AllFreeNovel
Share Us
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.'
