The Echo of Stars in Water by Claire E. Jones

Author:Claire E. Jones [Jones, Claire E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clairjoyance Publishing LLC
Published: 2023-10-10T23:27:52+00:00

Day Twenty

Nasima awoke with a gasp, coming out of a dream where she, Cas, and Hara were attacked by dozens of Nalliendran soldiers. She had jerked awake just as one drove a sword through Cas’s stomach and her scream of pure terror broke through Nasima’s consciousness in the warm morning air. As she lay in bed, the sheets clung to her damp skin as she waited for her heartbeat to return to normal.

Logically, she knew that the story of Nalliendran assassins was a tale created by court gossip, but the tight anxiety that rippled through her was too visceral to be ignored. They would be going to the temple today and she couldn’t help but feel ill prepared.

She was at a distinct disadvantage without access to her blessing and prayed to the gods that Dumadi had taught her well enough in hand-to-hand combat to hold her own against the creatures they were likely to face. Especially now that she had acknowledged the existence of a bond between her and Cas, the stakes were even higher than before.

And she would protect her with her life if necessary.

The thought chilled and warmed her at the same time. Certainly, she didn’t want it to come to that, but she also knew what her decision would be if they were forced to choose. Even if it went against everything she had been raised to believe.

What was the point of safeguarding the Rutrulan line if she lost everyone she cared for in the process?

Nasima just had to pray they would triumph before it got to that point.

Throwing back the sticky sheets, she rolled out of bed and slipped on the silk robe hanging on the side of the armoire before entering the shared parlor where one of the servants they saw yesterday was setting up breakfast. He poured her a cup of coffee, which she happily accepted as she settled into a chair and started serving herself a pastry and some fruit.

Cas soon joined her, and the young man also presented her with a cup before turning and exiting the room quietly. Kissing Nasima on the top of the head as she passed, Cas settled into the chair next to her and lifted the drink to her mouth with a grin.

Nasima smiled back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and dropping her eyes to her plate. She was sure she looked like a mess, with smears of gold paint behind her ears and entire sections escaping from the elaborate knot on her head.

“Good morning to you, too.” Cas laughed.

“Good morning, Cas.” Nasima smirked, meeting her eye once again.

Cas brought her middle finger up to her mouth and sucked on it gently to remove a smear of butter, maintaining Nasima’s gaze, and Nasima’s thighs clenched at the obvious reference.

Nasima huffed and glanced away, unable to halt the blush that was creeping across her cheeks. She took a sip of coffee just as Uma entered the parlor, avoiding the vulnerable want in Cas’s eyes that made her heart somersault like otters playing in the waves.

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