The Hourglass Keeper by M. L. Burns

Author:M. L. Burns [Burns, M. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-29T16:00:00+00:00

“Three rooms, please. Three rooms,” Zhal chanted repeatedly as she stood at the doorway of the bustling Idle Fox with Azahara. The tavern was already crowded, even before dinner time.

Kaed and Illyan suggested waiting outside, given the growing crowd inside. They didn’t want any mishaps or inappropriate encounters. The last thing they needed was Zhal intervening and them getting expelled from the Kingdom.

Illyan had recommended the Idle Fox as the finest tavern in the city, conveniently located near the Palace. It seemed like the perfect place for them to stay. Azahara admired the grandeur of the square it occupied, a place that felt strangely familiar.

The square was expansive and impressive, with a magnificent fountain at its center, bustling markets, and towering, vibrant homes encircling it. Azahara noticed intricately carved foxes decorating the marble tiles, signifying the tavern’s claim over this part of the city. It was undoubtedly a significant hub for the surrounding shops.

As the clear sky filled with fading light, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a beautiful, albeit chilly, night over the city.

“Three rooms, secured,” Kaed’s voice broke through the moment, prompting Azahara to turn her attention to him. His gaze was fixed on Illyan, who wore a mischievous Cheshire grin, while Kaed appeared wary.

“Everything okay?” Zhal chimed in, addressing the noticeable tension. “Kaed seems sour, Illyan, what did you do?” It was remarkable how well Zhal already understood Kaed.

“You all should be thanking me,” Illyan began while Kaed moving closer to Azahara and taking her hand in his. “Not only did I secure three rooms, but I also got us the best, fanciest ones.”

Kaed emitted an exasperated groan. “At what cost?”

Zhal glanced at Azahara and shrugged.

“I can compensate you,” Azahara offered, turning her attention back to Kaed. “I’ve got plenty...” However, Kaed’s narrowed gaze at Illyan made it clear that the Fae had done something more than just spending too much coin.

“Fae, spill it,” Zhal demanded, putting an end to the back-and-forth.

“Uhh,” Illyan began but was abruptly pushed forward as someone came through the door.

“Where is she?” A tall, heavily built man suddenly inserted himself between the four of them. Kaed tightened his grip on her hand, signaling for her to move away. However, it quickly became evident that the man had different intentions. He locked his piercing brown eyes with hers and aggressively lunged in her direction.

A stifled gasp caught in her throat as she struggled to breathe. Zhal and Kaed moved to shield her, halting the man’s advance. “Move,” he ordered, his deep and booming voice even surpassing the Væragi’s in depth.

“Listen, don’t touch her,” Kaed spoke with unexpected calm, which even surprised Zhal, leaving her staring at him in shock.

“Don’t fucking touch her,“ Zhal emphasized, their tone laden with a clear warning.

“Zhal,” Kaed addressed her, “This is Broan, the owner of the Idle Fox. He knows Azahara from a few years ago.”

A soft gasp was all Azahara managed before casting a terrified glance at Illyan. She mouthed, “I’m going to kill you.”

Kaed reluctantly stepped aside, but Zhal stood her ground.

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