Keep Your Enemies Closer: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Alison Brownstone Book 11) by Judith Berens Martha Carr & Michael Anderle

Author:Judith Berens, Martha Carr & Michael Anderle [Judith Berens, Martha Carr & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2019-07-21T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Alison almost chuckled when she saw Miar’s human disguise. The muscular, armored warrior had been replaced by a pale, frail, elderly woman with stringy white hair in a loose dress. The choice stood in contrast to Rasila’s consistent use of a young, attractive, and fashionable human form, complete with an added mole on her cheek for distinction.

I’ve let Rasila’s vanity warp my perception of things. Then again, she understands that part of surviving on Earth is manipulating people’s perceptions. The ultimate human dream—the ability to change your appearance on a whim.

She sat with the disguised princesses in a corner booth of a steakhouse near downtown. Rasila had contacted her as Ruby and requested her to meet there for a lunchtime meal with their mutual “new friend.” Now, they sipped on water and none of the three touched their salads while they awaited their meal, which Rasila had taken the liberty of ordering before Alison’s arrival. The Princess of the Endless Shadow had also taken it upon herself to secure the booth against eavesdropping.

“Thank you both again,” Alison said with a smile. “Many people could have been injured or killed. I like to think I could have contained the explosion myself, but I doubt it.”

“Knowing your limits is never something to be ashamed of, Alison,” Miar replied. She frowned at the plate of salad as if its mere existence insulted her. “I was more than happy to help stop the attack of two cowardly assassins.”

“No, Miar, you’re letting her not consider the idiocy of her actions.” Rasila wrinkled her nose. “Dying for humans.” She shook her head. “I understand your interest in your security business, but you shouldn’t throw your life away so easily.”

Alison frowned. “Even if I wasn’t half-human, I won’t run and let innocent people die simply to save myself.”

Miar nodded. “There’s no honor in letting others die when you could have prevented it.”

“Believe as you want.” Rasila sounded unconcerned by their opinion.

She looked at her two full-blooded Drow companions. “What exactly is the deal here? I was under the impression before that you two are kind of…well, not enemies, but you’re not friends. Aren’t you both interested in being queen?”

Rasila smiled. “I’ve made it clear I would prefer to not be your enemy, and I thought that Miar, being closer to your mindset, might potentially be interested in some kind of alliance. A little diplomacy isn’t a bad thing. It’s a useful skill for any future queen to have.”

Alison frowned. “You decided all that without telling me ahead of time?”

“Surprise encounters are often more revealing as to the practical reality of certain things.”

Miar snorted quietly. “To be honest, Alison, although I respect your bravery and strength and I wanted to meet you, this meeting means nothing otherwise. I don’t support Rasila for queen, and I don’t support you either. I don’t question your honor, but you’re not fully Drow and it would be inappropriate to lead our people.”

She shrugged. “I can’t say I disagree. I’ve told Rasila that.

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