Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

Author:Sylvia Mercedes [Mercedes, Sylvia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FireWyrm Books
Published: 2022-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

20

VOR

Our bargeman steers the craft up to the landing, settling it neatly so that there’s barely any gap. We step from the gently bobbing barge onto more solid footing, wobbling a little as we adjust our balance.

Before us lies the town of Dugorim, a trolde holding some five leagues downriver of Mythanar. It shines beneath the peak glow of lusterling, its winding streets busy with life and commerce. The people of Dugorim are primarily miners, hunters after that rare virmaer ore that is so prized among the fae lords and ladies of Eledria. Lady Xag, mistress of this town, has grown quite wealthy off fae greed.

The lady herself stands at the end of the dock. She is a sight to behold, with perfectly chiseled features, plump, full lips, and sumptuous curves almost carelessly clad in the richest hugagug silk. Towering over everyone in the vicinity, she’s like some sensual warrior angel brought to life. Her pure white hair is styled in a coiled crown on top of her head, lending her still more height. Beside her, Hael looks positively petite.

Sul steps off the barge and staggers. “Gods smite me!” he hisses. “You didn’t tell her we were coming, did you?”

I glance his way, my mouth tipped in a wry grin. “Are you more afraid she’ll wallop you or kiss you, brother?”

“Oh, the latter. Infinitely.” Sul pivots as though to climb back on the barge and finds himself face-to-face with my captain. “Ah! Hael, darling. Do us a favor and put me out of my misery before that woman gets her hands on me, will you?”

Hael shoulders past him onto the dock. Yok hastens after, a little awkward and still favoring his wounded arm. “What’s wrong with Lady Xag?” he asks innocently.

“Nothing,” I say. “Only that she’s in love with Sul.”

“But then, aren’t they all?” Sul heaves a longsuffering sigh. “It’s the price of such beauty, I fear. The ladies cannot help themselves.”

“Enough, Sul.”

I take care not to so much as glance Hael’s way as I lead them swiftly down the dock to shore. Lady Xag extends her muscular arms and beams a smile upon me. The next moment I’m caught in her embrace. She’s taller than me by a good head and squishes me against her enormous bosom, lifting me right off my feet.

“Your Majesty!” she cries, her voice booming all the way to the lorst crystals high above. “Welcome back to my humble home. I’ve been preparing for your arrival and will escort you to the gate myself.”

“Oh, that’s not at all necessary, Lady Xag.” I manage to pry myself free of her grasp and step back to regain my balance. “I know the way, and I wouldn’t want to take you from your daily duties.”

“Nonsense! I’m always glad of an excuse to ride. It’s not every day one’s king goes world-walking and brings back a new queen, am I right?” With this she turns from me to Hael and Yok, approaching behind me. Her mouth twists, and she rises on her toes, looking over their heads.

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