Vicious Kingdom by N.D Devereux

Author:N.D Devereux [Devereux, N.D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

“Angelica, there you are. I was hoping I could have a word with you.” Just when I thought I was free from the court’s busybodies, the singsong voice of councilor Dreshnikov reaches my ears. She must think her slight Pixie frame, and sprightly demeanor serves to disarm those around her. It’s easy to misjudge, and shrug her off as harmless, but it’s not a mistake I am likely to make. I have spent way too much time with a half-pixie that does just that to not be able to discern the obvious signs of a smile not quite reaching the eyes, the intensity in the glare, the seemingly relaxed posture with hands clasped too tightly as if unable to completely give up their control.

“Council-female Dreshnikov. How may I be of assistance? Do you have any queries about the relics you have purchased?”

“The relics? Oh no, nothing of the sort.” She shrugs as if the outrageous amount of Pheans she just spent on the antiques were some peanuts she found in the crevices of her couch.

“No, no, I wanted to speak with you about your new… love interest.” Goddess, spare me. Well, at least she’s being honest I suppose. “And please, call me, Mhaya.”

“I don’t know what there is to say about something so new.”

“Quite a bit I should think. Not to worry though, I don’t expect you to divulge any information. Simply listen to what I have to say.” Some of that carefree mask peels off, replaced with something I assume a seasoned politician would not be caught dead wearing - Honesty. “Is there anywhere we can speak privately?” I look around, and can’t seem to find Ostrok anywhere, it doesn’t mean he isn’t watching. Now that I know his blessing, it’s more likely that I won’t be able to see him watching me most of the time.

“There’s a cordoned off section of the gallery. We can speak there.” I lead her through a new fluid light exhibition that is still being installed. I kind of like it half finished, the play of colors, and shadows being broken down, and fragmented, brings a sense of realism to it. There is something alluring about the broken, the unfinished, the imperfect, that speaks to me.

“Are you an art lover, Lady Teresi?”

“I don’t know much about visual art, but I do know what I enjoy, and what I do not.”

“Interesting.” She says, like I have provided her some great insight about myself. I’m not sure if I should be talking to her right now.

“I will get to the point. You don’t seem like someone who appreciates dishonesty. I’ve known the Emperor for many years now. Longer than you have been alive. He cares for nothing, and no-one, but himself, and this Kingdom. Six hundred years, and nothing but these two things. So, imagine my surprise when one day, twenty two years ago, he decides to build rooms for his future Empress. Imagine my even bigger surprise when an unknown, unblessed, seemingly unremarkable Fae is given those rooms.

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