Lincoln by Christina Bauer

Author:Christina Bauer [Bauer, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-945723-37-7
Publisher: Monster House Books, LLC

21

Carrying Myla, I march out of the stables. Outside, a starless night sky arches overhead. Pausing, I soak up the moment: a quiet night by the forest and Myla in my arms. Her scent surrounds me. Cinnamon and sunshine.

My hunter’s sense kicks in. The hairs on my neck stand on end. I’m not alone here. Sure enough, Bera steps out of the shadows. She does a good job of pretending to have been stepping by. “Why, Lincoln. Fancy seeing you here.”

I shake my head. “Mother should let you sleep.”

“I’m not here as a spy for Octavia. I helped Myla get on her armor, you know. Is she all right?”

“She should be fine. Just sleeping off a scratch from the arachnoid.” It seems I got all the poison out of her system. I’ll know for certain within the next hour.

Myla’s tail pops up. The arrowhead end points at Bera.

“Oh, my. What’s that?” asks Bera.

“A tail,” I deadpan.

“I know that part.” Bera tilts her head. “What’s it doing?”

Perhaps when it comforted me back at the stables, Myla’s tail and I forged some kid of bond. But whatever the reason, I’m absolutely certain what her tail wants.

“It would like to share your hand,” I explain. “Isn’t that right?” The arrowhead end swoops to point at me. It then arcs up and down in a nodding motion. “See? It agrees.”

The arrowhead end points back at Bera. “Go on,” I suggest. “Shake its hand.”

Bera reaches forward, shaking the tail with her fingertips. “Pleasure to meet you again.” She curtsies.

“Well done, Bera. Is the Rixa guest cabin still empty?”

“It is.”

“I’m taking Myla and her tail there. Send the royal physicians please.” My eyes widen as I recall another task. “ And will you gather up her armor?” I’m sure Myla wouldn’t want to lose that lovely breastplate.

“Of course, my Prince.” Bera waddles away, then pauses. “And Lincoln?”

“Yes, Bera?”

“Most of the people like her.”

My heart lightens. “In what way?”

“They like her fire. We thrax can be a rather saggy bunch, if you catch my meaning.”

“That I do.” Myla’s strength is what drew me to her as well. Glad my people and I have that in common. “If they feel this way, why not say anything? I’ve had two mead hall encounters where I’m the only one speaking up for Myla.”

“Most are simply too afraid of Aldred. Yet things will change.” Bera grips her hands tightly at her waist. It’s something she does when screwing up her courage. “Myla and I had such a sweet time getting ready today. Don’t let Aldred ruin it.” Her voice takes on a pleading tone. “Give us a chance with her, too? She could be good for our people.”

If my heart felt light before, now I have the sense I could fly. “Thank you, Bera. And yes, I’m working on a plan.”

“That news makes your Big Bera smile.” She twiddles her fingers, which is a Bera motion for, move along. “Now off with you both.”

I wink. “As you command.”

In my arms, Myla curls closer to my chest.

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