The sun dipped behind the jagged palace towers, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The azure fires had faded, but the heat in Gin's chest remained.
The evening was designed for "Recuperation." In the plush side courtyard, harps played gentle melodies. Soft wine was served in silver cups. The palace staff brought out stone strategy boards, hoping to calm the nerves of the new women.
But Gin was a hunter, and right now, she was the one being hunted by her own mind.
She sat cross legged on a silk cushion, a carved game piece gripped so hard in her fingers that the wood groaned. Her eyes were fixed on the board, but she didn't see the carved warriors. She saw the way the King's jaw had set when he threatened the knight. She smelled that scent, manly dragon scent of him.
She dropped the piece. Shuna's pink eyes snapped toward her, wide as a grape popped into her mouth.
"You've been holding that piece for two minutes."
