pert little nose and long yellow braids just begging for a tug.” His hands slid to catch the bits of leather cinching them. Giving them a light pull. He groaned inwardly already.

She sends my mind reeling into lustful thoughts. Facing forward again, he tucked her into his cloak. Moving his feet with her so they walked as one. Tucked in his fur lined cloak. Her nearness made it hard to focus on the icy path at his feet.

So lost in thought, he missed Riaura’s yearning stare on him.

“When is your Charles coming back?” Alazar broke in as they walked. Clear disdain marking his voice as he said the name. His recent investigations into what happened to the Nightway peasants made it impossible to hide his disgust for the man anymore.

Gnawing her lip, she shot him a tenuous look. “Marod said in April.”

April? So soon?

She sounds anxious.

“Why do you fear it?” He asked perceptively. Twisting to view her profile.

“She wants me to marry him.”

Marriage? That’s absurd!

“Has she said that?” He asked a bit too quickly.

“She doesn’t have to.” Riaura said despondently. “I’ve known her long and well. She speaks much about using me to make alliances. Securing funds for Nightway, and that she’s taken care of as she ages.”

A Lord of a neighboring town? That’s a tenuous alliance.

Unless there’s more to it. Like his coin…

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