The Craving by Z. Allora

Author:Z. Allora [Allora, Z.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-63477-905-0
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2017-02-03T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“NEWS! NEWS, my dear Phoenix. News!” Monk Paksus rushed into Phoenix’s studio with Monk Montuk on his heels.

Phoenix jumped at the interruption. He stopped working on the detailed picture of the Kronau Delta, sealed the painting, and spun it around to face the wall. He set a blank canvas on his easel and tried not to see another deep-space theme. “About Eros and Riva?”

Monk Paksus scoffed, “No. This is important!”

Yoshio dropped her brush. “I knew it. Nix, they want your work! They must be asking you to go to Viking Haven.”

The only news he wanted was about his friends who were still in reflection. He sighed. “Viking Haven?”

Monk Paksus glowered at her and returned his focus to Phoenix. “The ruler has commissioned you to paint his personal vessel. Final assembly was completed on K’Dane, and it will pick you up on route to Viking Haven. You will paint a mural in each room and several grand-scale ones in his sitting room, dining room, and sleeping quarters. Once you arrive you will become part of His Greatness’s harem.”

“Part of His Greatness’s….” What? How? Harem? He was a monk!

Monk Paksus continued, “Why, you might even be given as a soul mate! Imagine that! You should—”

Monk Montuk cleared his throat. “I think we should let Phoenix digest this great honor. Specific information will be forthcoming. Join me in my studio tomorrow after first meal as we had planned, but instead of a guidance session for you as a Chosen, we can discuss your thoughts on the commission.”

“But I—” Paksus had more to say but was outranked, so he finished his thoughts with a glare.

“I know, Monk Paksus, but this is about Initiate Phoenix Dotir’s accomplishments, not ours. Shall we?” Montuk ushered the sputtering monk from the studio.

Yoshio grabbed Phoenix’s hands and jumped up and down. “They want you! I knew it! I know things!”

No! He couldn’t go to Viking Haven. No, he wouldn’t do it… that would mean leaving this haven. He finally had friends! Friends who were in trouble! He dug for a reason. “I… I haven’t been here long enough to even have my first Chosen guidance!”

“Phoenix, they can’t guide you. You already have everything you need. Don’t you see that? And this is your chance to paint for the ruler of Xantha.”

He nodded but couldn’t feel his hands or feet.

“We need to celebrate.” Yoshio’s words were happy and excited.

Was she insane? It wasn’t the right time to leave. “No, I can’t. Eros and Riva are in reflection—”

“You must go. I’ll get word to them. It’ll all work out.”

How could he leave when his friends were in isolation? No one knew what the monks were going to do to the twosome for violating the rules. Not even using his Chosen status could get him any information. What good was the status if he couldn’t wield it to help his friends? Would they deport Riva back to certain death? He had to do something! “I can’t go, not now….”

“You will go. This is why you’re here.

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