Heart of Silver Flame by S D Simper

Author:S D Simper [Simper, S D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952349003
Publisher: Endless Night Publications
Published: 2020-05-31T22:00:00+00:00

They found Leah still in the courtesan wing, lively chatting with Mithal. Tallora briefly spotted Mocum in the children’s room before being accosted by a warm hug. “Tallora, you are going to tell us why you’re here, aren’t you?” Leah said, though her eyes kept drifting toward Kal.

“It isn’t something we should talk about yet,” Tallora replied, unable to help her broad smile. “Too many state secrets.”

“This seems to be a habit of yours.” Leah’s wink conveyed nothing but amusement.

“But I do want to hear all about you,” Tallora said, then she looked to Mithal. “And you. It’s been six months—what all has happened?”

She spent the evening hearing tales of the mundane, yet every detail filled her with delight. “Empress Dauriel has substantially increased my girls’ salaries,” Mithal said, and Tallora swore she saw the rare glimmer of approval in her eyes, “and filters their potential clientele much better than her predecessor.”

Leah spoke of schooling—first of her own, and then her new career. “I love teaching,” she said, the light in her eyes positively gleaming. “And I get to keep a closer watch on Mocum, which gives me peace of mind.”

“Educators are esteemed beneath the sea,” Kal said, and had Tallora not known him as a man with no airs, she would have presumed he were flattering Leah for how brightly she blushed. “It’s the highest calling.”

The duo fell into their own little world, discussing the merit of teachers and their influence, and when Tallora caught Mithal’s eye, she was grateful the elven woman stared with the same scrutiny as she.

A knock at the door caused no stir or worry, though a servant did enter when bidden. “Pardon, but Empress Dauriel has requested Tallora come to her chambers.”

Tallora bid farewell to her friends, her heart warmed beyond measure. Her stomach fluttered as the servant escorted her, though she knew the halls well.

When she entered the familiar space, Dauriel sat on the edge of her bed, expression stoic at Tallora’s entrance—though it softened as she approached.

Tallora grinned at the attention. “You could have joined me,” she teased, amused when Dauriel vehemently shook her head.

“Whatever progress we’ve made, Lady Mithal does not like me,” Dauriel replied as she stood up. She stole Tallora into her arms, hugging her as though it had been a hundred years. “And I don’t feel comfortable around Leah.”

When Dauriel tried to kiss her, Tallora dodged, giggling as she asked, “Why not? She’s my friend.”

Discomfiture lay in Dauriel’s deep blush. “I think you’re forgetting I used to pay her for sex.”

Tallora hadn’t, but the subtle shift in Dauriel’s countenance from embarrassment to shame wounded her elated soul. “I remember, but I don’t care.” She kissed Dauriel’s cheek, felt the heat on her face, and added, “I can understand why you’d be uncomfortable around her though.” She planted another kiss upon her cheek, adoring the shy smile she received. “How was your meeting?”

Instead of answering, Dauriel kissed her mouth. Tallora did not dodge; instead she succumbed, thrilled for Dauriel to finish what she’d started at dinner.

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