Page 17 of Stone Heart
The steady strokes of the brush calmed her nerves. Her body relaxed as Ajuki styled her hair. Rina watched the woman weave intricate braids in her hair.
“The sun will turn a gargoyle to stone.”
Rina gasped, widening her eyes, and looked at Ajuki. She couldn’t imagine what turning to stone would feel like and was glad she’d never have to.
“No need to be sorry. A gargoyle has always been seen as a symbol on top of certain buildings. When turned to stone, we’re still fully conscious, but our body is transformed into the heaviest of stones. I’ll bet that throughout the city, you may have seen a gargoyle stuck on a building during the day that wasn’t there before. Most humans wouldn’t even notice an extra stone statue on top of their buildings.”
“It doesn’t hurt?” Rina asked, mesmerized by the design Ajuki was weaving.
“The transformation itself can be, but once you’re stone, it will last until the sun disappears. Hence why we’re nocturnal creatures.” Ajuki chuckled.
She finished the last braid, and Rina stared at herself in the mirror.
“Amazing,” she breathed. She smiled in the mirror at Ajuki.
“I can see why she is upset. You are beautiful and powerful,” Ajuki murmured, gazing upon Rina.
Rina swallowed, unsure of how to answer. “Excuse me?” she asked, swiveling in her chair to face the other woman. She stood with her heart racing and took a few steps away from Ajuki before turning back to her.
“Oh, you don’t have any reason to fear me, Rina. I know my place. But Avalena is not pleased.” She chuckled again, sitting in the chair that Rina had vacated. She began brushing her own hair.
“I’m not quite sure I know what you’re talking about. Who is Avalena?” An uneasy feeling passed through her gut. Something was off. Who the hell was Avalena?
“No one has told you, have they?” Ajuki paused the brushing of her hair. Her eyes met Rina’s in the mirror.
Rina shook her head, waiting for the woman to continue.
“We all thought that this suite would one day belong to Avalena.” A small smirk graced her lips as she stood. She walked around the room, taking in the luscious decor. “But he has given it to you instead.” Ajuki paused and turned her eyes to Rina.
“Please tell me what the hell you’re talking about. I’m only here temporarily. If this Avalena wants this room, I’ll move to another. Once Rhodack has figured out why something wants to kill me, I’ll be on my way.”
Ajuki shook her head and barked a laugh. “You’re not going anywhere, Rina. Rhodack has plans for you. This room has been always been vacated. If he put you here, that means you’re to be his head concubine. I believe that’s a term you’d be familiar with.”
Rina’s mouth flapped open then closed. She took a small step back, unable to form a word.
Concubine?
“As in a sex slave?” Rina gasped, trying to drag air into lungs that were currently failing her. What the hell had she truly gotten herself into?
“Slave? Gosh, no. We’re chosen to belong to his harem. It’s an honor to be able to please the clan leader. He provides everything we could possibly want and offers us his protection. Believe me, it’s well worth it,” Ajuki announced, pride filling her face. She stood taller as she gave Rina the once-over. “Like I said, I know my place, and I’ll be glad to help you. You’re going to need it.”
“But I don’t want to belong to his harem,” Rina exclaimed. Here she’d thought the kiss they’d shared meant something to him. She’d read him wrong. He was just looking for another conquest to add to his apparent collection of women.
“One doesn’t turn down a position in Rhodack’s harem.” Ajuki shook her head. Worry crept into her voice. “It’s just not done. Do you know how many gargoyle females would kill to be in your place? You must consider it an honor. You’re not even one of us!”
“I can’t tell him no?” Rina’s anger mounted with the thought he’d try to force her to belong in his group of women. Who did he think he was? She placed her hands on her hips and stared at the shocked woman. “Watch me.”
Rhodack pinnedhis gaze on Rina while she was escorted into his office by one of his guards. The memory of the kiss they’d shared was burned into his memory. It took everything he had that was decent left in him to allow her to go to her private quarters yesterday. He would’ve preferred to keep her in his suite but knew the one next to his would do for now.
“Rina, you look lovely. I see the clothing I sent you fits perfect.” He stood from his seat and motioned her over to the sitting area of his office. He had sent Ajuki to help her, and it had paid off. The front of her hair was braided in an intricate design while the rest was left to flow down her back.
“Thank you. Was it borrowed from your girlfriend?” she asked, her eyes narrowing on him. She walked past him toward the couch.
Girlfriend?
What in the hell is she talking about?
“Um, no. I had them purchased and delivered specially for you,” he murmured, strolling over toward her.
