Choices by Duncan Grace R

Author:Duncan, Grace R. [Duncan, Grace R.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2013-03-02T16:00:00+00:00

TWO days later, Bathasar was working to keep himself calm through the inspection of a new slave. This time it wasn’t so much irritation at Mukesh’s treatment of the slave that had him antsy, though he would never get used to it. He was now aware of how the woman would be cared for when she was returned to the wing. No, it was something else he was waiting for that had him fighting for calm.

He turned his attention back to the current proceedings. Mukesh had yet to turn away a female slave, and Bathasar suspected it was because he didn’t care enough about them to be concerned. He was right. But just as Mukesh was pronouncing her fit for the “stock”—that word still made Bathasar’s blood boil—there came a knock to the door. Bathasar sat up, knowing what was coming.

The slave was immediately ignored, and Mukesh turned his attention to the messenger. “Your… Majesty,” he said, breathless as he knelt in front of Mukesh.

“What is it? You’ve interrupted me,” Mukesh growled.

“I-I b-bring a m-message from the Empress Tian,” he said, still panting. He held up a scroll toward Mukesh, and flinched when it was snatched out of his hand.

“You are dismissed,” Mukesh snarled, and the messenger wasted no time beating a hasty retreat.

Mukesh ignored the assembled company, including the slave, Salehi, and Bathasar as he unrolled the parchment and read. His face got redder and redder as he went, and Bathasar briefly feared for the other occupants of the room. “Clear out,” Mukesh ordered. Salehi hurried to retrieve the slave, the advisors scrambled to gather their things, Bathasar stood, and even the guards turned toward the door.

“Not you,” Mukesh said, pointing at his head advisor, a man named Kadin. “Nor you,” he said, pointing at Bathasar, who stopped in surprise. He’d been hoping for this, and even if it was for show so the others would think he was trusted and still being groomed for the throne, it served his purposes.

When the room had emptied, Mukesh thrust the paper at Bathasar, who made a show of reading it, though he knew exactly what it said, word for word. When he “finished” it, he handed it over to Kadin and turned toward his father. “She believes you’re planning to attack her?”

“Not just her, her country,” Mukesh grumbled, pacing the floor.

Bathasar barely refrained from saying obviously. “Are you?” he asked, instead, holding his breath. He had no idea if Mukesh would admit to it. If he didn’t, things could get sticky, but Bathasar had a backup plan. He just hoped he wouldn’t have to use it.

Mukesh glared at Bathasar. “That is none of your business,” he answered, turning on his heel and crossing the room again.

That was answer enough. Bathasar crossed his arms. “You are. What do you hope to gain from invading her country?”

Mukesh stopped in his tracks and turned slowly. Bathasar swallowed his fears, determined to not back down from this man, and stood his ground. Mukesh considered him for a moment, and when Bathasar didn’t move, the thick black eyebrows went up.

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