Davina's POV
The first summer rain trickled endlessly, soaking the air in a perpetual dampness.
I hate the rain. Movies and novels might romanticize it, but nothing could ever change how I feel.
Rain is nothing but a nuisance. It traps you, keeps you from leaving shelter. It drenches the world in gray gloom and drags my mood to the depths.
Leila draped an extra cloak over my shoulders, muttering about how I'd catch a cold if I didn't cover up properly. Only then was I allowed to leave my chambers in peace.
I'd already resolved the matter with Drake. I gave him the freedom he so dearly desired. But Cassian? He was a far more complicated case.
I couldn't just send him back to his homeland. He was a dangerous character in the main storyline, later he'd team up with Dylan to overthrow me. Letting him go would be like setting a tiger free into the forest. And yet keeping him here without a clear role made things awkward.
But that sensitive, high-maintenance man… Calling him to my bedroom? He'd get the wrong idea. Summoning him to the study? He'd think I'm flexing power. In the end, I had to haul myself over to him.
Why the hell am I the one courting a man's favor now?
Hopefully, he wouldn't assume I came for… other reasons.
Please no.
The consorts' quarters were located in the East Wing, a large building, fully furnished, with servants still attending despite the downsizing. Now that I'd dismissed most of the men, only three remained:
Drake, Cassian, and Xavier.
Drake would probably be gone soon, too. As for Xavier, I might move him into my chambers, no point letting my little puppy sulk alone.
And Cassian? He'd probably be thrilled to have the whole place to himself.
I grabbed the first maid I saw and asked her to take me to Cassian's room. Honestly, I had no idea where it was.
No surprise, he had the largest suite on the right wing. Davina's favorite consort, after all.
I knocked three times, as etiquette dictated. His voice rang out, low and colder than the rain outside.
"Who is it?"
…Awkward.
"It's me. Davina."
Silence.
Seriously? Don't tell me he's going to ignore me.
Knowing his relationship with Davina… wouldn't be shocking.
Thankfully, after a long pause, the door creaked open.
"A rainy night, and you just happen to come knocking?"
Cassian stood behind the door, silver hair still damp and dripping, chest partially visible beneath a loosely tied robe. Fresh out of the bath, clearly.
Candlelight flickered across his back, casting shadows over his face. I couldn't see his expression, but from his voice and the glaring -35% above his head, I knew he wasn't exactly thrilled to have company.
Still, I'd come all this way. I wasn't about to leave empty-handed.
I boldly nudged past him and stepped inside.
The room was spacious, tastefully decorated in muted tones. A bed in the far right corner, a desk and bookshelves on the left, and a set of armchairs by a crackling fireplace in the center. Everything neat, minimalistic, just like Cassian.
I sat down on the couch, legs crossed.
"I came because we need to talk."
"Oh? So you've finally decided to set me free?" Cassian closed the door, his tone half-sarcastic, half-curious.
"When a guest comes over, one should at least offer tea or snacks." I dodged the question.
"This isn't my house." He muttered, heading toward the liquor cabinet. "Besides, I only have alcohol."
Looking at that wine rack… he sure knows how to live.
"That's fine. I'm not picky."
That offhand comment somehow tickled him, in a bad way.
"Right. You'll take anything you can get."
Ugh. Can he stop being so damn difficult for five minutes?
I ignored the jab and got straight to the point. Otherwise, we'd be here all night.
"You've heard I've dismissed all the consorts, right?"
The liquor in his glass sloshed slightly, then stilled. He pushed a glass toward me, smirking faintly.
"Of course. It's big news."
I accepted the drink, my fingers brushing his cold ones by accident.
Hopefully, he doesn't think I'm coming on to him…
I lifted the glass, eyeing the amber liquid. It shimmered like his golden eyes still fixed on me. I took a sip, first the soft sweetness of fruit, then the sharp burn on my tongue, ending in a lingering oakiness that teased my senses.
Good stuff.
Cassian watched me savor it, visibly intrigued.
"You didn't used to drink."
"Oh? Did I?"
Damn it, Davina didn't drink? That was never mentioned in the main storyline!
I smiled breezily, masking the panic inside. "People change."
Cassian swirled his drink, his eyes sharp, like he was peeling away the mask I wore.
"So. What are you planning to do with me?"
Good. He got to the point.
I sipped again, then replied calmly.
"For now, I can't send you back to Heradon. You're still a political hostage."
His fingers tensed around the glass. Yep, he didn't like that.
"I'll keep you until my brother ascends the throne." I added smoothly.
"You're going to keep me locked up for another three years?" He scoffed. His amber eyes sparked.
"After three years, I'll release you, sign a peace treaty, and offer a formal alliance with Heradon." I continued. "Alpengard will assist in rebuilding the kingdom and compensate for the time their king was held here."
Cassian stared at me, stunned, his usual smirk faltering. He clearly didn't expect terms that… generous.
But he was still Cassian. Still suspicious.
"How can I trust you?"
"We'll draw up a pact. Legally binding."
He was silent again. His stare was starting to get uncomfortable. But I held firm.
"What do you want from me in return?" He finally asked, setting his glass down. No more jokes, he was serious now.
Nothing in this world is free. He knew that better than anyone.
"I want you to teach my brother, Killian. Help him become a wise and capable king."
Three birds, one stone.
Cassian gets a purpose, my brother gets a mentor, and Aurora gets blocked from further corrupting the boy.
Cassian frowned, clearly surprised. That was all I wanted?
Did he think I'd ask him to warm my bed again? Please, once was more than enough.
"And if I refuse?"
Here we go again, Mr. Push-My-Buttons.
I suppressed the sigh threatening to rise, and forced a diplomatic smile.
"Then let's just pretend I never came here tonight."
I stood up to leave, but he suddenly reached out and grabbed my wrist.
"You swear you'll keep your word?"
I met his gaze head-on.
"I swear."
…I'm lying. Who knows if I'll even be alive in three years, or if I'll have beat the game and gone home. But for now? I'm making empty promises.
He won't see through it. Especially not when he's a blind man who just found a flicker of light in a maze.
"Alright." Cassian let go. "I'll wait for your contract."
Praise the heavens. One more problem off my plate.
"I'll send the draft over soon."
I turned to leave. Cassian looked calm for now, but who knows when he'll snap again. Best not to push my luck.
"Wait."
…Of course.
I turned back with my best diplomatic smile. "Yes?"
Cassian looked away, eyes darting elsewhere.
"Since the bottle's already open… stay and have a few more drinks with me."
I froze for a beat. Blinked slowly.
Bro, in my world, this is called a booty call.
***