Free Rout of the Dem-Shyr (The Ascendant Series) by Raine Thomas Page A

attempt.
    His gut told him otherwise, however.
    “Save some room,” Ty said, grabbing the second slice of pizza on the plate in front of Sem. “You’ve got a lot of food to sample.”
    “Hey,” Sem grouched as Ty bit into the pizza, but he didn’t try and get the piece back.
    Ty headed out, listening as Sem went back to flirting with Fehma. He had a feeling the slice of pizza would soon be replaced.
    The rest of his security check resulted in nothing unusual. All of the Mynders he had selected to stand guard during the ceremony were in place and ready for the guests to arrive. They all reported that things had been uneventful so far. No one who hadn’t been approved had entered the ballroom where the celebration was being held.
    Still, Ty walked through the space himself. He studied the layout and décor with an assessing eye and open mind. Outside of the overwhelming explosion of purple flowers filling the room with scent and color, he found nothing concerning.
    He headed back to Kyr’s chambers while the first of the guests made their way into the ballroom. Strains of music followed him as the celebration faded into the distance. He stopped at his own bedchamber to change and groom himself, which took little time at all. Then he walked the rest of the way to Kyr’s chambers. The same two Mynders who had been outside her doors that morning still stood there, awaiting his command.
    Any news? he asked.
    No , Dem-Shyr, they both replied.
    Nodding, he entered the chambers. Gren and LuexDane stood inside. They gave him brief greetings as he checked in with them and learned nothing had changed since his departure.
    Except Kyr , Gren thought as Ty drew to an abrupt halt.
    “Hello, Dem-Shyr ,” Kyr said, rising from the chaise in her lounging area.
    “Ma’jah.”
    He had no idea how the word made it out of his mouth. His eyes were glued to her body. The filmy, dark purple gown she wore barely covered her breasts. Narrow shoulder straps held two scraps of fabric that crossed her chest, left her midsection bare, and flowed into the floor-length skirt. Thin, light-purple ropes of gems crisscrossed over her waist and naked back, offering the illusion that she was more covered than she actually was.
    She was a feast for the eyes.
    No, I didn’t pick this ridiculous dress , she thought. Apparently, Shaya did. I couldn’t get out of it without possibly getting the Wrym in trouble .
    Forcing himself to focus, he said, “Your guests have started to arrive.”
    “All right. Let me finish this cup of tea, then we can go.” Gren tasted it , she silently added.
    He nodded, not moving as she returned to the chaise and lifted the cup to her lips. His gaze remained on her deep rose-colored mouth as she swallowed the sip. Her makeup had been done in sultry tones more suited to an evening event than an afternoon one, he noted. Her eyes were lined with dark colors that made the unique blue irises even more vivid. Pink color swept along her cheekbones, giving them more definition. Combined with the sexy gown and the sophisticated upswept hairdo the Wrym had given her, Ty found himself wanting to lock her in her room for the rest of the night.
    Instead, a few minutes later, he took her arm as Gren and Luex led the way to the ballroom. The Two Mynders who had been manning the chamber doors fell into step behind them. He opened his senses, prepared to be on high alert for the next few hours.
    Kyr was formally announced when they reached the ballroom. Ty felt her nerves jangle as the doors opened for her entrance. He squeezed her arm and sent her reassuring thoughts that had her squaring her shoulders as they walked in.
    Unlike at the previous formal gatherings, there was no table set aside for Kyr. Trays of finger foods were being circulated by approved Wrym. Several long tables had been set with additional food offerings and beverages. Smaller tables throughout the room served as places where people could stop to eat or rest as the