Manaborn by Cassius Lange

Author:Cassius Lange [Lange, Cassius]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-09T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

When I woke up, I was laying on our bed and naked as the day I was born. The girls were practically fluttering around me, and dressed, mind you. I had to blink several times to bring them into focus. Their dresses were short, showcasing more than a little leg, with healthy necklines that presented plenty of cleavage. I turned, spotting Miria by the door, who wore a long, much less revealing blue dress.

I groaned, joints popping, and pushed myself off the bed. Damn, I felt stiff. A healthy, full mana pool, yes, but stiff.

“What are you ladies wearing?” I asked, my voice more than a little gruff.

“A hanfu,” Miria replied. “Two different versions. The shorter ones are mostly worn by concubines or in private. While this style,” she said, pointing at her dress, “Is reserved for ladies of more...refined stature.”

Although the dress was tight and the fabric silky, the cut didn’t reveal much more than her shoulders. It terminated just below her collarbone, while two slits ran from mid-thigh down, allowing the skirt to flow elegantly. She had gathered her hair into two, stylish buns, then used gold and green hair sticks to hold them in place. I thought the look was rather silly, but who was I to judge nobility? They had always been a bit eccentric.

Ceres and Eilin’s hairstyles were much simpler–single, messy buns held in place with red sticks. The rest of their hair flowed elegantly down their shoulders and back.

“You look ravishing, ladies,” I said, then turned to Miria. “Can I take them with us?”

She nodded, but in typical fashion, didn’t move. I found it unnerving how calm and poised she was. Like a beautiful statue, capable of pulling a blade from...somewhere and decapitating a person with a single strike. I silently wondered if she had a sword stashed beneath her slinky dress.

“Yes, that is the idea. I’ve been told the provincial lord wants to match you with a woman. One he will use to try and sway your favor his way. That is just the beginning. He is a master manipulator, and if she is his choice, then so is she.”

“Oh? I must have left an impression if he’s interested in making me one of his men. But tell me, what’s she like?”

Miria rolled her eyes and groaned.

“That particular woman, I dislike the bitch considerably, so you cannot go unescorted. You should keep them both on your arms, and if anyone questions you about their presence, say both women are yours and you never go anywhere without them. Be firm about your stance. These people are used to displays of strength, conviction, and standing. And by that, I mean theirs, so expect them to try and rattle you.”

I nodded, understanding her instructions better than she probably realized. I knew that type, as I had been one. Operative word: had.

“You ladies are okay with this?” I asked, turning to Ceres. She smiled and threw me a wink, then smoothed down the delicate fabric over her stomach and hips.

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