Page 93 of What Fury Brings
Olerra invited herself over to Ydra’s for dinner. She hadn’t gotten to spend nearly enough time of late with her friend, and since Andrastus seemed to like it whenever they left the palace, she took him with her.
Besides, she had something to discuss with her sister-chosen.
The dinner table was heavy-laden with stuffed birds, herb-covered breads, and roasted vegetables dripping with gravy. Ydra’s large dining room could have seated almost the entire court, but they took up only part of one end. Aside from Olerra, Ydra, and Andrastus, five of Ydra’s harem were present. These were the older boys who could be trusted not to reveal the true purpose of Ydra’s harem, though Olerra suspected Andrastus had already guessed what really went on in the house.
Ydra didn’t have nearly the sway that Shaelwyn, Enadra, Cyssia, or Usstra did, but as Olerra’s biggest supporter, she needed to maintain a certain reputation: that of the dominant Amarran woman. The gods only knew what Glenaerys would do if she learned that Ydra’s harem was just for show. That Ydra “lowered” herself by caring for and protecting these boys from those who would misuse them at their tender ages.
“Did you have to meddle?” Olerra whispered to Ydra, who sat right beside her at the table.
Ydra turned a falsely innocent face to her. “Hmm?”
“He doesn’t like special treatment. He doesn’t like being wooed.Why did you have to tell him he was my seul? That was for the rest of the nobility to know. Not him. He’s… delicate.”
“I was trying to speed things along. Help you to be less mopey so you can turn your mind to other things.”
“All you’ve done is make things more awkward.”
They both turned toward the empty seat beside Olerra. Andrastus had elected to sit next to one of the boys rather than her. The prince was chatting with Jurn, who laughed at whatever he had to say.
Ydra’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I thought I was helping.”
“Just talk to me first the next time you want to help.”
Ydra pushed her food aside and pouted spectacularly.
The next course was brought in, and everyone’s mouths had to be watering at the smell of roasted venison.
“You know, Olerra,” Ydra said loudly as she cut into her meat, “you’ve inspired me. I’m thinking perhaps it’s time I planned out my own husband heist.”
The room went silent. Andrastus paused with a forkful halfway to his mouth.
“What are you doing?” Olerra quietly asked.
Ydra ignored her and turned to Andrastus. “Are you lonely, Prince? Would you like it if I brought one of your brothers into Amarra?”
Andrastus froze. “Absolutely not.”
“No, you’re not lonely, or no, you don’t want me to take one of your brothers for my own?”
Andrastus looked down, methodically cutting his food into small bites with the knife. Perhaps they shouldn’t have allowed him one, but Olerra was confident she and Ydra could wrest it from him before he did any damage should it come to that.
“You wouldn’t want them,” he said.
“And why’s that?” Ydra asked.
“Too old for you.”
Ydra didn’t take offense. “Really? Just how old is the youngest?”
“Eighteen.”
“Hmm,” she said. “For the sake of argument, let’s say I am willing to finally take amaninto my bed. Which brother would you recommend?”
“You’re not touching my brothers, Ydra.”
“I thought you would be happier to have family close by.”
“They can visit,” he insisted.
