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 The Outer City, just as I promised.
VALERIAN ESCORTED SHAYE out of the palace and into the afternoon heat. The crystal dome glowed brightly, and birds whistled
playfully. They hadn t left yet, but already he had a fierce need to return. So when he reached the stables, he quickly commanded
one of the centaurs to prepare for travel. The dark horse-man leapt into action, trotting over to him.
 It will be my pleasure to take you into the city, great one.
Shaye gaped up at him.  Uh, that horse is half man, she said,  and you expect me to ride him?
 Yes.
She gulped. Valerian mounted and held out his hand. Tentative, she placed her palm over his. He lifted her up behind him,
loving the feel of her pressed so close to him. Much as he loved it, though, it increased his need to hurry this trip along. You want
her to fall in love with the city, remember?
 Was practice rough? she asked after the centaur began descending the cliffs. She sounded nervous.
Valerian didn t answer. He d worked his men and himself until sweat had poured from them. Until exhaustion had set in.
He d needed an outlet for his frustration, but it hadn t worked.
There was only one thing that would work.
Shaye, in his bed. Shaye, joined with him.
He d never been more determined to win her.  I m sorry, but we can t stay long.
 I don t care. I m just happy to visit.
Happy. Just the way he wanted her.
They reached the Outer City in minutes. As usual, there were no females present. Having sensed his arrival, they d hidden
away. Only males centaurs, minotaurs and formorions manned the tables and booths, selling their wares, from food to jewelry
to clothing.
While they were there, Valerian saw to Shaye s every need. Whenever she wanted to look, he took her. When she was
thirsty, he bought her a drink. When she was hungry, he purchased her a snack. Delicious meat pies that seduced the taste buds.
As time ticked by, he forgot about his need to return and simply enjoyed her.
At first she was wary of him and treated him coolly, distantly. But as a troupe of siren males passed them on the cobbled
street, singing of love and passion, she began to warm, as if she just couldn  t help herself. She watched with delight. Griffins
charged by them, chasing their tails, and she skipped after them. He d never seen her so relaxed; he d never seen her so happy.
Looking at her, light glowing around her like a halo, love swelled inside his chest. This was the real Shaye. He knew it,
sensed it, and he would bring her here every day if needed. Next time he would even take her to the waterfalls and watch her
splash in the pools.
 Is anyone selling oranges, do you think? she asked him wistfully, slowing to a walk.
 We shall see. But the few stands that sold the fruit were out. Shaye couldn t hide her disappointment, and Valerian vowed
to search all of Atlantis if necessary. His mate would have her oranges before the day ended.  Ready to return?
She cast a wistful glance at her surroundings.  Yes. I can t believe how beautiful this place is, she said as they found and
mounted their centaur.  It s paradise.
She was paradise.
 Thank you for taking me.
 My pleasure, love. My pleasure.
She shivered against him.
His lips lifted in a slow smile thankfully, it was a smile she could not see. Her defenses were down, just as he d hoped, and
her desire for him was making itself known. They reached the palace a few minutes later, and his blood heated. Almost time...
At the stable he dismounted and helped Shaye do the same. She no longer hesitated to touch him, he was pleased to notice.
After thanking the centaur for the ride, he led Shaye to his room. Along the way, he sent a few of his men to search for oranges.
 I have a surprise for you, he told Shaye.
 Good or bad?
Before collecting her for their journey, he d gone to his own chambers and filled them with food. He d scented the pool with
oil and removed some of the wall sconces for a dimmer atmosphere. He d also circled a group of satin pillows around a low table
nearly spilling over with fruits and desserts.
When she saw what he d done, her eyes widened.  You re... this is... 
 Sit at the table, he instructed.
For a minute she didn t obey. She glanced from him to the table, from the table to him. She gulped. He expected her to say
something in rebuke, but she surprised him by walking to the table and sitting.
He loved the way his shirt and pants draped her slim body, but all he could think about was getting under them.
He removed his armor, unbuckling the links at his shoulders and letting the gold pieces fall to the ground. He washed his face
in the basin, splashing cool water over his skin. He should have bathed before collecting her and taking her into the city, but he  d
been too eager to see her. And a part of him hoped to bathe with her.
 We are going to have a conversation, you and I, he said, striding to the table. He sat across from her and filled two goblets
with wine.
 Very well. She sounded reluctant, unsure. At least she hadn t denied him outright.
 I was going to have a few of my former lovers advise you of my wondrous skill, but in the light of day that did not seem so
wise.
 No, she said, nearly choking on her wine.
 Instead, I will tell you something about myself. Then you will tell me something about yourself. A conversation, as I said. Do
we have a bargain?
 I hate talking about myself, she said, tracing her fingertip over the bottom of her glass.
 Still, you will do it. Pause.  Please.
She bit her lip again, but nodded.
He sipped his goblet of wine, watching her over the rim.  I will begin. He paused, gathering his thoughts. How did one go
about getting to know another person? What bits of his past should he give her?  I... had a brother, he said. It was as good a [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]