"I was only in Dacia for a short time. But from what I heard, Trehan is like Mr. Dacia. He loves his kingdom more than any of them. You two must've had, uh, some night." He seemed to be looking at her with a new regard, which flustered her.
"What are you doing here, Cas? I thought you'd take another female"-or two, or three-"home with you. Aren't males usually keen to after a battle?"
His shoulders went back. In a steady tone, he said, "No others for me, Tina."
With a tremulous smile, she murmured, "Really?"
"People would talk. I would never insult you like that."
Her smile faded. "I appreciate your consideration." People already talked. She was the subject of pity, the weird halfling hopelessly in love with a strapping demon.
"Now that I've entered, everything has changed."
"How so?"
"I will figure out a way to defeat Daciano. Somehow. And I will win you. We'll rule together, and we'll be good at it. I will endeavor to always be true to you. I consider us betrothed; I have since I signed my name to enter."
"Endeavor?" she said softly. "Will it be so difficult?"
"It's not exactly my nature. And you're not my mate." He raked blond locks off his forehead. "I did warn you, Tina. You have to be patient with me."
She sighed. He was trying. "I know. And I appreciate all you're doing. But why are you so certain you'll defeat the vampire? Daciano seemed formidable"-unstoppable-"in the ring."
"I'll study him, discover his weaknesses."
If only it were so simple. "And what about Gourlav?"
"I'll figure it all out. Don't fret over me."
Of course she would fret over him. She'd been doing it for nearly a decade.
Cas escorted her to her secreted castle entrance, but didn't follow her in.
"You're not coming up?" she asked, though she wanted to work anyway.
"We can't do that anymore. People will talk if I go to your spire."
She raised her brows. "Most of the combatants will be in a brothel tonight, but I'm expected to go to my lonely bed?"
"That's the way of this world, I'm afraid." His expression darkened. "I'm concerned about the Dacian returning to your apartments. He cannot have access to you, Bettina."
"I thought a vampire could never hurt his Bride."
"I'm not worried about him hurting you. I'm worried about him pressing his claim, trying to bed you fully."
"Salem will boot out any unwanted visitors."
After a moment, Cas nodded. "Tomorrow at sunset, I'll escort you from here and bring you back after my fight. Consider it a date," he said with an affectionate smile.
Surely he knew what effect that look had on her. "A date."
"You've been proud to call me friend, Tina. I'll make you proud to call me husband. I vow this."
And there went her heart.
"If you want to leave this spire, you must contact me first."
"You know I'm too scared to go about alone." Will I be tonight?