"Why?"
"Because...just because!"
Because leaving her new life would be more difficult than she'd expected?
If that were the case, he would buy her all of Atlantis.
"Okay, I have a confession." She nuzzled the pony's nose. "I don't actually know how to ride."
"I will take great pleasure in teaching you. Another day. Today you'll ride with me." Already burning with anticipation, he whistled.
His centaur trotted around the far corner.
"Shaye, this is Henry. Henry, this is Shaye. My mate. We're going to the Outer City."
Henry bowed low. He had long hair the same dark shade as his skin, strong features and an even stronger flank. "Of course, sire."
Shaye stumbled back a step. "Valerian. Your horse is a man."
"Yes. I know."
"And you expect me to ride him?"
He fought a grin. "Yes."
She gulped. Valerian set her atop the centaur and mounted behind her, loving the feel of her against him...loved the way they rubbed together as Henry descended the cliff.
The palace sat at the top, and the town began at the bottom. Took them half an hour to make the journey.
As usual, the moment he was spotted other men hid their females. By the time he and Shaye dismounted, only males-centaurs, Minotaurs and formorions-manned the tables and booths, selling their wares. Everything from food and drink to jewelry and clothing.
"This is amazing," Shaye said, glowing with awe.
He wanted so badly to kiss her, but now wasn't the time. He had to remain aware. And he did. He led her down the cobblestone streets and through the crowds, never dropping his guard.
When she expressed a desire for water, he fetched her a drink. When her stomach growled, he purchased delicious meat pies.
The first time, she asked, "Are you going to demand payment for this?"
"Payment?" he'd replied.
"You know, a kiss, since I don't have Atlantean money."
"Why would I? I want your kisses offered free of charge."
She blushed, delighting him.
Two young griffins-lion-eagle hybrids-charged past them, one chasing his tail while the other chased his friend. Shaye snickered at their antics.
Light created a halo around her, and his chest swelled with...an emotion he couldn't name. One he'd never before experienced.
"Is anyone selling oranges, do you think?" she asked him, her gaze scanning the booths.
"Surely." But though he searched high and low, he failed to find the fruit. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Sure, I'll have to scratch purveyor of oranges from your résumé, but I'm certain you'll recover. One day."
She...teased him? "As far as first dates go, how'd I do?"
"Wait." She jumped in front of him, stopping him, her eyes wide. "This was a date?"
"Of course." Something else he'd done this past week-speak with the other human women, asking about their customs.
"The first date. Implying the first of many."
"Of course," he repeated.
"Not of course. Not if I don't know. You didn't even ask me out. You just said you'd reward me if I behaved. Which still irritates me," she said, glaring up at him.
"But how was the date?" he insisted.
She buffed her nails on his shirt. "Well, on a scale from one to ten, I'd give it a five. Perfectly mediocre."
He snorted. Funny girl. She teased him now; he knew it.
He whistled for Henry, who came charging over. He helped Shaye mount and settled behind her. Going up the cliff required an extra half hour. An extra half hour he used to his advantage, holding her close. At the midway point, she stopped trying to maintain distance with him and actually leaned against him.
Progress!
Upon arrival, Shaye accepted his help down-his touch-without hesitation.
More progress!
She spent the next hour playing with her new pet, now named Strawberry Shortcake.
He stepped away to send a few of his men to search the land for oranges.
Finally he and Shaye headed to their room. "I hope you're still hungry," he said. "I had a meal prepared for us while we were gone."
"Did you request coconut-cream pudding?"
"Moon, you moaned with bliss every time you took a bite this morning. So yes. Yes, I requested coconut-cream pudding."
"Well, you shouldn't have!" She crossed her arms over her chest. "I told you. You're being too nice to me, and I don't need the extra fat grams."
He kissed her knuckles, stealing a small taste, and said, "Being nice to you gives me pleasure. I never deny myself pleasure. And the more of you there is, the more of you there is to love."
Inside the room, satin pillows now surrounded the coffee table. The dinner table. They sat across from each other.