“You would be a fool to turn her down,” Palasia said. “You would be equally foolish to accept.” A shadow flickered behind her eyes. Was that anger?
“Is that what you will say when you report to her?” I asked.
Palasia smirked, realizing I had caught on to her game. “I haven’t decided,” she said. I cocked my head in question and she elaborated. “I haven’t decided if you are bold or foolish. I have, however, determined that you are reckless.”
I took another drink and handed it back to Palasia. “Why not all three?” I grinned as she sipped from the crystal. “Besides,” I said, “you will have much more information for her come the morning. You can stop by and deliver your report on the way home.”
She pursed her lips at me. “You presume too much, sir.”
“I am a ‘sir’ now?” I asked. “I am grateful for the elevation, but tell me, Palasia...” I leaned in too suddenly for her to react. My mouth to her ear allowed me to fully appreciate her scent. It was fresh and floral. I whispered a question, then leaned back to watch shock, embarrassment, and anger flash across her face in the span of a heartbeat.
She slapped my face with a blow forceful enough to rock my head.
“I most certainly, have not!” she cried.
“Would you like to?” I grinned wolfishly.
“I should have you beaten. My husband would have your head to hear you speak to me in such a manner.”
“I didn’t ask your husband, lover. He didn’t come seeking strange men in brothels. You did.” She slapped me again. Though it was clear her heart wasn’t in it, my face still stung.
The woman glared daggers at me while I sipped the wine.
“Look,” I said, “The Mata will come regardless of what you report. Wouldn’t you like to play with her shiny new toy before she even gets to unwrap it?”
Palasia considered me for a long moment, then broke out into a broad smile that filled her face and satisfied my curiosity.
She really is magnificent when she smiles.
I rose and faced her, bowed, and held out my hand “Lady Palasia. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Evanar Hostric, and I am ever at your service.”
She took my hand and rose gracefully, eyeing me the entire time, and we headed for the stairs. We passed by the bar, where Elsbeth had another bottle of the blackberry waiting. I grabbed it on the way by and gave Nan a wink.
Nan rolled her eyes as I led the Mata’s Bulldog to my room.
Finished Business
The sun had already risen when I walked Palasia, her hand on my arm, down the stairs to the front door. I had run my fingers through my hair, and it was as good as it was going to get. But I could get by with messy chic since I wasn’t leaving the brothel. Palasia, on the other hand, was less put together than she’d been on arrival and didn’t really seem to mind. Her hair was disheveled and the skin around her mouth and down her neck was red from our exuberance, which had lasted right up to the moment I opened the door to the Royal Suite and led her out.
I stopped her at the top of the stairs and straightened her dress and she giggled. I adjusted the strip of bed linen that I had torn off for her to use as a scarf—she’d needed something to disguise the evidence of our passion from the public. It was the best I could do for her at the moment. All those clothes Shani made me buy, and not one single scarf. I made a mental note to get some clothes and toiletries brought in to allow any guests some opportunity to freshen up before they left.
We passed by the bar where Nan and Shani were conveniently going over last night’s numbers and figuring out which supplies were needed for the next delivery.
“I trust you enjoyed yourself, Lady Palasia?” Nan asked.
The Mata’s Bulldog dropped a purse of coins onto the bar without a glance and walked to the front doors.
She kissed me one last time, a quick peck, and I shut the door behind her.
“She slapped you…twice, then went upstairs with you…” Shani said incredulously as I made my way back to the bar.
“Just a bit of foreplay,” I replied, “And thank you for your lessons. They really helped.“
“…and didn’t come back down until morning when everyone else has to leave well before dawn.”
“We weren’t finished,” I said with a smile. “Still not finished, actually. She’ll be back in a few days.”
“A few days?” Shani threw up her hands. “But what if the Mata shows?”
“I hope she does.”
Nan had grinned broadly throughout the entire exchange. “So how was your first night as a courtesan?”
I never expected to be successful as a prostitute, especially on my first night. I had to admit, however, that if it was like this all the time, I might look into changing careers.
“Shani was right. It’s a lot of work.” I yawned. “But it’s better than a real job.” I grinned and Nan cackled.
“I’m starving. Who wants breakfast?” I asked and started for the kitchens.
“I have heard horror stories about that woman,” Shani said, her voice filled with disbelief. “You made ‘the Bulldog’ smile, giggle even. What did you do to her?” Shani asked.
“I merely used what I learned from you,” I said. “I saw her for who she truly is and gave her what she needed, while telling her I was giving her what she wanted.”
“That was not at all what I was teaching you,” Shani said.
“Yes, it was,” I countered. “You taught me to see through perception and use that perception like a weapon, cold and calculating. I did that…well, minus the cold part.”
“What is it you gave her, then? What did she need?” Shani asked.
“I treated her like a woman, rather than a tool or an agenda,” I said. “She was most…receptive.”
“And were you satisfied?” Shani asked.
“My satisfaction is irrelevant. You taught me that as well. Remember our lessons? You chided me on seeking my own pleasure rather than that of my client. You were the client in question during that little training session, if I recall correctly.”
Shani’s cheeks colored. I felt quite proud of myself.
Do you have any idea how hard you have to work to make a prostitute blush?
“My feelings aside, I want nothing from her—or little, at any rate. Everyone only wants something from her. The Mata, the rest of the court, everyone. Instead, I gave and asked nothing in return. That was what she truly longed for. Make no mistake, though, I will use her to further my plans. But I will use her gently if I can. I like her. She has a good heart.”
“The Terror of Jerea? A good heart?” Nan scoffed.
“I believe she became who she needed to be in order to survive. She is a strong woman. But she doesn’t want to have to be, I think.” I continued toward the kitchens. I could smell bacon and I made it my mission to have some before I slept. I heard Shani mumbling as I rounded the corner.
“Me next. Damn.”
I had slept in and I would be late for work tonight, but it would be worth it. There were some things that needed doing and needed doing now. I was cautious not to give away my presence as I ran, fully Aspected, across the gently sloping tile rooftops. The sun had just set and the shadows cast by twilight were long and perfect for hiding my black-skinned form as I stole from eve to crest, hiding in whatever concealment was available. Where there was none, I created my own. I grasped at the shadows that lingered in the recesses of the rooftops and alleyways and cast them ahead, obscuring my movements from any casual passersby.
There were few observers about so late this deep into the market districts. The shops were long closed. There were taverns located at the edges dedicated to aiding weary shoppers with rest, a meal, and a drink, but I had passed into the heart unseen. I stopped above my intended destination, careful not to make the slightest sound. I didn’t want to alert the occupant, who was certain to be home. I swung down from the eave and easily slid into a window left open to the night breeze.
I
crouched low and moved further into the room, taking care not to silhouette myself in the moonlight streaming in. The room was dark, but my sensitive eyes made navigating the space easy. The apartment above the bakery was small but tidy. It consisted of three rooms. The sitting room, where I entered, was cozy and smelled of tobacco. Beside a worn leather chair was a side table that held a pipe and bowl, a book, and an oil lamp. The book was a cheap adventure fiction. Figures.
A desk lay against one wall, items neatly arranged with an open ledger prominently displayed. The lone door led to a hall with two doors facing each other and stairs leading down at the end. The first door revealed a privy and washroom. A large tub sat in the middle of the room, filled with steaming water. The resident must have filled it over-hot and was allowing it to cool before using it.
The last door opened to a bedroom. A bureau stood across from a double bed, the tousled sheets still damp with musty sweat.
Seated at the table, and enjoying a meal, was the man I had come to see.
Even with his back to me, the sight of him disgusted me. This man had been brought to my attention as a lesson on the evils of the world and the lengths my enemies would go to in order to win. Shani had intended for me to take the lesson and be done. I took it. I learned it well. Tonight, however, I would be the teacher. I knew, too well, how people preyed on the vulnerable. Bullies who enjoyed lording whatever meager power they had over those less fortunate, weaker, or unable to defend themselves. No one did anything about it. Everyone knows someone like that, and yet it goes unchallenged. Crimes go unanswered. Not tonight.
A talon ticked on the floor as I stepped into the room behind him. He didn’t even turn.
“I told you to take the damned bread and go,” he said without even looking up. “You’ll be back when your belly’s empty enough.” He chuckled around a mouth full of food.
I grabbed the back of his head, my talons easily encompassing his skull, and slammed his face down into his meal. Food and blood splashed across the table, and I felt his nose break along with the plate. I dragged him backward and threw him to the floor. He groaned, his face now smeared with crimson.
“What do I have to do for a bit of bread, baker?” I asked. The choral echo of my voice seemed to come from everywhere at once. He jerked his head around as he scrambled backward before his eyes cleared enough to see me. He screamed. I stalked toward him, and he crawled until his back hit the far wall. “This is the last time you hurt another. This is the last time you take advantage. This is the last time.”
I let the rage of my Aspect show through. The need of the hunt, the kill. I wanted his last moment to be one of pure terror. The fear he exuded was palpable. I slashed him across the face and throat, sending splatters of blood across the wall, the floor…and the child that stood in the doorway. He held his bread clutched to his chest. Horror and wonder filled his wide eyes.
Hessa’s tits, I cursed.
“Andvari,” the boy whispered in awe. Then he turned and fled. I heard the front door crash open as he disappeared into the night.
The dying baker lay at my feet, and I reached out with my magic and caught his soul before it slid into the night in search of Shael, the land of the dead and home to the Great Queen Hessa. I consumed it and felt my power respond.
You get no eternal rest, you bastard, I thought. You are mine.
I heard shouts and the sounds of booted feet. They grew closer and it looked to be time to leave. Someone had likely heard the screams and alerted the Watch. I made my way back up the stairs and out the window to the roof, obscuring my escape with shadows. I circled around and watched a pair of city guards enter the bakery, with more remaining in the street. I left as they gave orders to search the area for the murderer. They wouldn’t find me, though. I would be at home getting some much-needed rest.
Andvari
It was two bells past noon when I came down for ‘breakfast.’ Kitty and Oni were already up. Kitty, in her giant robe, hugged her coffee while Oni tended to the stove.
“Brave of you, Oni,” I said. “Frying bacon in what amounts to a handkerchief.”
Oni turned her dazzling smile on me. “I wore this for you, Evan. I warned you what would happen if I found your garb acceptable.” She wore a white cotton robe cinched with a sash about her waist. It was sheer enough that her dark skin shone through the fabric, rendering it near useless as anything but a tease…and what a tease it was.
I stalked toward the Mylean woman and eyed her hungrily. She dropped her utensil and backed into the counter.
“I’ve been studying, Oni,” I said. “Think you could help me with my lessons?” I started at the hollow of her throat and traced a finger down her smooth skin, parting the robe the barest amount as I went. When I got to the knot that held it all together, I tugged, and it came loose, the tails dangling at her sides. Oni’s eyes went wide, and she took in a deep breath and held it.
Kitty purred. I was almost certain that was how she got her name.
I lightly dragged the back of one fingernail along Oni’s collarbone, causing her to squirm. She expelled the breath in a rush when I got to the collar of her robe. I didn’t stop until it slid off one shoulder revealing soft, smooth skin and one heavy breast. Oni rubbed a calf along the back of my leg and leaned into me.
“Um, guys?” came Shani’s familiar voice.
Both Oni and I jumped in shock. For my part, I had become quite focused on Oni and blocked everything else out. I blamed Shani’s lesson on paying attention to my partner. I spun around. Oni tugged her robe back into place.
“Uh,” I said, “Oni was just showing me something.” I cast an embarrassed thumb over my shoulder.
“She sure was,” Kitty said through a brilliant smile. She had turned her entire chair around and was sitting cross-legged, holding her coffee and watching hungrily. Her eyes squinted above her cup. “If you hadn’t just barged in here, I think Evan was about to show Oni something, too, and I had a lovely front-row seat. Thanks for nothing, Shani.”
Shani didn’t seem as amused by our banter as she normally would have been, and I noticed that there was a troubled look on her face.
“Sorry.”
“What’s the matter, Shani?” I said. “You seem flustered.”
“You know the baker? The one I told you about?” Shani asked. “He’s dead. Every crier in the city is talking about it. They’re saying he was slaughtered like some animal. The city watch is looking into it.”
“You mean the one who comes here for you about every other week?” Oni asked, our moment forgotten. Shani nodded.
“Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy,” I said.
Shani narrowed her eyes at me.
“Well, come in here and have some breakfast,” I said. Then I turned to Oni. “Your bacon is burning.”
“Shits!” Oni cried and jumped for the stove.
I laughed as Oni glared at me over her shoulder.
“This is not over.”
It took a while to finish breakfast. Oni and Kitty had departed on their own business and left Shani and me to clean up. That done, we took our cups and made for the salon. We arrived to an excited discussion.
“It was the Andvari, Mistress. I swear it. He had silver eyes and teeth, and he just swiped his face right off. I was there. I know. I got blood on me and everythin’, I did.” The boy pointed to a dark stain on his ragged shirt. “I tried to clean it off. I guess I didn’t do so good.”
“Easy, young man,” Nan said. She was trying to get the boy to calm down and it seemed she’d had no luck once he got started.
“Hi Nan,” I said. “Who is your friend?” I knew perfectly well who he was. I had seen him in an alley just the other day trying to decide how hungry he was. And again last night. He dropped his head as soon as I spoke.
“This young man came here looking for work,” she said. “I tried explaining to him I had enough helpers and cleaners, and if he were to even be seen by the guests, they would start thinking
he was on the menu. He says that is the sort of work he was looking for. It seems he had a line on a regular source of food, but that prospect is no longer open to him as the man is dead, slain by some beast.”
“Andvari, mistress. I swear it,” he said, then dropped his head again.
“I don’t know this word,” I said. “What is it?”
“The Andvari is a myth,” Shani said, sharply. “They say he is a protector of children and the innocent, those who can’t defend themselves. When I was a little girl, I prayed for him to come save me...”
“Beggin’ your pardon, miss. But I seen him. Got blood on me and everything.”
“What makes you so special?” Shani accused.
“I suppose he was just lucky,” I said. Shani looked even more agitated than before.
Nan looked down at the boy with a sad smile.
“I will have no children doing that sort of work here,” she said in a final tone. “Why did you come here, boy? Why here?”
The child didn’t raise his head, convinced that his request was denied and there would be no argument. “I heard you treat your whores good. You can tell they’re fed real good and they don’t even have bruises on ‘em.”
Shani’s scowl darkened further.
He pointed to Shani. “Sometimes she would leave food for me where I could find it when I was hungry. I hid and saw her. She never saw me, though. I figured if she could do that and help me, maybe I could and help somebody too, you know, like her. I was doing it anyway. But I figured if I came here, the food would be better and I wouldn’t get hurt, probably.”
I considered Shani with even greater appreciation. She still held her scowl at the young man, but there was something else in her expression as well.
Oathbound: The Emperor's Conscience, Book 2 Page 9