Page 18 of The Poison of the Earth
Another zip.
I grin, “Glad I’m not the only one annoyed anymore.”
We walk together in silence as I check the hidden exits under the keep. None of the traps are thrown; no one has been through them. It takes longer to check under the keep than to walk the ramparts, so when we get to the main floor again, it’s damn near dinner.
“Off with ya,” I mutter at Tazi. She manages to make a questioning sound.
“I’m not headed to the main hall, that’s why, ya bug. Now go.”
She hovers in front of my face for a moment, and I see the rueful look in her compound eyes; she turns and flies off down the hall.
I turn towards the kitchen, my heart beating fast.
Since when did I get worked up about a woman? I should not be this... drawn to her. Yet I am.I sigh.
I push open the door firmly, shoulders back, and feeling as if Tazi was zipping around in my belly.
There she is.
Allie looks up and a tiny smile crosses her face hesitantly. She’s looking much healthier than when I first saw her. Her skin isn’t so sallow and she’s curving in the right places. Her ashy-white hair is piled artfully upon her head, the green streaks peeking out here and there, a few strands hanging down. She’s wearing a new-looking dress, in a rich maroon shade, that dips off her shoulders. She has an apron on and she’s scooping cooked, thinly sliced potatoes onto an array of plates.
“Evening, Allie,” I say, softer than I’d have liked.
“Good evening, my lord,” she answers, pink spreading across her olive cheeks.
Cook clears her throat from where her and Lu are carving the roast.
I turn to her. “Cook, dear, I must apologize. I asked Allie if she could meet to discuss RedWater at this time and forgot to clear it with you first. Do you mind if I steal her?”
“Nay, it’s fine, Lo. We’re almost finished up here, and Allie already has all of tomorrow’s bread rising.” Cook nods, “Off you go then, child. I’ll send Lu up with some food.”
Allie puts the serving spoon down and comes around, grabbing a towel to wipe her hands. I watch, mesmerized, asher hand reaches behind her and tugs, and her apron loosens. I can only imagine her undoing her bra in a similar manner and I struggle for control.
She lifts the apron over her head, hanging it on a hook and revealing that she has a simple but pretty plum colored corset over her dress.
I step back as she approaches, opening the door for her. Her eyes are firmly on the ground and all I can think of is how much I wish they were upon me.
I place a hand on her back and again, I feel tingles.Is she a fire Fae? Those eyes would make sense.
“Come, Allie, my rooms are on the top floor,” I say softly, guiding her gently towards the main staircase.
She keeps a fast pace, as if she’s trying to make sure I don’t touch her too often or firmly and for some reason, that causes an odd sorrow rise in me. On the second floor, I turn us to the north wing, where I stop and use my magic to unlock the double doors leading to my third floor apartment.
I pull the heavy doors open, and gesture for her to head up. She meets my eyes and I could thank the Lady for it. A small smile plays upon her luscious lips. But she pauses, “My lord, I...”
I stop her with a raised hand, “I merely want to ask you some questions, Allie. Coming up is no agreement to anything more.”
Even before I led Misery’s Militia, women’s affections were easy to come by. I’ve always been considered conventionally attractive and I can hold a conversation. Add that I flirt as naturally as breathing and my bed has never been cold.
Kai doesn’t even count. He was my first everything; he’ll be my last everything. Nothing could shake the bond between us, even if he’s oddly pissy about this maid.
“All... alright,” she replies quietly and turns to mount the stairs.Hopefully not the only thing she mounts tonight.
I follow her up, my gaze on the sway of her now plush hips. Fucking gorgeous. She fills out that corset amazingly too.
She gasps as she comes to the top of the stairs, where either side opens to my rooms. We’re in the center of my reception room, as I call it. I realize this is a bit much for a rebel leader, but, fuck it. It was built this way and I’d be a fool not to use it.
I hurry up behind her, placing my hand gently upon her lower back. She turns her head, taking in my space.
