Page 59
Story: Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash
Edu laughed, and Fyia could see relief in his eyes as he snatched the flask. 'Did he fall at your feet and beg like a puppy?'
'Harsh …' said Sensis.
Unusual for Edu. 'Why do you dislike him so?' said Fyia.
'I don't dislike him, and as a warrior, there are few I'd rather have at my back … at least when our interests align. But I can't trust him. Not after he killed King Milo, an act for which he seems to believe he has atoned.'
'You think I should've been harsher with my punishment?' said Fyia. 'I sent him away for the rest of the war … I made him travel to the Fae'ch around the perimeter of the Five Kingdoms!'
'Then took him to your bed the minute he returned,' said Edu, the look on his face daring Fyia to contradict him.
Fyia filled her lungs, then exhaled a long sigh. Edu rarely spoke up like this, but when he did, he didn’t mince his words … and he was usually right.
'My bed has been empty for a long time,' said Fyia, 'and a courtesan isn't an option for me.'
'It's notnotan option,' said Sensis. 'We could find you someone trustworthy.'
Fyia shuddered. 'The idea of you two vetting my next sex partner is creepy.'
'Oh, I don't know,' said Sensis. 'It would be fun …'
'Only if I get to vet yours,' said Fyia. 'Actually, that would be fun. Would you like a man, or a woman? Or both?' She gave a salacious flick of her eyebrows.
'We were talking about you,' said Sensis.
'It's more fun discussing you,' said Fyia, 'and I need a distraction. And don't think I've missed the way people look at you, Edu … I'm sure we could find you a few willing candidates.'
'Please,' said Edu, 'don't make me sell your location to the Emperor …'
'From what I hear, the Emperor's had enough practice to give even the most dedicated of courtesans a run for their money,' said Sensis.
'The largest harem in all the world… isn't that what he calls it?' said Edu.
'Selling me off might finally make my courtiers happy, although I doubt for the same reasons as you two,' said Fyia.
They laughed, then sat in companionable silence, sharing the flask of wine as a breeze rippled the water in the dying light of day.
'Well, anyway,' Fyia said after a time, 'I've sent Adigos away.'
Sensis frowned. 'He's still at the safe house.'
Of course he was. 'Well, when Edu and I leave for the north, he won't be able to follow.'
'You've decided then?' said Sensis. 'You're going north?'
'You think I should stay too?' said Fyia, alarm coursing through her. It was one thing for Starfall and Adigos to want her to stay, but something else entirely if Sensis and Edu thought she was making the wrong choice.
'No, of course not,' Sensis said with a firm shake of her head. 'You have always been clear about what you want. I won't lie, I had hoped for some brief respite, or that the dragons would puff into existence once you killed the last King. But when was life ever so easy?'
'What about you?' said Fyia, looking at Edu, who had reclined on the grass, leaning back on his arms.
'Dragons,' said Edu. 'That's the mission. I have no interest in guarding a palace all day and night. I'd much rather be out exploring the world with you.'
'Do you think it's selfish of us?' said Fyia. 'I mean, right now, the Emperor's airships could be preparing to lay waste to my lands, but honestly, I care more about going north.'
'And why is that?' said Sensis.
'Because I want to find the dragons.'
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59 (Reading here)
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117