Diamond Stained by J M D Reid

Author:J M D Reid [Reid, J M D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreaming Between Worlds Publishing, LLC
Published: 2020-04-27T22:00:00+00:00

*

“Come visit soon,” Deffona said, embracing Avena tight.

“I’ll try,” said Avena. The pair traded kisses on the cheek, tokens of friendship. “I promise.”

“And show me some of this fighting Ōbhin’s teaching you,” Deffona said as she broke away. “Maybe I can drub the eldest daughter over the head.”

“The rod would just break on her skull.”

Deffona sighed. “It would. Then she would calmly berate me for my inability to crack her head open before sending me to mop the surgery room.”

“It’ll get better,” Avena said, her hands taking Deffona’s and squeezing. “She’s just . . .”

“Battering me. I just . . . I wish I knew what I was doing wrong.”

“You’re doing nothing wrong.”

Deffona’s face twisted in frustration. “I have to return to my duties. Her unbreakable skull will be coming soon to yell at me. I have tasks to complete.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” A fierceness flashed over Deffona’s face. “I’d endure a thousand of her tongue lashes to speak with you.”

A warmth suffused Avena’s heart. Would Evane and I have had a relationship like this?

“Mmm, there he is,” Deffona said. “He is handsome. Lucky you.”

“Maybe it’s the ardor brimming in your heart that has the eldest berating you,” Avena said, turning to smile at Miguil as he stroked the nose of the carriage horse. “He is handsome. I can’t wait for us to marry.”

“No, no, Ōbhin,” said Deffona. “The man marches with purpose.”

Avena noted the Qothian marching into the yard. He’d been across the street. What was he doing outside the loading yard? He’s supposed to be protecting us, not going for a stroll! Was he meeting with a spy?

“No wonder you are so eager for training,” Deffona said.

“You need to keep your thoughts out of the privy,” Avena admonished. “The man is untrustworthy.”

“A bandit turned good! Your beauty must have inspired him onto the right trail.”

“The eldest needs to do a better job in finding those romance books you smuggle in. It was his friend dying that shook him out of the darkness and into Elohm’s light.” Not that he believes in Elohm, but the Creator of All believes in him. “He’s dangerous and knows the head of the Brotherhood.”

“Yes,” gushed Deffona. “Maybe he’ll duel Miguil for your love.”

“You are hopeless.” Avena sighed and broke away. “Elohm’s Colours brighten your life until we next meet.”

“And keep your soul polished,” Deffona added. “Enjoy your practices. At least write me.”

Avena nodded then marched up to Ōbhin. He reached the carriage. When his dark eyes met hers, he looked away immediately. She could read the guilt all over him. She wouldn’t let the Brotherhood harm Dualayn. He did so much good for the city, so it was a shame such low and disgusting people used him.

“Why did you leave the yard?” she asked. “Is there a problem?”

“Thought I saw something,” he said as he climbed up into the carriage seat.

The low rumble of thunder echoed in the background as Avena narrowed her eyes. “Like something on the blackberry hill? People watching us?”

“Maybe.” He leaned back, his eyes distant.

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