Page 40 of Splintered Shadow
“It’s okay if it is. I’m not judging. I once read a book where the hero had tentacles. Each one had a different purpose, and one was for reproduction, so it was a tenta-dick.”
“No!” A bluish flush rose in his cheeks. “It is a collection of children’s fables.”
He spoke cautiously, expecting ridicule for reading children’s stories. She asked, “Can you read aloud? That sounds interesting.”
“It is.” Another pause, as if debating what to say. “They are short and offer guidance on acceptable behavior. As a youth, I enjoyed them because the villains were always punished and the good were rewarded. Now, the stories take on a new meaning.”
“We have stories that we tell children called fairy tales. It’s mostly ‘don’t do this or you will die. ’ ‘Follow the rules or die. ’ ‘Don’t wander into the forest or die.’”
“Is Earth so dangerous?” He frowned.
“Not really. I hardly ever get attacked by wolves when I wander through the forest.”
He tilted his head, giving her that flat look that said he saw through her shit. “You tease me.”
“A little.” She held up a finger and thumb to indicate how little she teased. “But I would like to hear your story, please. I’m curious what an Arcosian children’s fable is like.”
“Very little wandering off to die,” he said, voice dry.
She grinned and settled at the far end of the sofa. Ghost flopped down at her feet. Vekele cleared his throat, then read aloud. Eventually, she slid down to the floor and Ghost crawled into her lap. Vekele periodically touched the top of her head, as if verifying her location. His fingers stroked her hair with the barest whisper of contact.
She didn’t even mind.
Chapter Nine
Vekele
“This is inconvenient.”Baris stood at the top of the lawn, arms folded over his chest. His karu hopped from his shoulder into a nearby tree. Both tilted their heads as they watched Sarah with the void beast. She threw a stick. The beast gave chase only to return with a different item, often not even a stick. Once he returned with an old leather shoe. Nonetheless, Sarah lavished praise on her bonded companion.
Vekele smothered the urge to smile.
“You were the one who sent me chasing after anomalies,” he said.
“You do not have to sound so pleased.”
Vekele tensed. He was not pleased. He was annoyed. The task had been a meaningless assignment given out of pity to get him out of his seclusion. It was insulting.
“It would have been less work for you if the assassins had done their job properly,” he said. “Less torturous too.”
Baris turned on him, drawing his shoulders back. While the same height as Vekele, Baris had an imposing figure granted by authority and the force of his will. His brother was gone, replaced by the king of Arcos.
“You think so little of me,” the king said, his voice colder than the deepest winter night. “I have enough regard for you to send a properly skilled assassin and not bungle matters. If I wanted you dead, you would be dead.”
The two brothers stared at each other. Just yesterday, he shared his doubt with Sarah. He disliked questioning Baris’ motivation or loyalty. For years, Baris had been his only companion. They were brothers, yes, but also friends.
“I believe you,” Vekele said.
“Apologize.”
“I know you would look me in the eyes while plunging the dagger into my heart, as is honorable. Forgive me for implying otherwise.”
Baris snorted. “You are fortunate that your impertinence amuses me.”
“My insolence is sincere. That is my charm.”
“Who told you that lie?”
Vekele’s gaze drifted toward Sarah. He could not help himself. She burned like a bonfire, irresistible and inescapable.
