Radiance (Wraith Kings Book 1)(58)
"I'm told Serovek is known as the Stallion in the Beladine court." A muscled arm slid around Ildiko's waist, and she leaned back against Brishen's chest. He rubbed his nose along the curve of her ear. "He's an exceptional horseman, but I doubt the title was bestowed on him because of his skills in the saddle."
His cheek was cool and smooth pressed to hers. "I suspect, my husband, that is exactly why he was given the title."
His low laughter rumbled in her ear. A clawed hand outlined the curve of her waist before settling at her hip. “You stalk this hall with purpose, Ildiko. What do you seek?”
“Serovek has requested a dance with me. I know the Kai don’t follow the Gauri customs, but he thought it best I ask you first.”
She felt it then, a stiffening in his body as he pressed against her. It faded as soon as it appeared, but Brishen’s voice had lost its sensual warmth and turned clipped.
“He has a finely honed sense of survival. It makes him a good warrior. Do you wish to dance with him?”
Ildiko turned in his embrace so she could face him. She stroked his arm and gazed into his eyes. “I wish to dance with you, but I think it only hospitable as one of his hosts if I dance one dance with him.” She winked. “Or you could dance with him.”
Brishen snorted, and his features softened. “There is hospitable, and then there’s ridiculous.” He brushed his mouth across her forehead. “You don’t need my leave to dance with another, wife. But I reserve the right to steal you away at any time.”
Beladine and Kai guests paired off as the musicians segued into the beginnings of a more high-spirited tune. Ildiko wove through the crowd and found Serovek where she left him. He watched her approach with a slight smile.
“Will I live another day?” he asked.
She handed him her goblet so he could set it on the table behind him. “That depends. If you trample my feet, I’ll kill you.” Her grin matched his laughter. “You’ll forgive me, of course, if I trample yours. I’m not familiar with Kai dances. Until recently, I didn’t even know they danced.”
Serovek grasped her offered hand and led her toward the center of the hall. “They are exceptional dancers. Think about it. Strong, fast, and nimble, they are made for it. And you may recognize many of their tunes. The Gauri and the Beladine have taken a few as theirs over the centuries.”
They waited amidst a throng of other couples who had paused after the first tune ended and before the next one began. Ildiko glimpsed Brishen across the hall, watching them. When the second tune started, she clapped her hands. “You’re right! I know this song.”
Serovek lifted her hand, bowed and swept her into a loose embrace. “Your Highness, it is my honor.”
They fell into familiar steps. Serovek had spoken true when he said the Gauri—and the Beladine as well—had borrowed a few things from the Kai. She had learned to dance to this particular song when she was very young. It was a popular dance at the Gauri court and one of her favorites.
Serovek’s familiarity with the dance was obvious. He guided her smoothly through the steps, graceful as any Kai, especially for a man of his stature. Her feet were in no danger of being crushed; her partner was an adept dancer. It would have been perfect if she danced with Brishen instead of Serovek.
The dance soon came to an end, and Serovek surrendered her to a Kai officer who bowed low and requested a dance. It was followed by another with a Kai town councilman and one after that with one of Serovek’s Beladine soldiers.
She was flushed, winded and thirstier than a willow tree by a dry lake bed when Brishen sought her out, carrying a much welcomed goblet of wine. Ildiko took it with heartfelt thanks and drained it in two swallows.
Brishen blinked and offered his wine. “Would you like mine?”
Ildiko shook her head. “No. You’ve rescued me. I thought my tongue would stick to the roof of my mouth if I didn’t stop dancing soon and find something to drink.” She handed her empty goblet to a passing servant.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” He downed his drink and sent the cup off with Ildiko’s.
“I am.” Ildiko reached out to play with one of the lacings on his tunic. “Though I’d have much more fun if you paused a moment from all your political machinations and plans to dance with me. Just one dance, husband. It isn’t much to ask.” She winked at him. He had promised to claim her from any of her dance partners but so far had refrained, choosing instead to circulate through the hall, talking with both Beladine and Kai guests, including Serovek when that lord wasn’t dancing himself.
Brishen grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth for a soft kiss. The caress sent tingles from the tips of her fingers to her toes and set a hot pool of desire swirling inside her. She hadn’t chosen this husband of hers, nor had he chosen her, but fate or kind gods had brought them together, made them friends and then lovers. While her Gauri peers might shudder at the idea of a Kai mate and give thanks they weren’t her, Ildiko considered herself the most fortunate of women.
Her expression must have revealed something of her thoughts. Brishen tilted his head, a puzzled furrow appearing between his eyebrows. “What is it?”
“I want to dance with you now,” she said in a low voice only he could hear. “But I want to make to love to you more.” Her cheeks burned hot at her own blunt declaration and the reaction it caused.