Seer of the Strait by Drea Talley

Author:Drea Talley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Periapt Press
Published: 2024-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

THE SILVER CHIME MANAGED to cut above the music and the din, and in a moment a stunning woman with thick ebony hair that hung down past her backside and warm, inviting eyes appeared at the end of the table. Carys looked up in shock.

“Mistress Seyda,” Carys said, slightly amazed.

“Welcome, Seer Arslan and honored guests,” the statuesque woman said, bowing her head. Áedh looked positively spellbound, the others more just intrigued. “I am the proprietor of the Alchemist’s Guild. We are delighted to have visitors from the south after so long. How can we entertain you this evening?”

“I have ideas,” Áedh said, and Tadhg punched him in the shoulder. It wasn’t a light tap, either. Mistress Seyda just laughed.

“I’m afraid I don’t entertain anymore myself,” the mistress said, reaching over and caressing the side of Áedh’s face. “However, if you like the look of me and are hoping for companionship, I think I know who can best see to your needs. But what of your friends?”

There was a beat of silence, and then Generys looked up a touch shyly. “Carys said something about baths? And a massage? I have not had any kind of beauty treatment in months, and... well...”

“Of course,” Seyda said with a warmer, more sympathetic smile. “I understand exactly what you mean; we will see to everything. And what of you?” Seyda gently set a hand on Cillian’s shoulder, as he was closest to her.

Carys felt that tremble again and looked up to see Generys watching Cillian with barely concealed interest. This time Carys reached with her power—their swords were tucked away in the vault; it might be safer now. Her eyes shone for a moment as she felt along the connections between Generys and Cillian, and encountered the searing heat that was Generys’s love for him. It was not the same for Cillian, but the possibilities were there. He had an affection for Generys that could easily be fanned into love. Both of their emotions were buried under a heavy weight of duty and obedience to their crown, which both frustrated and confused Carys. Neither of them were zealots, so where did the weight of the burden come from?

Letting go, Carys realized she had missed Cillian’s answer. Generys looked a touch disappointed, but not crushed. Whatever the older warrior had chosen, she didn’t see it as a betrayal. Carys also realized that Tadhg had been watching her the entire time, his gaze fixed on her faintly glowing eyes, lips parted slightly in surprise.

“Would you prefer to stay right here, Commander?” Áedh asked, smirking, and Tadhg punched him in the shoulder again without looking before turning to Mistress Seyda.

“I apologize, ma’am,” Tadhg said. “I actually think a bath and a massage sound delightful. Though I do not wish to interfere with Gen’s rest or to make her uncomfortable.”

Seyda waved a hand negligibly. “I assure you, Commander, I have facilities to accommodate everyone. You will all be seen to, and I would never have anyone neglected in my house.

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