On Azrael's Wings by D Jordan Redhawk

Author:D Jordan Redhawk [Redhawk, D Jordan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781933720395
Publisher: P.D. Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2008-01-30T03:00:00+00:00

“Yes.” The brunette returned to chewing her upper lip at Felicia’s obvious surprise, Brahim’s shock multiplied the blonde’s response. Unable to help herself, she dropped her eyes and reddened.

“Well, then,” Felicia finally said, “the extra bedchambers it shall be.”

As the blonde returned to her task, Ursula did as well. She heard the woman’s murmur as clear as day.

“Midia’s certainly has much to tell us about this campaign.”

Chapter Thirteen

They’d been at it for hours, rehashing past messages, gleaning finer details from written words, discussing smaller items such as new babes or romances in the slaves’ quarters.

“What of these disconcerting rumors I’m hearing?” Azrael asked. She lounged comfortably in a chair inside her steward’s private chambers, flagon of wine close to hand.

Brahim tugged at his mustaches, frowning. “Aye, Milady. The rumors.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve heard them; most of us have. The King has been kind enough to not make a personal visit though his royal guard occasionally comes through in their travels, seeking billeting.” The steward leaned forward to top off his mug. “It’s believed they’re only here to gather information about you.”

Azrael sighed, frowning. “You’ve been at court, Brahim,” she said. “You know the manner of people there. What credence should I give this?”

There was a long silence as Brahim chose his words. Azrael didn’t press, knowing her steward tended toward diplomacy much more than herself. He would say what needed saying tactfully but he’d never withhold information.

“Beware, Milady,” he said, reluctance in every line of his weathered face. “Someone close to King Shonal bears you ill will and would like nothing better than for your death or disgrace.”

Leaning forward, resting one elbow on the arm of her chair, Azrael asked, “Do you know who it is, Brahim?”

Accustomed to his mistress’ intensity, the old man didn’t flinch from her glare. “No, Milady. It is said that since his coronation Shonal has surrounded himself with youths and dandies. His mother, Queen Gerina, dotes on him just as she did when you were children.”

Azrael experienced a flash of memory, a summer day at her uncle’s estate. She and her cousin had gotten into a disagreement over some childish thing and fell to fisticuffs. Her father and uncle had watched from a distance but didn’t interfere, knowing their children needed to work things out between themselves. The scuffle had ended when Shonal’s mother caught sight of them from her bedchambers. Shrieking like a siren, she had rushed out onto the terrace and demanded they stop before her precious boy was hurt.

“Shonal has always been his mother’s child,” the dark woman observed, leaning back in her chair. With a sigh, she realized that it was getting late. She was still dusty from travel and her stomach was proclaiming hunger. Azrael shook her head and rose, setting her mug on a nearby table. “It’s late. I’ve a mind to bathe and have dinner in my quarters.”

“Aye, Milady,” Brahim responded, standing as well. “I know that Felicia and Vincenza are very excited to see you. If you wish, I’ll have dinner delivered while they attend you in the baths.

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