King of Midnight: Rosethorn Valley Fae #1 by Tasha Black

Author:Tasha Black [Black, Tasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 13th Story Press
Published: 2020-06-03T18:30:00+00:00

14

Sara

Sara stood inside the smallest entry area of the Springton Mall, watching the King of Darkness take in the sight of capitalism at work.

Giggling teenagers clung to each other as they walked. An older couple was clearly just doing laps. A woman on her phone marched past carrying several shopping bags.

“This is your marketplace?” he asked.

“One of them,” she said.

“But it’s indoors,” he said. “This seems unwholesome.”

“People in my world like to be comfortable,” Sara explained. “They don’t want the rain or the sun to interfere with their shopping.”

“Where are the merchants?” Dorian asked suspiciously.

“They’re in their shops,” Sara said. “Each room of this building is its own little store.”

Dorian frowned. “How can they sell their wares if they are inside their stores? They should be outside, encouraging customers.”

“Come on,” Sara suggested. “Let’s find out.”

They set off along the corridor, Dorian avidly searching the glassy shop windows.

“Ah, sundries,” he said as they passed the Dollar Store.

Two young moms with strollers passed and stopped mid-conversation to gape at Dorian.

“Fair lasses,” he said, inclining his head slightly.

The women giggled like schoolgirls and the king smiled approvingly.

A man with three children passed by next. One child was tugging at his hand, one was plastering her face to a glass store window, and the littlest one was wailing in his arms.

“The people in this realm are unusually fertile,” he said to Sara in a pleased way.

“Are your people not fertile?” she asked.

“No more than usual,” he said.

“What does that mean?” she asked. “How many children do most couples have?”

“One, if any,” he said, frowning. “Not all couples are blessed with a little one, of course.”

“In our world, most couples can have as many as they want and can afford to provide for,” Sara said.

“Ah, mortals,” Dorian said. “You must replace yourselves more frequently when life is so fleeting.”

Sara opened her mouth and closed it again.

“I meant no offense, my queen,” he said. “You are not fully mortal. And human laws may not apply to your lifespan when we ascend.”

There was a lot to unpack there. Sara decided it was a conversation for another time.

“Let’s go in here,” she said quickly, steering him into the nearest clothing store. All the talk of ascension was making her feel like she was being inducted into a cult.

“Welcome to The Gap,” the teenaged salesman said, looking Dorian up and down appreciatively. “My name is Marcus. How can I help you today?”

“I wish to have garments made,” Dorian said. “Where is your tailor?”

“Oh my God, hysterical,” Marcus laughed. “What kind of clothes are you looking for?”

“Clothing befitting the King of Darkness,” Dorian replied before Sara could stop him.

“You do seem to have a pretty wicked goth rock style going on,” Marcus replied thoughtfully. “That’s not exactly on-brand for us, but I think I can help. Let me get you guys set up with a dressing room.”

Dorian allowed himself to be led to the dressing room.

Sara waited just outside as the salesman brought back a pile of mostly dark colored clothing.

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