He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry… I am being a bit rude.” He took her hand. “It is a lovely drawing. But, Frasie, forgive me for not seeing the difficulty in drawing a good picture of such a beautiful woman.”
Her frustration melted and her face warmed. “Thank you. I don’t want to argue.”
“Neither do I.”
“I can’t stay mad at you anyway.”
He took her other hand. “It’s been two days since I’ve kissed you.”
“I know. I’ve missed it.”
He quickly finished the last bite of his biscuit. “Let’s fix that.”
She puckered her lips. “Alright.”
He chuckled. “No, Frasie, not here.”
They left the cafeteria and headed toward the garden. They didn’t make it. He pulled her into an empty room and shut the door. He eased her against the wall and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and savored the passionate embrace.
He held her head in his hands, smiling as he gazed into her eyes. His fingers moved down to her neck, his thumb lagging behind as it gently tugged on her lip. The tips of his fingers danced over her throat, then grazed past the buttons on her blouse.
They shared a brief conversation without uttering a word. It was clear he sought permission, and she granted it. He undid some of her buttons, exposing her cleavage.
“I’m not wearing a corset,” she said.
He seemed confused. “Alright.”
“They’re too tight. I move around too much.” She looked at her chest. “I don’t have anything worth pushing up anyway.”
He slowly unbuttoned her undershirt, exposing her right breast. He put his hand over it and smiled. “You are beautiful, Frasie.”
She shrugged. “If you say so.”
He kissed her again, then ran his hand to the other breast. He stopped when he felt something stiff. It was the drawing from Kytis folded into a pocket sewn into her undershirt. He pulled out the paper and looked at it. The gleam in his eye faded.
“Why are you carrying this everywhere you go?”
She took it from him. “I’m not. I just wanted to show you.”
She heard footsteps. She quickly buttoned her blouse, leaving her undershirt in disarray.
“Maybe this wasn’t the best time for this.”
He looked down. “I’m sorry, I…”
She interrupted with a loud sigh. “Aiden, I have green eyes, not you. Jealously doesn’t suit you.”
The footsteps intensified, then faded down the other end of the hall.
“He seems to be… everywhere.”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “You think about him more than I.”
“You’re probably right.”
She straightened her blouse. “I know I’m right.”
“We’re arguing again,” he said.
“Over Kytis,” she said. “Isn’t that silly? Look, Aiden, you need to think about something else. Get your head out of the archives and get some fresh air.”
He nodded. “I will. Maybe I’ll visit the range and brush up on my archery.”
“You need to.”
“I’m more of a swordsman.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re more of an engineer, Aiden.” She pulled him close. “There’s no need to be jealous.”
“I know.”
She narrowed her brow. “Do you?”
“Yes, but—”
She pushed him away. “We went through hell together. I’m not going to just throw that away for a guy who can draw. I shouldn’t have to tell you this.”
“You shouldn’t, but you did.” He took her hand. “I’m sorry.”
She looked down. “Please, Aiden. Let’s focus on us, not him.”
He folded the drawing and handed it back to her. “I’m going to take your advice and get some fresh air. Want to join me?”
“I would, but I have archery training this morning.”
He kissed her forehead. “Alright. I’ll see you for dinner, then.”
She nodded. “It’s another date.”
Chapter 14
Pipe smoke filled Olivia’s nose the moment she walked in the lower city brothel. She didn’t partake herself but savored the aroma. It brought back memories of substantial winnings from card games with inebriated older gentleman. She hoped that indulging the darker side of her desires would lift her from her slump.
A sultry blond with a delightful figure danced naked on the stage. She took a seat and ordered a glass of wine, sipping it slowly as she watched the hypnotic movements of the dancer. Her shimmering belly chain caught her eye.
A male patron nudged her. “Ain’t many women in here.”
She looked around. “There’s plenty.”
“Customers, I mean.”
“I knew what you meant.”
He gestured to the woman, his glass in hand. “She turns you on?”
“I admire the female figure.”
He nodded. “Who don’t?” He leaned a bit closer. His breath smelled strong of whisky. “Just tell me, lady, what are my odds of getting lucky with you?”
“It’d be a terrible bet.”
He laughed. “That’s what I thought. You like the ladies, huh?”
“I like ladies and gentlemen.”
He stood. “Now listen here, harpy. I am… I am a gentleman.”
She didn’t give him the benefit of a glance. Instead, she soothed herself with another sip of wine. “Whatever you have to tell yourself.”
He leaned down and grabbed her arm. “I ain’t gonna take that from you.”
She stood and pulled his collar toward her. “I have a knife in my garter and no qualms about turning your beer belly into a strainer.”
A few patrons around her laughed. The man grew more indignant. “I don’t believe you. Let me see it.”
She had no blade, but illusion magic was her specialty. She put her hand in her dress and conjured a wicked-looking dagger. Magic tingled across her fingers as a solid shape took form. She drew the blade from her skirt and held it to the man’s chest.
He took a step back. “I… I didn’t mean—”
“Get out of here.” She motioned toward the door.
He nearly tripped over himself as he left. She didn’t care if he exited the building, only that he was out of sight. She caught a glimpse of a friend in the corner and decided to have a word.
The lady swished her finger. “We don’t allow weapons in here, Olivia.”
She waved her hand across the blade, dissipating the illusion. She showed her empty palms. “What weapon, Sandra?”
Sandra laughed, then pulled her in for a hug. “It’s been a long time.”
“I should have been by here sooner,” she replied. “I’ve been so busy with Niv’leana.”
“That’s right! I heard about you saving the world.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.”
Sandra pointed to her glass. “That drink is free. In fact, everything here is on the house tonight. Least I could do for a heroine.”
She turned to the dancer and sighed. “I don’t feel like a heroine.”
“I heard Shareis was with your group. Is that true?”
“It is. Why?”
“I knew her mother quite well.”
“I will tell her you asked after her, but Shareis left for Masola.”
“Masola? Hmm. Did she say why?”
“Not a word.”
“Proctors are so secretive.”
She took the last sip of her wine. “Indeed.”
“Want a refill?”
She felt a bit warm. The wine had hit her quickly. “Not now.”
“You can get a glass of wine anywhere in Selandis, my dear. Surely that’s not why you came to my little establishment.”
She sighed. “I needed a night out. I’ve been discussing politics, attending meetings, and generally have been bored to tears.”
Sandra grinned. “You need something… special, don’t you?”
“That’s not what I mean, silly.”
“Then what do you mean?” she asked.
“Good grief, woman. You have been cooped up with humans far too long.” Sandra studied her head to toe. “At least you’re still dressing like a Skilla. Tell me, when is the last time you had sex?”
She started counting the months. Before she could finish, Sandra took her hand. “These two fingers – what are they, days?”
“No.”
“Weeks?” A look of horror settled in on Sandra’s face. “Months?”
“I was still in Lahara. Before the battle.”
“Oh no.” Sandra narrowed her gaze in disbelief. “Really? That long?”
“At least.”
“And your whole lower hasn’t withered and turned to dust?”
She chuckled. “No.”
Sandra put her hand on her shoulder. “Please tell me you’ve been taking care of this problem yourself.”
She looked at the floor. “No. I’ve been so busy—”
“This is dire. Oh, Olivia, we need to get you laid. Now.” Sandra surveyed the room. “I’ve got some gorgeous men. Or… do you feel like a woman?”
“I don’t know.”
“Both?”
She shrugged. “Maybe.”
“What do you mean maybe?”
“I don’t know what I feel!”
She had yelled that loud enough for half of the establishment to hear her. She looked away from the rest of the room. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
Sandra pointed to her waist. “I know exactly what is wrong with you.”
“Sex doesn’t solve everything, Sandra.”
“It helps. How can you be happy after going without for months?”
“Like I said, I’ve been busy. But the past few days have been even worse. Ever since Kytis came to town.”
“Who’s Kytis?” Sandra asked.
“Niv’leana’s half-brother. He’s half-Skilla, half-Druid.”
“An interesting combination. But what does he have to do with it?”
“I don’t know. I think it’s guilt.” She lowered her voice. “I killed his mother, Narelle. It was in self-defense, but she was my friend. I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself.”
Sandra slowly nodded. “I’m beginning to understand. You were in love with Narelle, weren’t you?” Before she could answer, Sandra continued. “You’re homesick without your best friend. I’d be miserable too.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
“Yes, but it’s still no excuse for not having sex.” Sandra wagged her finger at her. “I’m not letting you leave tonight until you’ve taken a lover.”
“I don’t have a choice, do I?” She scanned the room and settled on an attractive man behind the bar. “What about him?”
“Not him. Family man. Devoted to his wife. He works here part time to make some extra cash.”
Sandra was starting to convince her that a nice romp was exactly what she needed, yet the man she desired was taken. She was immensely disappointed. “I don’t see anyone else.”
Sandra pointed to a bouncer. “Look at those muscles. His bicep is larger than your whole head.”
She grinned. “He could throw me around the room a little.”
“Let me see what I can do.” Sandra approached him, then pointed back at her. She hurriedly tried her best to look appealing but feared she looked awkward. In a moment, Sandra returned.
“Well, what did he say?”
“He thinks you’re beautiful. Go talk to him. I’ll make sure his shift is covered.”
Chapter 15
It had been a long day of riding for Niv. A steady supply of farms, tiny hamlets, and the beautiful green rolling plains along the southern road provided constant intellectual stimulus. She now saw with her own eyes places she had only dreamed about on her uncle’s maps. The explorer in her was in utter delight.
She enjoyed the comfortable brown dress the Ael’Shanar insisted she wear on her journey. Her ponytail drew less attention to her long dark hair, and the amulet hid beneath her neckline. She adored her anonymity.
By sunset, she, and her horse, were tired. She brushed down the white steed that once drew Mae’s carriage, then gathered wood and lit a fire. She boiled some water for Elvemon tea, ate some bread and jam, and chewed on a piece of jerky.
Camping was a reminder of her trek across the continent. Riding horseback, staring at the brilliant light of the stars, and sipping warm tea reminded her of home. Both were a welcome diversion from the bustling Temple of the Ael’Shanar, yet these comforts couldn’t distract her from her loneliness.
Just a short year ago, a long, solo horseback journey would have been enthralling. But now, without Shareis’s company, the colorful scenery wasn’t as fulfilling. At night, when only the crackling fire and the light of the constellations kept her company, she felt it the most. She ached to have her love cuddled beside her.
She laid back and looked at the heavens. The Sign of Alchemy was near the midheaven, reminding her the summer solstice was only weeks away. Her parents in the Jeweled Woods would no doubt already be planning their first harvest, hoping for plenty of rain. She lamented how her life in the city disconnected her from the natural progression of seasons.
Something snapped as soon as she snuggled under her blanket. A dark presence drew near. She opened her eyes and listened. There was subtle movement all around her. In one swift motion, she sprung to her feet.
A barely audible, low growl pierced the air. Three pairs of golden eyes stared at her.
She summoned a bright ball of fire in her outstretched palm, casting a warm amber glow around her. Three wolves, each with dark, bristled fur snarled their noses. The flames gave them pause, but her yells caused none to retreat.
They were more than hungry. They were mad.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“Revenge for your kin”
Their response came not in words but filled her mind at a primal level. There was no room for misunderstanding. They would kill her.
Despite the mortal threat, she meant them no harm. Her life in the Jeweled Woods had given her tremendous respect and empathy for animals.
“Please… don’t make me hurt you!” she implored.
In unison, they took another step toward her. She had two options—fight or run. She could kill one, maybe two, but she had doubts about the third. Running seemed the best option.
She took a step back and almost tripped over her blanket. There wasn’t time to fetch it, her camping pot, or her utensils. She flared the fireball as high as she dared then darted to her horse. She had barely untied and mounted him before the wolves reached her, nipping at her heels along the way.
There was no need to encourage the horse to move—it had been spooked by the wolves. Sheer terror propelled them at a near unbearable speed down the road. The wolves gave a fierce chase, growling and snarling so loud they could be heard over the thundering hoofbeats. They kept up longer than she thought they could, but slowly fell behind.
Eventually, she regained control of the horse and slowed it to a trot. At times, as she rode through the night, distant howls lingered across the plains. They were long gone, but their eyes, and their anger, was still fresh in her mind.
Relief washed over her as the sun rose. A small village along the road provided respite for her and her horse. She slept until late afternoon, ate, then stepped outside the tavern. She was eager to resume her journey, but the thought of riding at night shook her to her core. A night in town would give her a chance to rest and resupply.
She asked the tavern keep if she knew of anyone who would be willing to escort her and was directed to a man having a drink by the window.
She approached him. “Excuse me, sir.”
The man rested his glass on the table. His brown eyes motioned to the empty chair across from him. �
�Evening.”
“I’m sorry to disturb—”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m terrible at small talk. Please save us both time and frustration by getting to the point.”
His abruptness shocked her. “Alright. I need an escort. The bartender said you were the best hunter and tracker around here.”
He gave a slight chuckle as he sat upright in his seat. “An escort?”
“I have an important journey ahead of me and can’t travel alone.”
“Won’t,” he said.
“Pardon?”
“You can, but you won’t. Or don’t want to.”
“Alright then,” she replied. “I don’t want to.”
“Why not?”
She sighed. “I have my reasons. Do you want the job or not?”
He grinned. “Oh, it’s a job. That’s different. My apologies, ma’am.”
“Does it make a difference?” she asked.
He nodded. “Sure does. I don’t mind doing a favor, but I’ve been fooled by my share of beautiful ladies.”
She would have ordinarily thanked him for his compliment, but its framing seemed unusual and dismissive.
“I’m not a damsel in distress, if that is what you mean. I will pay for your services.”
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“The Druids’ Grove.”
He laughed. “I told you I don’t have time for games.”
“That’s where I’m going.”
He took a drink. “No one knows where that is.”
“It’s south of the Nell River.”
“So is a quarter of the continent.”
“It’s somewhere in the Moonlit Forest.”
He scoffed. “It would take weeks to cover all of it.”
She leaned forward. “If you get me there, I can find it.”
He nodded in mocking disbelief. “And how are you going to do that?”
“My… friends are in the grove. I have a telepathic connection with them.”
“I told you not to waste my time.”
She slammed a few gold pieces on the table. “I don’t care if you think I’m full of it. Do you want my money or not?”
He gently lifted her fingers. “Ten gold coins?”
“How many do you require?”
Olivia Page 5
