Page 158 of Sun Warrior

“Ah, there you are, little bird!”

She bowed gracefully to Him. “My Lord, what may I do for You?”

“Nothing from way over there, but come here to my lap! I have something for you that isn’t so little.”

Dove recognized the sarcastic laughter of Death’s Blade, Iron Fist, as well as the chuckles of several of the God’s favorite Reapers, and she realized they surrounded Him, which meant the God wanted her to goto Him—and to allow Him to take her there, intimately, in front of all of His men, as well as her Attendants.

She set her jaw and lifted her chin. “My Lord, I would be pleased to welcome You to my bed, but not here.” With her hand she beckoned to Him. “Come with me to a more private place.”

“I am happy to stay where I am, surrounded by my Reapers. They are making free with your Attendants—and your women have not complained. Have you, my dears?”

A chorus followed of her Attendants insisting, “No, my Lord!” and, “We welcome your Reapers, as we welcome You, my Lord!”

“See, little bird! They freely share themselves. I insist you do the same.” The God’s voice had gone from the pretense of sweetness to a more truthful hardness.

“Will your Goddess be so free with Herself, my Lord?” Dove spoke in a sharp voice as she held herself straight and strong. The only evidence of her fear was the bloody gouges her fingernails were drawing in her palms as she fisted her hands, stealing herself for whatever might come next.

There was a long pause as the Balcony of the God fell silent. Dove could feel everyone’s attention focused on her. Then Death laughed—long and hard and loud.

“What a strange girl you are, little bird,” Death said. “You seem timid, childlike even, and yet here you are, evoking the Goddess as if you speak for Her.”

“And who should speak for Her?” Dove demanded, holding herself rigid. “Would You? Does that mean You would allow the Goddess to speak forYou?”

“Careful that you do not go too far, little bird. Don’t make me clip your wings.”

“Apologies, my Lord.” Dove dropped into a deep, graceful bow. But when she stood she struck out verbally against the God again. “Is this not the Temple in which the Great Earth Goddess will reside once you have awakened Her?” Dove made a sweeping gesture that took in all of her young, nubile body.

“It is indeed,” the God said.

“Then until She claims what will be Hers, I believe it is my responsibility to keep this Temple sacred for Her, and that means I will not fornicate with You for the entertainment of Your Reapers.”

“Howdare—”

“I dare because I have spent my life as Oracle to the Gods! I know something of what they require from a Temple.” Dove’s voice silenced His. “If I overstep myself, I assume the Goddess will correct my error once She takes control of my body. Until then, I ask that You respect me as You would Her Temple.”

“I may have misjudged you, bird.” Death sounded annoyed and dismissive. “Begone. Return to your solitude. My Reapers and I leave this evening. We will take the city of the Others after dark. Then I shall come for you, and begin to awaken my true Consort. Leave my sight and remain gone from my sight until I return to collect you. You make me weary.”

“Yes, my Lord.” Dove bowed deeply again. She reached out for Lily’s arm and the girl began to lead her away, but the God’s sharp command halted them.

“Your Attendant can remain in your place,” Death said. “I feel the need for the sweet release you deny me. Come here, little flower,” He said to Lily.

Dove could feel her friend’s body begin to tremble. “Which Attendant would most like to lie with the God?” she whispered quickly to Lily.

“Rabbit—she would give herself willingly to him,” Lily whispered back in a tremulous voice.

Dove turned her head, speaking nonchalantly over her shoulder. “I have need of my Lily to guide me back to my solitude. Your Reapers make it difficult for me to find my way safely within the Temple. Rabbit!” Dove called.

“Yes, my Lady!” came the girl’s breathless reply from somewhere behind Dove.

“Would you be pleased to see to my Lord’s needs while Lily is busy elsewhere?”

“Oh yes, Mistress!” Her answer was immediate and eager.

“Present yourself to Death,” Dove commanded.

“Yes, Mistress!”

Dove could hear Rabbit’s bare feet padding over the tile floor as she hurried to the God’s balcony.