Page 7 of The Poison of the Earth
Lilac, silently, led me to a small room. I walked in, turned and heard the door shut and lock behind me.Ah, another cell.
At least it’s a nicer one, with a toilet and shower in a small bathroom stocked with towels and soap, a bed with feather quilts, a small table with writing instruments and a large window with pretty drapes.
I had immediately pounced upon the books, dying to read anything. I had curled up in the soft bed, nude, and read until late in the evening.
When I put down the book to sleep, Commander Lonan’s eyes had popped up behind my eyelids. I hadn’t been able to decide what color his eyes were. A rich, earthy red mayhap?
It had taken me much longer to find rest than I had expected.
THE NEXT MORNING HADcome late to me, tired as I was. I had found a tray of food on the small desk, and my cleaned dressfolded on the end of the bed. I had quickly dressed and dug into the rich breakfast.
Once finished, I placed the very clean plate and utensils on the tray with my empty glass and placed it on the floor near the door. Settling myself back at the table, I quickly tested the wards on the window. Not that I was trying to escape. I was merely curious. It was solid, heavy enough to stop nearly all magic users. I pondered who Commander Lonan had in his arsenal that could ward so strongly. None that I’d heard of.
I pull out my journal and explore the pens of the desk. I have just decided upon one when the door swings open unceremoniously.
I turn, smiling, expecting a servant, but instead I am greeted with the sight of Lilac and Commander Lonan.
I stand quickly, eyes dropping to the floor. “Ma’am. Sir,” I murmur, “Thank you for these luxurious accommodations.”
Lonan snorts but Lilac answers, her purple hair in her eyes, “‘Tis nothing, maid. Was your previous master so cruel as to make you sleep upon raw straw?”
I sense that she’s asking what the Commander wants to know. So I answer, “The maids at RedWater mostly sleep upon open straw.”
I can feel the Commander’s eyes upon me and I turn to him, my eyes meekly upon his chest, which is easy as he is tall even for a Fae. “Please, Commander Lonan, what can I do to help you?”
He snorts. It’s Lilac that answers, though Lonan’s eyes—yes, red, I think—bore into me.
“What can you tell us of Alder? Does he truly have no offspring? He’s not keeping a young child safe in hiding?”
I smirk. “None indeed, though he scatters his seed far and wide. None has seemed to have taken root.”
They both nod, silent. Lilac asks, “Do his counselors truly hold as much sway as is said?”
I pause. A trick question. “Who says?” I shrug. “He seems easily biddable. An idea he believes in strongly in the morning is easily put aside by nightfall.”
Again, they nod.
“Who is his favorite concubine?”
Another trick. “None of his partners are concubines. They are all there of free will. But he currently favors the fire Fae Nora and the earth Fae Indi. Though it could change any day, for no obvious reason.”
They exchange a glance. Lilac says, “How is the best way to access the court gossip?”
I chuckle. “The kitchen of course.” I raise a brow.It’s obvious, isn’t it?
But Lilac merely taps her chin, thinking. My eyes turn to Lonan.
And he is staring directly at me.Of course he is.I look down quickly and I swear I hear a disappointed sound from him.Alright, I think,perhaps he does like a little fire.
Just as I find the courage to meet his eyes again, Lilac stands.
“Thank you, Allie,” she says as she turns towards the door. Commander Lonan stands slowly.
“Wait!” I cry out, “Will you... keep me? Can I be of service?”
She laughs softly, “That is yet to be determined.”
Anger floods me. “You’ll leave me locked up here? How long?” I demand. “I’d rather you just kill me now if I’m not useful enough for Misery’s Militia!”
