After a moment, Samira asks, “What do you know about him?”
“Not much,” I admit. “My only dealings with him have been during this trip. He’s young. Nineteen if I remember right. But he’s wise enough to listen to those around him.” My chest aches as my thoughts immediately drift to Dom. “Seems to be a common trait among Strae men - listening.”
Samira gives a small laugh. “How novel.”
Lavleen’s shy smile starts to open up as the two of them dance. In spite of all of his finery, Thermilious doesn’t look like a king now. He looks like a teenager who’s finally getting a chance to talk to the woman who caught his eye.
They make a pretty picture. Lavleen is wearing a gown of sapphire blue to Thermilious’ azure. Like maybe the King asked to be sure his outfit would match hers. Thermilious leans forward to whisper something into her ear, which earns a delighted laugh from Lavleen. It makes the young King’s smile widen.
“Lavleen could certainly do worse than a king,” I say, though it’s still strange to realize that my little sister is of marrying age now.
Samira risks a glance around the pillar, and the worry eases from her brow as she smiles. “I think you might be right.”
A familiar smug voice cuts through my pleasant mood. “So, you’ve finally decided to show your face?”
Samira quickly ducks back behind the pillar as Feisal approaches. He’s dressed in a flowing tunic and black fahrits, a mustard-yellow scarf draped artfully over one shoulder. The delicate gold chains around his neck are a nice contrast against the dark fabric. His wavy hair is perfectly coiffed, but as usual, that smirk mars his otherwise handsome face.
“And with how quickly I drew your focus, I’d think you were looking for it,” I say. “Are you coming over to gloat? Don’t worry, you haven’t been subtle.”
Feisal comes to lean against the pillar beside me. Samira’s skirts whisper to my right to stay out of his sight.
God forgive the earful she’s about to hear.
“I only did as commanded. Your father and the Shykhdar wanted you home. I delivered.”
“You nearly delivered my corpse,” I say airily. “Though I’ll bet you just got confused. In your line of work, I’m sure slit throats are often a sign of success.”
“That was an accident.”
“Is that remorse?” I ask, feigning shock. “Sounds like you haven’t recited that emotion in a while. You should practice it more.”
“I mean it,” Feisal says, and the edge in his tone surprises me. “I didn’t mean for you to be harmed. I needed you here, not dead.”
I hum even as I consider him. A short silence passes before I ask, “Why doyouneed me here at all?”
“Youhavebeen away for some time,” Feisal scoffs. “I told you. Your father ordered it.”
And it’s damnably hard to say no to the Shykhdar. We’re both thinking it, but it goes unsaid.
“Well, congratulations on being such a good little hunting hound,” I say. “Your father was just appointed to his seat, right? He must be soproudto have raised such a fine pup.”
Feisal sneers. “Better a hound than a tramp. At least I’ll fulfill a greater purpose when I take my father’s seat.”
Anger like fire burns through me. As if creatingactual magicis some trifling thing next to a Shykh’s seat. But I’ll show him what magic can do.
“What’s power when you’ve never experienced pleasure?” I say as I pull away from the pillar to face him square. “What’s a hard, uncomfortable seat compared to a warm, hard cock?”
Feisal’s eyes grow wide as I step towards him, a flush darkening his cheeks. I smirk as I put a hand against the pillar beside his head, leaning in close. “Ilovewhat I do, Feisal. Can you say the same?”
He’s struck speechless for only a moment before he gathers himself. He steps away from me and collects his composure, rearranging his face back to neutrality before he gives me a shallow bow. “Have a wonderful evening,Olbric. We’re all sogladthe prodigal son has returned.”
I glower at his back as he retreats before I down the rest of my cup in one go. Like magic, another appears in my hand from the shadows.
“So, that was...” Samira’s voice trails off.
I scowl. “I told you - the full story of Feisal will require at least one bottle of wine and a couple of hours.”
Samira gives a short laugh. “Then follow me so we can get started.”
