Page 36 of Badmouths & Bards

Upon seeing her expression twist, Casimine stepped forward, “What Amer means, is that our relationship is open to a degree. We’ve shared our bed with others in the past, discreetly of course—”

“Not sure how discreet we were during that orgy—”

“Discreetly,” Casimine stressed. “And usually it’s been for a night or so. Rarely anything longer than that.”

“This some fulfillment fantasy, one night stand bullshit?” Tala rolled her eyes.

“Would you be interested if it was?” Ameriden asked with a hopeful expression.

“I will murder you,” Tala replied, deadpanned.

“We know you like us,” he retorted.

“I do not!”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, sunshine,” Ameriden chuckled. “I’ve seen the way you look at my body and Casi’s face. Not that I blame you. I get hard just thinking about his mouth.”

Tala’s grip tightened on the handle of the basket, gearing up to whack him across the face with it. She only stopped when Casimine gently took hold of her wrist, lowering it to her side.

“Outside of being discreet, the only rule Ameriden and I share is that it’s both of us or neither of us.”

“We don’t have sex with people if the other isn’t there,” Ameriden elaborated. “So, if we’re doing this, we’re all doing it.”

Casimine nodded. “It can be more complex than a two-person encounter, but it can be done. Amer and I are very interested in pursuing this. It just depends on what you want, Tala.”

She froze at the shortened version of her name. There was so much to process in such a short time that she nearly forgot that question. What did Tala want? It was hard to figure out in the moment, overwhelmed with embarrassment and possibilities. Logically, it was a terrible fucking idea. While the High Conservator hadn’t given her any strict instructions on the matter, Tala was pretty sure fucking the guys she was supposed to protect was some kind of violation of ethics.

Avie had said Tala was like a diamond. Hard with sharp edges, but could easily fall apart with enough pressure. Her friend had been half-drunk when she told her, so Tala hadn’t taken it poorly at the time. It was only later, hung over, waking in a field outside of Eshorion, that Tala realized what Avie meant. Tala had a hard exterior built on a foundation of anger. Partially to shield herself, but mostly to protect others.

I’m an explosion waiting to happen—whether people believe it or not. I’m not safe to be around and that’s why my family sent me away. Why the Moon Maidens sent me away, and why the Valiant Circle wants to send me away…

Why was she even considering this when Avie was in swampy GloomsDale? She should have already stolen a horse and taken off to find her, not seriously considering what they were saying as they waited for her to speak.

The words—whatever they were—were caught in her throat.

Casimine’s touch slid across her wrist to entangle their fingers together. “Before you make a decision, let us at least offer you a token of our affection.”

What will I do when you two eventually send me away?

Chapter 16

Ameriden

There was always a chance that their gift would blow up in their faces. Ameriden had tried not to get his hopes up—but he had to admit it. Casi had been right about being direct with Tala, as she was incredibly dense for someone so fucking hot.

It did make Ameriden wonder what her upbringing had been like. In college, physical appearance was always important—especially for those who lacked natural charisma. It had been difficult for some students who were hoping their voices and melodies would be enough, but sadly the world didn’t run like that. Attractive bards were more well renowned, and if a bard happened to be both attractive and charismatic? Well, that’s how you ended up becoming Cashmere Fantasy.

She’s gorgeous and has no idea? Or is she someone who doesn’t think about that?

It would make sense if it was the latter. Their bodyguard had quickly established that she didn’t give a shit about anyone’s opinion of her. The way she had plopped into her seat, all lazy limbs with that bored stare—it had been hard not to be interested then.

Still, Ameriden could feel the bit of trepidation in his stomach as Casimine guided Tala to the coffee table. She flopped onto one of the pillows, holding the breakfast basket close to her chest. Her eyes told them that she was suspicious of everything in the room, as if they had set up some kind of trap for her.

Not completely wrong, Ameriden thought as he sat opposite of Casimine. But I have no doubt she could kick our asses if she didn’t like something we did.

“Amer told me you have someone you’re worried about.” Casimine pointed toward Tala’s hip.

“I—that’s not your business,” Tala grumbled.