Sheena looked up from the textbook. “But it must have been so lonely. I’ve always thrived on being a part of a coven. And when I moved into the castle… There’s so much activity, I never feel alone.”
“It’s not a comforting emotion by any standard—human or demon. But you do what you have to do, right?”
The vampire’s sculpted brows knitted together. “You’re not at all what I’ve expected.”
“Am I the first human you’ve gotten to know?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact. And I feel quite fortunate because of it. I had a very tainted view of your kind and I never understood the king’s stance on mortals. When you first came to the castle, I didn’t leave because I wanted to prove I could do my job regardless of any challenge presented. But when I realized how badly hurt you were and how determined you were to rise above the pain and heal the damage, I was so impressed.”
Jade looked away as her stomach twisted. “You wouldn’t have been impressed with me at the church. I wanted to die.” Shame seeped through her veins. “I honestly did.”
“But you didn’t give up.”
She laughed, though it was a short, hollow one. “I didn’t have a choice. Darien is much too persistent.”
“Hmm, yes. He cares so much for you. And I can see it’s mutual.” Sheena paused as though gearing up for her next question. “Really, Jade, would you ever leave the human world for the demon one?”
Her gaze met Sheena’s. The vampire actually appeared amenable to the idea. This confused Jade. “How could I? And seriously, how many demons at the castle would be offended by my presence in comparison to the three or four of you who wouldn’t be?”
“There are complications and obstacles.” She neither validated nor disputed them. “But it’s something to consider.” She tapped the sheets of paper Jade held in one hand and said, “Now solve this equation already, or I’ll think you’re purposely diverting my attention.”
Jade glanced down at the math problems she’d been laboring over for most of the afternoon and well into the early evening. Her next attempt was little better than her previous ones.
Sheena said, “Remember, whatever you do on the left side of the equal sign, you must do on the right.”
How could a couple of letters and some numbers be so damn confusing?
“Learning algebra, I see,” Darien said as he strode into the room.
Jade let out a long-suffering sigh. “‘Learning’ would imply I have an aptitude for this, which I clearly do not. General math was the extent of the lessons when I was in school, given there’s not much use for anything above what I’ve studied thus far.”
Sheena scoffed. “Everyone should know algebra.” She snapped the textbook closed and placed it on the nightstand. “Keep at it.” She stood and faced Darien. “My Lord, if you’ll be staying awhile, there are a few matters I should attend to at the castle.”
“Of course.”
To Jade, the vampire said, “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
Guilt overcame her. “You don’t have to keep coming. I’m taking you away from your work. And I’m much better. I think I can survive on my own now.”
“I’m not here out of obligation,” Sheena said, somewhat indignant. “Friends visit friends when they’re under the weather.” With that, she swept out of the room, always one to make as much of a grand exit as an entrance.
Darien asked, “Do you win over everyone you meet?”
“I don’t know. Ask the fire wraith who pounded me against a granite pew.”
“Ah yes. Him. I have news.”
Before Darien could sit in the chair Sheena had vacated, Jade asked, “Mind if we move into the living room? I could use a change of scenery.”
“Are you feeling up to it?”
“Definitely.”
She climbed off the bed and he held out the ecru-colored satin robe Sheena had brought days ago to replace her old, ragged one. The robe complemented her nightgown, also new. Of both garments, Jade said, “I’m convinced Sheena is trying to class me up. Perhaps make me fit to be the mistres
s of a king?”
He frowned. “‘Mistress’, to me, infers there’s something shady between us.”