Book Read Free

Heart of Fire

Page 8

by Kristen Painter


  She stretched her legs and tried unsuccessfully to reach the end of the tub with her toes. She nudged the soap with her knee, sending it drifting along, a rudderless ship in a vast sea. A tub this size could hold two people. Even if one of them was the size of a dark – she failed to stop herself from completing the thought and a delicious tingle ran up her spine. Valduuk’s honeyed wine had befuddled her. She closed her eyes and imagined life in Shaldar City but it was hard to picture something she’d never seen. Her mind kept wandering back to Ertemis.

  The water cooled before she was ready to get out. A bathing tub of such magnitude was a rare and luxurious treat. She wiggled her fingers over the water’s surface and the temperature rose. She wondered how Ertemis and Valduuk were getting on with the saddle purchase. The elf’s room was right across the hall from hers, and she hadn’t heard him come back yet.

  * * *

  Ertemis smiled at his own subterfuge. While Valduuk bargained with the craftsman for the best price on the tooled leather saddle, he slipped off to the shop next door. Baubles of every description filled the glass cases. The shopkeeper eyed him warily until Ertemis jangled the coin pouch on his belt.

  At last, in a small locked case on the back wall, Ertemis saw something befitting Jessalyne. He pointed to a large, polished amethyst dangling a massive black baroque pearl. Caged in gold, the pendant hung from a cord of lavender silk.

  The amethyst’s hue matches the hint of lavender in her eyes. The pearl’s charcoal nacre danced with an oily sheen of green and purple.

  “You have excellent taste, Master elf.” Hands trembling slightly, the shopkeeper slipped it from the case and laid it on a velvet cloth. “Tis a most exquisite piece.”

  Translation—expensive. “Aye, lovely. How much?”

  “You have a fine eye. Very hard to come by black pearls from the Thracian Sea these days, with the pirates and what not.”

  “How much?”

  “All set in the finest gold in the kingdom, crafted by His Lordship’s own—“

  Ertemis smacked the counter, rattling the glass. “Don’t make me ask again.”

  “Aye,” the shopkeeper swallowed hard and gave Ertemis the price.

  “I only want one.”

  “That is for one and a very good price for such an exquisite piece.”

  “Codswallop! Do pirates run this shop? I’ll give you half.”

  “Perhaps you would prefer something less expensive?”

  Ertemis growled. The shopkeeper blanched and began to put the pendant back into the case. Nothing else Ertemis saw suited her nearly so well. “Wrap it.”

  Valduuk was still haggling over the saddle when he returned. He assured his friend the price was satisfactory. Ertemis added matching saddlebags to the purchase. At last, the pair headed back to the Thirsty Troll.

  Valduuk handed the goods to one of his staff. “Let’s sit and enjoy an evening like we used to. I assure you none of these sad souls has the wherewithal to even think of taking the Legion up on its offer. Between us, we’d make lunch of them and they know it.”

  Ertemis followed Valduuk to his private table in the back. The troll beckoned a serving wench.

  “Aye, Master Valduuk, what might I do for you?” She asked, her gaze fixed on Ertemis.

  “My usual. My friend?”

  “Ale.” The girl was pretty enough but too buxom, even for his taste. A silver coin sparkled in the deep cleft of her cleavage. Apparently, tips were greatly appreciated.

  She licked her lips. “Back in a moment.”

  “I see you haven’t lost your touch with the ladies.”

  “Calling her a lady is taking liberties.” Ertemis said. The girl had none of Jessalyne’s sweetness or grace.

  Valduuk laughed. “She works hard and gives me no lip. The customers love her.”

  “I can see why. As can everyone else.”

  Valduuk grinned wickedly. “I am sure Dalayna would willingly keep you company, since Lady Jessalyne lacks what you seek.”

  “You’re the one in need of company, my friend.” Ertemis changed the subject. He was glad Valduuk knew nothing of the lavish bauble hidden away in his pocket. “How did you come to own this bastion of sophistication and charm?”

  “You’re smitten with her.” Valduuk laughed.

  “I am not.” Ertemis scowled at the troll. “I’ve not had a woman since the siege at Batton Falls and I don’t intend to start now.”

  “All the more reason—”

  “Here you go, lads.” The barmaid set a mug of ale in front of each of them. She leaned so far forward Ertemis thought the coin in her cleavage might dive into his drink. “Anything else I might do for you?”

  He smiled at her, eager to disprove Valduuk. “Nay, but don’t wander far.”

  Dalayna winked at him, thoroughly pleased and sauntered off, an extra swaggle in her hips.

  “That can only bring you trouble, brother.” Valduuk smirked. “Lady Jessalyne would be so disappointed.”

  Ertemis raised his glass to Valduuk. “Get stuffed.”

  After a long draught, Valduuk wiped the foam from his lip with a linen square. “How will you earn the bond money? I have a little I can spare—”

  Ertemis stopped him with a hand. “I’m not here begging.

  “I wasn’t implying—”

  “I know.” He stared into his ale. “She’s paying me. Too much really. I was headed to Shaldar city sooner or later anyway.”

  Valduuk raised a brow. “Work?”

  Ertemis shook his head. “Right after I deserted, I came across a band of Travelers. They’d heard stories of me, my mother. According to them, my father lived there.”

  “Travelers will tell you anything for the right coin.”

  “I didn’t pay them.”

  “Fear then.”

  Ertemis shrugged. “It’s the only thread I’ve found. Best I unravel it.”

  “It’s been a long time.”

  “I’ll find him.”

  “And then?”

  Ertemis drained his mug. “Kill him.”

  Valduuk shook his head, then emptied his mug as well, bringing Dalayna back to the table with refills and ending the conversation about Ertemis’s father. Dalayna’s gaze never strayed from Ertemis. For the rest of the night, he and Valduuk reminisced about old times.

  When the final customer made his way to the door, the hour was late. Valduuk swallowed the last sip of his ale. “We shall break bread before you leave in the morning. I look forward to more of Lady Jessalyne’s company.”

  “In the morning then.” Ertemis clapped his friend on the back and headed up to his room.

  * * *

  Jessalyne fell asleep after her long soak but an ache in her legs and backside woke her when she shifted. So much for being unaffected by bareback riding. She eased herself to the side of the bed and bent to pick her rucksack off the floor. She searched through the bag for a tin of white willow salve.

  She found it just as she heard a door close across the hall and realized Ertemis was just now turning in. He and Valduuk must have been up reminiscing. It was nice to know he had a friend like Valduuk. Surprising actually. Now that the elf was in his room, she could ask him to knock on her door when he rose in the morning. The thought reminded her of another morning when she’d barged in on him. Remember to knock. She grinned. Maybe he’d try to kiss her goodnight.

  Maybe she’d let him.

  She hobbled to the door, wincing at her aching lower half. This will not do. If he sees me limping he’ll think me weak. Steady yourself, it’s just a little ache.

  Jessalyne inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. Ignore the pain. Just for a few moments.

  She opened the door slowly, not wanting to wake any of the other guests. One of the serving girls from the tavern stood before Ertemis’s door. Jessalyne remembered her because of her excessive bosom. As if the girl’s assets were not enough, she was additionally blessed with thick chestnut waves and large hazel eyes.

 
; Jessalyne closed her door to a sliver and despite the slow twist of her insides, kept watching. Without so much as a knock, the girl turned the knob and slipped inside.

  Stung, Jessalyne shut the door and stumbled back to bed. Betrayal was a feeling she had no right to. She was only business to him. Still, she wasn’t paying him to…to…do whatever he was doing across the hall. She snatched the salve from off the bed and rubbed it into her sore muscles. The pain brought clarity.

  What he does is his business. I’m behaving foolishly. Obviously, he prefers a much different sort of woman. A sort of woman I will never be.

  “I never mingle business with pleasure.” Ertemis’s earlier words echoed in her head. Fine. Business she would be. She tucked the pot of salve back into her bag, wrapped herself in the coverlet and mercifully, fell asleep.

  * * *

  How would he present the necklace to her at the end of their trip? He stuffed one arm beneath his pillow and stared at the ceiling. She wore no jewelry but perhaps that was because she had none, not because she disliked it. Would she kiss him in thanks? That would be worth the price alone.

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose. What was she doing to him? He was the most dangerous creature in the kingdom and he was buying pretty baubles for a woman who didn’t even like him. Just the thought of her face lighting up with that smile—the door creaked softly and light leaked in.

  Someone had entered his room.

  What little ale he’d had did nothing to dull his senses. He picked up a rapid heartbeat and the mingled smells of ale, stale smoke and oversweet perfume. A woman. But not Jessalyne, unfortunately. He inhaled again. The scent was familiar. Dalayna. Lust came off her in waves.

  He was in no mood for games. If Valduuk had sent her, he would deal with his friend in the morning. To his fey eyes the darkened room was lit like lastlight, dusky but not too dark to see. He watched her for a moment before slipping silently out of bed. She stood by the door, trying to get her bearings.

  He pulled his trousers on, and drew back the curtains to give her some light. Moonlight spilled into the room. “Did Valduuk send you?

  She jumped, then giggled. “Nay, I came on my own. I thought you might like some company.” She walked toward him, hips swaying. “I know I would.”

  Ertemis groaned. He should have known better. “I don’t need company. I need sleep.”

  “Mmmm...” she purred, staring at his bare chest. “Very nice.” She reached out and drew her nails down his rippled stomach muscles. “Just think how well you’ll sleep afterwards. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’ve heard enough stories to know I won’t be.”

  She put her hand out to touch him again. Ertemis stepped back. She followed and Ertemis grabbed her wrist. “You need to go. Now.”

  “I know you want me, I saw the way you looked at me downstairs,” she pouted. “Do you deny it?”

  “It was the ale, nothing more,” he said.

  “I don’t believe you.” Dalayna slipped her free hand into the waist of his partially buttoned trousers before Ertemis could stop her. She wrapped her fingers around him, gasping in delight. “Those stories don’t lie, do they?”

  Ertemis snatched her hand away and in one swift motion, captured both her wrists. “Don’t ever touch me again.”

  “You’re hurting me,” she whimpered.

  “I’m just giving you a story to tell.” He sneered. “Isn’t that what you want?”

  Humiliation welled in her eyes. “Muddled blood fool.” She wrenched her hands away and cupped her breasts. “You would turn these down for that shapeless mare you’re traveling with? How much coin has that whey-faced princess given you? Or perhaps you dream she’s a high born elfess when you’re inside her?”

  How dare she speak of Jessalyne that way? Ertemis grabbed the girl and hauled her to the door. She kicked and mewed as he opened it. He put his lips to her ear. “What makes you think I’d want what everyone else has already had? How pathetic. I’d sooner have my hand than lay you.” He pushed her out. “Stay gone or Valduuk will hear about this.”

  She snarled and took off toward the stairs. Ertemis looked across the hall at Jessalyne’s door. Why hadn’t she snuck into his room instead? Thoughts of her sweet and willing in his bed almost made him moan. He thought of the pouch on his belt that now held her gift and he smiled. He eased the door shut so as not to wake her, and went back to bed where dreams of moonlight skin and lavender eyes lulled him to sleep.

  * * *

  Jessalyne tipped her head forward and brushed her hair slowly, dragging the bristles from the nape of her neck down. The salve she’d reapplied to her sore legs and backside upon waking had barely taken the edge off the ache in her backside and legs.

  The knock at the door must be Ertemis making sure she was up. Still brushing her hair, she called out so he’d know she was awake. She couldn’t bear to look at him knowing how he’d spent his night.

  The door opened and a feminine voice bid her good morning. “The master has sent tea for you, miss.”

  Jessalyne smiled at Valduuk’s continued hospitality. “He’s too kind.” She tossed her hair back and stared straight at the girl she’d seen slip into Ertemis’s room last night. Her stomach pitched and heat tingled at her fingertips.

  “Honey in your tea, miss?” the girl asked.

  “Yes, please.” Jessalyne composed herself. No reason to be upset with the girl. Ertemis was the whorehound. What chance did any woman have against those silver-edged eyes or that promising smile? “What’s your name?”

  “Dalayna.” She handed Jessalyne a mug of fragrant tea. “Did you sleep well, miss?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Jessalyne carried the teas over to the small vanity. She sat in front of the oval reflection glass and began plaiting her hair.

  “Good, then.” The girl giggled. “I’m glad to know the ruckus across the hall last night didn’t keep you up.”

  A hot, thick wave of nausea rolled through Jessalyne. She met the girl’s eyes in the mirror. “What do you mean?”

  “Your traveling companion, miss. I served him last night in the tavern.” She giggled again. “I guess I served him above the tavern as well.”

  The tingle in Jessalyne’s hands increased and her fingers lost their way. She started the braid over. “How nice for you,” she mumbled. She couldn’t imagine any of the cervidae women talking so boldly about private affairs.

  “How could I resist? He’s devilishly handsome. Anyway, I had to see for myself if the old rhyme was true.” Dalayna occupied herself with making up the bed. She did a poor job of it.

  “What rhyme?” Jessalyne stopped trying to braid her hair altogether. She crushed her palm against the bristles of the brush, watching the girl in the mirror.

  “You know the one, elves of light give smiles all night but the darker skin brings a bigger grin,” she chanted. “Sure enough, he was a fine toss. Best I’ve ever had, and quite impressive in his all-together. That dark skin...” She sighed with longing.

  Jessalyne’s blood rose. Pricks of heat danced along her spine. She didn’t know if the girl toyed with her apurpose or spoke brashly as a rule but she would not be made the fool.

  She forced a smile and faced the wench. “He is most pleasing in his natural state, isn’t he?”

  Dalayna’s smug expression dissolved.

  Jessalyne continued with what she hoped passed for condescension. “Poor thing, he would dally with an old mother when the drink is in him.” She clucked her tongue. “Pity such fine flesh is so thinly spread.”

  Dalayna’s face bleached. Her brown eyes gleamed with fury. Perhaps she wasn’t as simple-minded as she appeared. .

  “Will that be all?” The trollop’s voice frosted the air between them.

  Jessalyne turned back around to braid her hair. “I can think of nothing else you’re needed for.”

  Chapter Six

  Sryka swallowed a simple potion to dull the ache in her bones before she left to speak with the prince.


  “Fynna, while I am gone, I want these floors scrubbed spotless. I have begun to think you nigh worthless. This is your chance to prove me wrong.” Sryka tapped her staff on the floor for emphasis. She cared very little if the floors were clean, keeping the pixie occupied was the true task.

  “Yes, mistress.” Fynna nodded.

  Sryka slogged down the curved stairway, pausing to rest twice. There were too many blasted steps between her and Erebus. Her aged body needed the spell of renewal soon. Patience. The child was on her way.

  At last, she stood at the door of the conservatory. The prince was a man of rare and dubious tastes. He boasted of his collection of exotic plants and made a show of feeding the carnivorous ones in front of guests.

  Sryka pushed through the foggy glass doors. The warm dampness sucked at her, as if it knew how much she loathed the place. Too much green, growing energy. Too much color. An earthy stench befouled the already unbreathable air.

  Poisonous bloodfruit hung from vines threading up the walls like green veins. Thorns covered the branches of one tree. Another oozed corrosive sap. She found him in the thick of the conservatory, stroking the furred leaves of some hideous weed.

  “Sryka.” He spit her name out like a piece of spoiled meat. “What pressing matter brings you out of your wretched tower?”

  “Prince Erebus, so good to see you,” she lied.

  He dangled a mouse by its tail. The creature squirmed and squealed, its tiny feet scratching the air. He dropped it into the plant’s fleshy maw. A sucking sound filled the air. Erebus nodded. “Get on with it.”

  Sryka sneered. If she didn’t need the renewal so badly, she’d let him twist in the wind like that rodent. She reached into her robe and extracted the lunestone amulet, facing the glowing gem toward the prince with great satisfaction. “The child comes.”

  * * *

  Jessalyne threw on her overvest and slippers and raced down the stairs to Valduuk’s quarters.

  He opened after the second knock. “Good morning, my lady! Come in. I didn’t expect you so early but let me call cook. She can have breakfast for you in a moment.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not here for breakfast, not yet. I need some help.”

 

‹ Prev