Queen's Catacombs by Jordan H. Bartlett

Author:Jordan H. Bartlett [Bartlett, Jordan H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CamCat Publishing

21

RULES TO KEEP, RULES TO BEND, AND RULES TO BREAK

“You’re out late,” a voice said from the shadows.

“You are correct,” Amber conceded, squinting a little to make out the speaker.

Andromeda had dropped her off at her quarters long after Amber had given up on convincing her partner to cross the threshold of the Dipping Wick. A few minutes sitting in bed had left her restless and needing movement, so Amber had taken to walking around the barracks in the moonlight. The cool night air was a welcome refreshment.

“And you’ve been drinking.” The voice was somewhat familiar, but Amber couldn’t place it.

“Two for two. Remedy for a lost beau, I’m afraid. Who are you, oh observant one?” she said with a mock bow. Her smile widened when she saw Dyna Flent step into the light. She wore a loose-fitting tunic and leggings—civilian clothes—and leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

“Ah, Flent,” Amber said in acknowledgment, “a pleasure.”

“All mine,” Flent said smoothly.

Amber cleared her throat. “What are you doing up?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Flent said, pushing herself off the wall to approach. Amber took a reflexive step back, causing Flent to raise an eyebrow.

“Do you mind if I walk with you, Chiv. Everstar? I find most nights are better with company.”

Amber wished for a witty reply, but the fog between her ears only allowed her to come up with, “Yes. Nights are long.”

Flent cocked her head to the side, bemused, and gestured for Amber to lead the way. They walked slowly through the high-walled passageways between the buildings. A strip of stars floated above their heads, and their path was lit from below with the moonlit shine of white marble inlaid in the cobbles at even intervals. At every major junction, a torch cast its warm yellow light against the flickering shadows.

“Are you always this chatty?” Flent asked after several minutes passed in relative silence.

Amber forced a laugh. “It’s been a long day, and I wasn’t expecting company.”

Flent nodded. They turned a corner, following the stone masonry of the barracks. “Sorry to hear about your beau.”

Amber cursed her loose tongue and grunted noncommittally.

Flent took a new tack. “I saw you in practice today.”

Amber looked up.

“You were amazing,” Flent said eagerly.

“Oh,” Amber said, “thank you.” Why couldn’t she think of anything more interesting to say? Her foot caught on an uneven section of stone, and she stumbled slightly. Flent reached out to steady her, and her touch sent a prickle up Amber’s arm. She didn’t mind the sensation.

Flent let her go and said, “Do you think you could show me some time?”

“Show you?”

“That move you did with Chiv. Turner. She had her pads down low and you swept with one foot and came around with the elbow.” Flent attempted to mime a very approximate replication. “And in the blink of an eye, you had her flat on her back.”

Amber found herself smiling. “That one works great when you’re shorter than your opponent—which I usually am.” She gestured to her stature. “Brings them to your level.” Flent laughed, and their eyes met.

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