Prince of Spies - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,38

satchel and placing them on the table as he spoke. “We go where life leads us and prefer to remain a mystery for the most part, which will serve your purpose well.”

“We?” she asked, uncertainty on her face.

“I was adopted by one of the Jinn clans after performing a…service for the head family.”

Nico was still amazed by some of the things Drake had gotten involved in during his time abroad. Few men could claim adoption by the secretive Jinn. Though Drake had never divulged the details of what he’d done to earn the rare honor, Nico had spent not a little time trying to puzzle it out. But this was one secret even the Spymaster of Draconia hadn’t learned. Still, he knew Drake’s contacts among the Jinn could be vital in their escape from this Mother-forsaken land.

Nico took the colorful silk scarf from Riki’s hands and showed her the way Jinn women traditionally folded their headscarves. Luckily, he’d undressed his share of fiery Jinn wenches in his time and knew well how they assembled their clothing. This he taught to Riki, pleased when she proved to be a quick study.

He tied the scarf at a jaunty angle. The tendrils of fringe framed Riki’s beautiful features, hiding her lustrous hair. Her luminous eyes looked even bigger, if such a thing were possible, and Nico wanted nothing more than to take her back to bed and claim her fully as his own.

But he couldn’t. Not yet. Not ’til she came to him freely. Nico was a patient man, but the dragon in him seethed, wanting its mate.

“We’ll enter the tavern with Drake. He’ll handle the performing.”

“Won’t the people expect all of us to perform?”

“Not me. I’ll be wearing the marks of a warrior.” Nico liked that she was asking questions. Overall, she seemed to be calmly absorbing everything they threw at her.

“The Jinn learn how to defend themselves and their women from a young age,” Drake added. “No one will be surprised if Nick doesn’t sing or dance. Not with his war face scaring everyone away from you, Ari.”

The newly shortened version of her name made her start a bit, but not as much as it could have, Nico was pleased to see. “As for you, Ari…” Nico emphasized the new nickname to get her more used to it, “…we’ll claim you’re too tired from the trip. Perhaps we can say you’re pregnant. It would give us an excuse to retire early and explain your pale skin.”

The more he thought about it, the more Nico liked the idea. Not just for their disguise, but for real. He’d love nothing more than to plant his child in Riki’s womb, see her swell with it and watch it being born. He’d never before wanted to be a father, but suddenly, it was one of the most important goals in his life. Soon, he promised himself, soon Riki would come to him and he would take her and they’d make babies together. Soon. The dragon side of his nature could hardly wait.

But for now, Riki was blushing furiously at the idea of being pregnant, charming him but worrying him at the same time. If she couldn’t handle the role, people would become suspicious.

“We don’t have to say that if it embarrasses you, sweetheart,” he gave her the option.

“No. It’s all right. If it’ll help, I say let’s do it. It sounds reasonable. It just took me by surprise.”

“Right then, Ari, my love.” He clasped her hands in his. “You’re only just realizing you’re pregnant. Just a few weeks into it, so you’re still thin, but feeling the effects of morning sickness at all times of the day. If things get too rough for you in the common room, pretend to feel ill and I’ll take you out, but it’s important we make a short appearance at least, so no one will be surprised when we leave in Drake’s wagon tomorrow morning.”

“I won’t let you down, Nico. I promise.”

The common room of the tavern was raucous when they entered. Drake was greeted with a cheer and he held up his instrument of choice—a large, metal-stringed lute—with a smile of triumph. Curious glances were sent their way as they entered behind the blond man, but Riki held her head high and smiled at the people who cheered for Drake.

Drake escorted them to his reserved table near the fire and turned to the crowd, quickly introducing his cousins from the Jinn and launching into a song before anyone