Among Gods and Monsters by S.D. Simper

Author:S.D. Simper [Simper, S.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endless Night Publications
Published: 2019-01-30T23:00:00+00:00

She spent the night in her ambassador’s suite, plagued by tender dreams that burned her to think of in the daylight. She laid in a stasis in her bed until a knock at the door startled her.

Flowridia sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes as Demitri spoke from where he lay beside her. Smells gross. Must be Casvir.

She couldn’t help but chuckle at her rude boy. In her nightclothes, a bone-deep chill permeating her core, she stumbled from her bedside, gripping the doorframe for support when all the blood rushed to her head.

Casvir, imposing as always, stared down at her. “I apologize for the early hour. The grind of politics begins soon, but I wish to show you something. Will you come?”

She nodded.

“Put on clothing. We are going outside.”

Within minutes, she had donned a high-necked piece of gaudy gold and pink. Not her favorite, but it suited her purposes. She and Demitri followed Casvir through the halls and down the stairs, his metallic steps unmistakable, and any servants they passed immediately ducked away or bowed. Flowridia preferred to not dwell on their thoughts. The rumors had travelled much too far for her comfort.

They exited through a door Flowridia did not recognize, but they immediately came upon a splendid sight.

The first hints of sunrise peeked beyond the horizon; within minutes, the sky would burst into brilliant shades of orange and blue. Despite the morning chill seeping down to her bones, she followed as Casvir led her to a copse of trees beyond.

She realized a path of stone wound between them, and through the array of greenery, thick bushes of flowers filled in the space. A colorful wonderland, fresh scents filling her nose as they stepped onto the path.

So engrossed she was, that Casvir’s words startled her. “It is prudent to maintain a garden to entertain ambassadors, and so I invested money in gardeners many years ago. They cultivate the land, but none of them hold a candle to you.”

Flowridia looked up from inspecting a particularly lush rose bush. “I have enthusiasm for gardening, I suppose—”

But her voice stopped when Casvir shook his head. “Never downplay your worth.” He watched as she flitted about, following her lively steps as she inspected the floral masterpiece. Interspersed among the plant life were stone statues, benches, even a pagoda beyond. Funds had been invested here to make it a haven of idle entertainment. It seemed to never end. “If you need somewhere to clear your head, this place is open to you. Do with it as you wish; I trust in your talents.”

Since returning to Nox’Kartha, Casvir’s aura had been brusque at best. But here, alone, it felt like the woods again. “Thank you,” she said, touched at the thoughtfulness. However, the sentiment was marred by a rising bitterness threatening to choke her. “You provide entertainment and havens to all in your servitude.”

“Happy workers are productive.”

“Does that mean you condoned Ayla’s behaviors?” And Murishani’s, and the torture onto Khastra’s sentient body . . .

It was a cruel accusation, especially to one who had shown her nothing but thoughtfulness.

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