The Librarian and the Beast by Sanders S.J

Author:Sanders, S.J.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Beni stared with interest at the festive atmosphere. She’d spent much of the day writing at the small table that had been brought in along with her parchment and quill pens the night before. She walked at Faltz’s side through the crowded village center. If Praxlor had arrived a handful of minutes earlier, he would have caught quite an eyeful when he unexpectedly ducked inside.

Faltz had been just as surprised as she was at the intrusion. Clearly the older male was accustomed to entering without invitation, because he didn’t wait outside and request to be admitted. He’d called out a greeting as he entered with a table balanced over one shoulder and a pouch full of supplies slung over one arm. Faltz had dumped Beni on the bed and threw the bedding over her before leaping to his feet to take a defensive position in front of the bed. Once Praxlor had finally noticed them, he came to an immediate stop.

It had been an extremely uncomfortable moment, but well worth the gifts that Praxlor brought, as far as Beni was concerned. She had been delighted, and somewhat surprised, with the variety of supplies. She would have started on the booklet right away except that, as soon as Praxlor was escorted out, Faltz had been highly persuasive at convincing her to go to bed.

A smile broke over her face as she remembered just how persuasive he had been. Not that she had gotten much sleep right away.

“You seem pleased this morning.” Faltz observed. “Are you that eager to see bloodshed from my rival?”

She let out a snort. “Sorry to disappoint you, but no, not really.” She stifled a laugh at his surprised look.

Beni learned that many females among the Mintars prized males who fought on their behalf. Some had even arranged for males they knew to challenge their mating so that their mate would have an opportunity to show off his strength before the entire clan. But she wasn’t so much into watching people bleed.

“Although I have no doubt that you can send any opponent crying home to his mother… err, dam…” She smiled as she was rewarded with one of his rare chuckles. “I’m actually more interested in the food,” she said. “Festivals always bring out the best in people—and food! I’m telling you right now I will probably eat enough for three people and need to be carried out of here, because I’ll want to sample everything!”

The air was already heady with the aroma of cooking food and hints of sweetness that positively made her mouth water in expectation. What was more, the smell of fire-roasted meat and pungent herbs made her stomach growl.

“When do we eat, anyway? Is the food ready now? Please say it is ready now,” she said.

“It is still early yet,” he replied, his lips twisting with mounting amusement. “The challenges occur early in the day to be overseen by the queen. Afterward will be the ceremonies, and then the feast will begin.”

“So much waiting,” she said with a sigh as they merged with the crowd.

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