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“Glad we got that out of the way.” I cross my arms over my chest and let my flames fade away. “I’m listening.”
“You’re not normally so abrupt.” They perch on the edge of my bed.
“And somehow, you’re always this coy.”
They sigh. “Azazel is worried about the girl.”
“I’m aware. We spoke before the choosing.” It irks me that he’s sent his babysitter so quickly, but it’s not unexpected. Belladonna is everything Azazel feared and more. I still can’t quite believe she made the impulsive decision to bear a child for my territory. I should be elated. That theoretical child represents a safety and prosperity unlike any we’ve seen in my lifetime.
Bu it doesn’t feel right.
A week still isn’t long enough to make it feel right, but I suspect it’s as much time as I can get away with before she balks at the delay.
“So much conflict.” Ramanu waves their hand through the air as if testing currents. Due to their gargoyle parent, they can read auras, similar to how I can read desires and emotions. I was taught to shield, just like all children, but there’s no point in trying to with Ramanu. They’re here for an accurate report, after all. I have nothing to hide. “So much need.”
“Ramanu.”
“The contract states no harm may come to the human. Azazel is concerned that it won’t recognize harm in the traditional manner, because of her... history.”
“He’s right to be concerned.” I should watch my words, should keep my conflict to the Insomnior Court, where I know it won’t go beyond those walls. “She agreed to have a child.”
Ramanu’s perfect coy persona flickers, true shock showing. “So quickly.”
“Yes.”
“And yet you’re not exuberant.”
I can’t hold still any longer. I pace from one side of the room to the other, my long legs eating up the distance before the motion can satisfy the tumult inside me. “It’s wrong. It would be taking advantage.”
“It would help your territory. Isn’t that your end all, be all?”
I snap a look at them. “Don’t act the part of a hurt lover now, Ramanu. You were no more invested in our fling than I was.”
“It’s true.” They shrug. “But so is the fact that you have gone to extreme and occasionally harmful lengths to be a good leader to your people. Far beyond what other leaders do.”
“That just makes them poor leaders,” I snap.
“I see.” They nod slowly and rise to their feet. “What will you do?”
“Scare the shit out of her.” I hold up a hand when they tense. “Not like that. Give me some credit. She’s so twisted up, she doesn’t know what she’s feeling at any given time. She wants, Ram—it fills up a room—but the shame she feels chokes it near to death.”
They lean forward, interest lighting up their pretty features and warming their crimson skin. “You’re going to seduce her.”
“Not yet.” I want her. Gods, I want her. More than I could have anticipated, even after that delicious dream. Me, who can find something worth desiring in any partner. Belladonna aches, and I ache in time with her. “I’m going to bring her to a play party with a handful of trusted friends. Observing only.”
This time their chuckle is full-bodied and fills up the room. “That’s going to blow her mind.”
“Likely.” I’ll have to pay close attention in order to ensure it doesn’t push her over the edge. I’m well aware that the price for harming Belladonna is my territory, but that’s not my sole motivation for being careful.
A good leader is ruthless, yes, and cunning, but they don’t trample on people more fragile than they are. Doing so damages a community—do it enough and there’s no community left to speak of, nothing to protect. If more leaders took that truth to heart, there would be less sorrow in the dreams of humans I visit.
Ramanu sighs, some of their amusement filtering away. “Seems like you have things well in hand.”
“Don’t sound so disappointed that there’s no drama to stir up.” Their propensity to wreak havoc is part of what first drew me to them. Life is rarely boring when Ramanu is making an appearance. I motion to the door. “She’s in her room if you want to check in on her.”
“And traumatize the poor thing further? Between the horns and my humor, she’s unlikely to recover in her current state.” They laugh. “I think not. Let her settle in a bit more. I’ll return at a later date.” They pause. “But, truly, congratulations, Rusalka. I know what this will mean for you.”
I shake my head. “Don’t congratulate me yet.”
