Page 74 of Her Soul for a Crown
Reeri wondered if she saw the concern mirrored in him. Hehad thought both relic and essence offerings would be in his possession before now, had believed he would perform the soul sacrifice and fracture Anula’s soul forever. He had steeled himself to take the kindness and care, to leave her a husk.
These were the things required for the Yakkas’ souls to return, to once more have bodies. It left the bad, the ugly, the things rotten and poisonous behind.
Reeri snorted. It was a fine sentence for the Raejina of Poisons.
But not for a survivor, a protector of people, a soul that willingly bled for others.
Dread drew a finger down Reeri’s shadow. Would cleaving such a soul add to the blood on his hands?
No. She was willing. He had not asked; she had offered. What she became after would not be his fault…would it?
Anula trembled. Reeri sat up. Was she having a nightmare? Mayhap he should have slept, to share the memory, the burden, until—
“See how she shivers?” the blessed gift crooned. Reeri clenched his jaw. “She needs you, Raja. Touch her, hold her. Show her your warmth.”
“Do you not meangiveher my warmth?” Reeri muttered, shifting. Mayhap he could close the gap, warm the bed. Would she notice his nearness? Would she lash out with those lips?
The gift chuckled. “By all means, give it to her well and good.”
It would be so simple, to slide across the bed, wrap her in his arms as she woke—warmth rising, her back might arch into his hardness, their hips rocking to the sounds of her song.
“Yes,” the voice cooed. “You want to. You wanther. Go and give her your gift.”
Reeri lurched away, slipping from the bed, and tumbled to the floor.
“What’re you doing?” Anula asked, bleary-eyed over the edge.
“N-nothing,” he said.
“Well, do it more quietly.” She pulled up the covers and turned back to slumber.
The raja pointed at Reeri. “You may very well stay a virgin at this rate.”
***
Dark circles were like shallow graves beneath his eyes as he watched Anula pace the entrance of the Pleasure Gardens, marking four days since they had made the deal with Nuwan. His treasure must be kept far from the city, away from potential seekers and thieves.
“Three essence offerings down. Sohon received a journal containing someone’s secrets.” Calu’s voice gusted behind him. “He only had to write thirteen memory books in exchange. I think he may never look at a liver the same way again.”
Reeri continued his observation. If he blinked, would Anula disappear into the bushes as she had disappeared into the night market’s crowd?
“Reeri.” Calu’s voice broke through.
“Have you ever seen her with friends?”
“What?” Calu asked, leaving Kama and Sohon to peer out the terrace windows with him.
“She risked her skin to see someone the other night.” Reeri narrowed his eyes as Anula suddenly spun. Bithul handed over a letter. Mayhap that was what she had been waiting for.
“Worried she has a paramour?” Calu elbowed him.
Reeri glowered. “That is not what I meant.”
“I could find out.”
“No. I simply do not want her to disappear when we have the relic and offerings ready.”
“Sure.That is the reason.”
