Page 72 of The Serpent Prince

“No, I don’t. Not anymore,” he stated, barely audible as he distractedly stared out the window.

“Why?” she pressed. She’d certainly wondered about hers since learning that Malis wasn’t, and a small part of her desperately yearned to meet the one destined for her.

“What would be the point?” he said simply, still distracted, cracking his knuckles. There was that nervousness again that said they were walking into a lion’s den.

“There wouldn’t be. A silly fantasy,” she mumbled. Learning his opinion of his real heartmate gave her an idea of what the next few days would be like pretending with him. Hopefully, he could throw together some semblance of emotion for her.

They rode in silence after that.

Deep inside the mountain, the train slowed. Imani grabbed her wand and bit her lip again to hide her trepidation as it became darker and colder. Kiran ran a hand over his hair again and took a deep breath, although it still looked perfect.

They rolled to a full stop, and the second they did, he grabbed her cloak. It was a gorgeous, fur-lined one with diamonds woven into the clasp. Everything she owned now was of the utmost quality and beauty.

Still holding the cloak, but not moving to put it on her, he gave her a judgmental once-over for several seconds. She endured his heavy stare.

Finally, he nodded.

She stood, reaching for the cloak. He ignored her and wrapped it around her shoulders, his expression unreadable as he focused on making sure it was secured tight around her.

Her hair had been elaborately braided with diamonds woven in throughout, although a piece kept falling out against her cheek. He tucked it behind her ear, searching her face. She couldn’t understand what the look he leveled down at her meant. What any of these looks meant.

She scowled and crossed her arms. “What? Let’s get the criticism out of the way before we get in there, Kiran. It may not be illusion magic, but I know I have enough makeup on to hide the scarring.” Her brow raised in an obvious challenge.

A strange silence passed between them.

He watched the light reflect off the diamonds in her hair. “I have none, aomagho ruya,” he said softly, brushing his fingers across her face. “You’re perfect. Everyone will fall instantly in love with you, like everyone does,” he murmured almost to himself. He looked around outside at the people gathering like animals observing their alphas. “Why do you think I brought you here?”

Smugness settled on her face. She knew where she stood—a tool and nothing more—but the little compliment would sustain her confidence for a while.

CHAPTER 26

Kiran took her hand and stormed with her down the aisle of the train. A zing shot across her skin at his touch. It startled her, and she flexed her hands in his.

All at once, he stopped and grabbed her closer, snaking his hand around her waist to hold her tight to him, chest to chest. “You have to pretend you don’t hate me,” he growled. “What’s more, you have to make them believe you love me. Dwarves are masters of defensive spells, truth telling enchantment, and disillusionment. It’s how they’ve protected the vast treasure in their vaults for thousands of years.”

Letting out a deep breath at another lecture, she merely nodded. “I know.”

“Look at me.” He lowered his eyes to meet hers. “Can you do this? We are going into their territory, and they are unforgiving to those who break their laws. Including royals. We will be utterly alone, miles underground.”

She glanced away then met his eyes again. “Yes, I can make them believe,” she breathed then added, “and we’ll make them look like fools for believing us.”

“We will,” he agreed softly with a small smile, tucking that same loose tendril of hair behind her ear again.

A pang of hunger hit her, but she clamped it down. Her urges had not abated, and she almost whimpered—and almost grabbed him and dragged him away from this godsforsaken place to feed.

Instead, she held her chin up and brazenly gave him a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. His eyes closed in response, and he deepened it, moving his hand to lightly hold her face. When she pulled away, his eyes were still closed.

“Kiran.”

When he looked at her again, both eyes were familiar to her now but so arresting still. Still, he didn’t say anything.

“I’m ready,” she said, squaring her shoulders.

“Good. You are going to mesmerize them, my darling.” He smiled and kissed her again.

Her heart flipped in response. Kiran rarely gave her real smiles … even small ones. She liked it immensely when he did. He didn’t let her enjoy it, grabbing her wrist and stalking off the train with her in tow.

The second he stepped off the train, the air shifted. Taking her right hand, he placed his other on her waist then helped her carefully slip down. He held her as if she were made of delicate crystal, watching her every move, her every breath. She noticed how he shifted his body to shield her from view as much as possible, holding her protectively close. It was strange.