Page 18 of Jon’s Desert Prince Dream

Huh, well, that was unexpected. “You can see that?”

“I can see you’re scheming and I’m somehow involved, yes.”

“But not what I’m scheming?”

“When thoughts form into words, I’ll be able to read them. Until then, explain.”

Every time I felt like I had a good grasp on what he could see, he surprised me. Well, either way, I had no qualms telling him. Actually, it might be best to explain so he wouldn’t be caught off guard.

“The ambassador for your home country is still here and still trying to reason with us. Well, he calls it reasoning, we call it begging. He’s in a very tough spot because he’s supposed to go home with trading rights, but right now, everyone’s so mad at his king, no one’s giving him an audience. I don’t think he realizes just how badly he screwed up by bringing not only people, but psychics to us in chains.”

“Likely not.”

“So tonight, I think it’ll be best to show him. We can talk until we’re blue in the face, but it’s not sinking in. Seeing you dressed like that will convince him beyond words.”

A slow, evil smile took over Jon’s face. “Oh, you are good.”

“You think it’ll work?”

“I had three months to study Ambassador Solomon from afar. Trust me, it’ll work. That said, mind if I lend a hand?”

“Go ahead. If anything, you have the most right to confront him.”

Jon blinked, then canted his head a little, as if he hadn’t considered this. Then he snorted. “I guess I do, at that.”

I harbored the feeling he was not used to standing up for himself. I hated the idea that he was so accustomed to being fucked over, he didn’t try to stand up for himself anymore. Being here would break that habit. Or I’d start breaking people’s noses. Either or.

Finally, we reached the main hallway, and it was obvious not only because the stairs leading up into the banquet hall were in sight, but because of all the people milling about, chatting casually. There were glasses of chilled wine and sliced fruit being served to whet the appetite until it was time to go in. I saw more than a few heads turn when we joined the hall, and people visibly did double takes upon seeing Jon.

I was not the only one who thought he looked stunning.

Two people I knew very well split off, beelining for us. I lifted a hand in greeting while explaining to Jon, “My parents are coming. They’ve heard about you already.”

“Donovan, you brought him!” My mother came to a stop, beaming at Jon. “I’m Alani. I am honored to meet you.”

Jon took her hand into his and gave the same delighted smile in return. Then winced a little. “I’m very happy to meet you too.”

“This is my husband, Kanye.”

I watched my father greet my (hopefully) future husband with a warm tingle in my chest. I knew he would like them on first sight. My parents were extraordinarily good people. Why did Jon keep wincing, though…?

Oh.

Duh.

I put a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to murmur, “Are they blinding you?”

“A little.” Jon touched his bare face with a sigh. “I forgot to put my glasses back on.”

“Fortunately for you, I brought them just in case.” I slid them out from my waist pouch and offered them.

Jon put them on with a whimper of relief.

To my parents, who were confused, I explained the best I could. “Good people apparently have bright auras, and if he’s surrounded on all sides, it becomes blinding. The glasses help cut it down to something more manageable.”

“Oh!” Mom regarded Jon thoughtfully. “That probably does get overwhelming. I’m glad you’ve found something to help, although I’m sure once you’re properly anchored, the glasses won’t be necessary.”

Jon regarded her, head tilting quizzically. “You think?”