Page 76 of Alien God

“Thank you,” I said, my tone clipped. I decided I’d not bother trying to look happy about anything right now. I’d just plough forward with the things that needed to be done. Leave the pain abandoned at the back of my mind. “She will no longer be confined to any chamber. Whatever she needs or asks for will be attended to as if I had asked myself.”

“Of course, my lord,” Shoshen and Aiko said in unison.

“She will need new clothing, not just simple garments made from those bits of plain fabric I brought back from Hoshta’s. An entire wardrobe befitting the wife of a stone sky god,” I said, beginning to pace the room, taking refuge in the practical making of plans. It helped distance me from the tangle of uncomfortable feelings inside me. “And, of course, she will sleep with me, in my old chamber in the Eve Tower.”

Suddenly, making plans no longer felt like refuge but like danger. She will sleep with me. Of course, she’d have to stay in my room as my wife. But the reality of that was beginning to sink down upon me, like a bird landing on me and digging in hot talons. Torrance in my chamber. Torrance in my bed...

Aiko and Shoshen closed and opened their fists, uttering words of acquiescence. Luckily, they accepted everything I was telling them without question. They’d never met me before a few days ago, and other than childhood stories, they knew little of my parents. Despite my sudden misgivings, they did not doubt anything. But I’d have to get better at this. A stone sky god, who knew the reality of starburning much more deeply than they did, would cast a keener, more critical eye over our union. Seventeen days...

That long? Torrance had asked miserably.

I now worried it wasn’t long enough.

Once again, the need for distance came over me. If I could just fly and breathe in the cold air, I’d be able to settle myself.

“I will go to Hoshta’s in the village,” I said suddenly. “Right now. I will return tonight.” I reminded myself to bring coin this time, and lots of it. To settle the previous account and to buy new fabric for my bride. There was a dark, ticking point of pleasure at the idea, somewhere deep in my guts. I ignored it and tried to tell myself it was simply the satisfaction of finding a way to play my part. It would be expected that I lavish her with gifts, and buying a bunch of silk and leather was much easier than contemplating the reality of Torrance in my bed.

My satchel was filled to bursting with coins when I took off for the village. It was enough to buy out Hoshta’s entire blasted store, and I knew I’d spend it all. I could already anticipate the whispers spreading through the village, the Sionnachans’ reactions to the extravagance.

But Lord Wylfrael’s bride was here at last. And she would have nothing less than everything.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Torrance

A sound at the door woke me. I groaned, rolling over, warm light seeping through my eyelids.

I wonder how late it is...

I opened my eyes, squinting in the orange-pink brightness.

The sound at the door returned, a soft tapping sound followed by a hushed, “My lady? Are you awake?”

My lady?

I sat bolt upright, heart pounding as last night’s events played in my head, a vicious loop like a movie fast forward and rewound. I was engaged. Fake engaged. To a proud and demanding alien god.

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