My Sun and Stars by L. E. Bryce

Author:L. E. Bryce
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Phaze

Chapter Five

"This is blood money,” protested Sephil.

"And if anyone is entitled to it, it's you,” said Adeja.

Personally, he thought Sephil was being far too particular, especially when the prince had very little practical knowledge when it came to money. “These men have to be bribed and the money has to come from somewhere."

"I know that,” replied Sephil, “but I do not like being reminded where the money came from."

"Actually, I think it's rather quite funny."

Sephil stared at him. “How can you say such a thing? They tried to kill me, and—"

"They tried to kill me, too, remember?"

Bedren gathered up the coins and dropped them back into the pouch, which he placed into a locked box alongside the royal seal and letters. “It is not sinful to bend evil works to good,” he said.

Other than this, Bedren showed too much common sense to be sanctimonious about the matter. Adeja already regretted not slitting Kalion's throat. The only worthwhile traitor was a dead one, and he did not believe the strict penance Bedren imposed would do any good.

Because he could not enter the inner temple after sunset, Adeja spent his nights in the musty gatehouse with only a dour sentry for company. During the day he visited with Bedren and the other priests under the guise of receiving orders, and went through the motions of worship and meditation that were expected of a temple guard. Otherwise he had nothing to but wait and grow restless, especially when he learned that he could not visit the local brothels.

"Your movements may be watched,” said Bedren.

"Who in this city knows who I am unless somebody told them?"

Bedren remained unmoved. “For your friend's sake, curb your appetite. Until it is safe, you must behave like a temple guard."

"And you're telling me that temple guards never have sex?"

The only answer he received was a raised eyebrow.

"I made inquiries today,” continued Bedren. “The Rhodeen embassy has declared for Dashir. As for the exiled nobles, some favor Dashir, some are undecided, while most support the claims of a nobleman named Melin Wesares, who evidently has some royal ancestry."

Adeja glanced toward the door to make doubly certain they were alone. “Sephil has no chance against either of them. I say we get him out of here and find him a quiet place where he can live his life in peace."

Lifting one finger, Bedren indicated that he was not yet done. “That does not, however, mean the king acknowledges these claims,” he said. “He is said to have doubts about both. This is a promising development."

"Promising for whom?” It seemed the best option at the time, but Adeja increasingly regretted urging Sephil to come to Bhellin. “You know he doesn't want any part of this."

"As a prince, Sephil knows he has certain duties. Even now, he is not a private citizen,” replied Bedren. “He is an unlikely king, but he is capable of fathering sons who could be raised to the throne."

All Sephil wanted was protection against his cousin, not to be used as a dynastic pawn.

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