Thorn Queen Chapter Fifteen

I stood thither for s incessantlyal ample seconds, staring at Shaya scarce no(prenominal) really seeing her.Thank you, I said at termination, my illustration unnaturally flat compen sit downe to me.She hesitated, look worried. Is thereis there all social occasion I brush aside get in for you? more(prenominal) vino, I thought. just now I shake my head. Wine perfectly didnt seem strong luxuriant. I motivati match slightd to go home just then and raid my liquor cabinet, seeking puff in my own home and its bed, non this godforsaken Dark Ages fortress. The wine was sack to gravel transitioning amid the worlds harder, though. It wasnt impossible tho would hardly be as smooth as usual. zero(prenominal) it seemed I might be stuck here for a while.I need to see Volusian, I said.She stepped aside for me, and though I didnt ask for it, she followed me solicitously as I headed downst strips, down to the keeps dungeon. It seemed darker and drearier than it had last time, b ut peradventure that was the wine. Jasmines cell was easy to spot because four guards stood in the hall extinctside it. I r to each angiotensin converting enzymeed it, and through the parallel bars, I saw Volusian stand in angiotensin converting enzyme corner, perfectly still, with his arms crossed everywhere his chest. Jasmine sit down as absolutely far from him as she could, her flavor equal move fear and sullenness.What do you urgency now? she snapped. I didnt even carry at her.Volusian, I said. I have an errand for you. Ill watch Jasmine while youre g ane.Volusian walked forward, loss through the bars and coming to stand in front of me. No doubt my mistress has a much urgent task.Moderately. I deprivation you to go plunk for to Tucson and aim me the feeding bottle of tequila I keep in my liquor cabinet. And dont scare Tim.Volusian remained motionless in that way of his. My mistress grows increasingly fanciful in her ways to torment me.I thought youd jimmy it. Only in so much as it inspires me to equally creative means to rip you apart when I am able to permit loose free of these bonds and finally destroy you.You see? theres a silver cladding to everything. Now hurry up.Volusian vanished. With him g 1, Jasmine grew bolder. She hurried to the front of the cell, holding the bronze bars as best she could with her bound hand. When are you tone ending to let me go?I sit down down against the halls wall, opposite her. I wondered if shed try whatsoever of her stunted magic with me just or so. When are you going to ensure asking?Youre a real bitch, you love that?Look, little girl, I growled. You do not want to mess with me tonight. Im not in a good mood.Jasmine was undeterred. I cant intrust youre keeping me in here with thatthat thing Thats just cruel and sadistic.Wow, sadistics cordial of a big word. I didnt think youd stayed in school long enough to gain that tolerant of vocabulary.Her glower darkened. When I get out, Im going to kill you.Then you and that thing should get along beautifully, seeing as he spends all his time plotting my grisly demolition too.She nodded down to her bound hands. I can barely feed myself, you know.Barely isnt the same as cant. But I did feel a little bad about that. Was I really going to keep her in cuffs forever? Yet, how could I not? Maybe I should investigate that potion Rurik had told me about. Nothat wasnt right either. I sighed, and played out the next half-hour listening to her alternate between insults and whining. It was better than idea about Kiyo, though. All the while, I was sobering up, so when Volusian finally appeared and reach me over a full bottle of Jose Cuervo, I gave silent give thanks that Id purchased an extra-large bottle.Thanks, I said, rising to my feet. I pointed to Jasmines cell. Now-back to guard duty.I turned around without a second glance, Jasmines cries of outrage echoing behind me. Shaya, who had waited silently the building block time, fe ll in step with me as I walked back upstairs. ar you sure there isnt anything I can do for you?I look the bottle. See if you can find some little glasses about this big. I held my fingers out to the size of a sally glass. And bring enough forI dont know. You, Rurik perdition, anyone who wants to get drunk with me. Even Ysabel. I was feeling vainglorious tonight. Or, well, at least in a misery-loves-company mood.Shayas show looked more degenerate than ever, but I paid it little concern as I walked outside to a small circular judicature in the castles center. This seemed to be a fixture in most gentry holdings. Dorian had a couple. Id been told that this one had been green in Aesons time, filled with lilies and lilacs. Now, it was sandy and gravelly, lined with cacti, mesquit, and even some of the thorn trees that had given the land its name. At least the mesquite scented the air, and I decided one perk of the Otherworld was that those trees perpetually seemed to be in bloom.I sat down cross-legged in the essence of the courtyard, noticing that someone had started to set stone tiles into it to create a kind of patio area. It hadnt been there last time, and I wondered if it was Shayas doing, just care the patches of grass she unploughed trying to grow around here. not waiting for shot glasses, I uncapped the tequila and took a long swig, the strong liquor burning my throat.Shaya returned shortly, Rurik following. His face was uncharacteristically serious. After a brief moment of exchanged looks, they linked me on the tiled ground. Shaya set down some tiny shapes do of engraved silver. Not quite shot glasses, but they would do. I took the bottle and filled three of them up.To the willow tree Queen and her child, I said, holding my cup in the air. I downed it one gulp. Damn. Wish I had some flavour and lime.Shaya and Rurik exchanged glances once more-did they honestly think I didnt notice each time?-and then followed my lead with the tequila. Rurik took his down stoically, but Shaya choked on hers.Whatwhat is this? she asked, once she was able to speak.Gods favorite liquor. I should have had Volusian run to the market place store and get some margarita mix while he was out. I paused, laughing at the thought. I poured another(prenominal) shot. Its made from a kind of cactus, you know.Shaya eyed the bottle askance. Truly?Yup. Huh. I wonder if we could manufacture this stuff. Ive seen century plant around. I bet we could set up some serious patronage with it.Im not so certain, she said.Rurik was pour another glass. I dont know. It might draw in to some.Ah, Rurik. I knew we were kindred spirits. I held up my empty shot glass, analyse the way the half-moons light shone on it. My head was regaining its pleasant bombination again. Do you think Maiwenns going to have a boy or a girl?I dont know, said Shaya later several moments of silence. There are those who can magically determine such things. But I havent perceive of the Wi llow Queen doing that.Probably not. Kiyo would have told me. Or would he have? Maybe he would have held on to that news, keeping it as a special secret between him and Maiwenn. I poured another shot but didnt drink it yet. Shitfaced was one thing sick was another. Back in my world, they would have known its gender a long time ago. They overly would have been able to tell all sorts of things-its size, if it had any diseases, even if it was parallel or triplets. Theres this machine weve got. You run a paddle over the mothers stomach, and then you can see the featherbed up on this screen. Or, sometimes, even earlier, they can take a needle and suck up amniotic quiet to find out the same things.Rurik and Shaya were staring at me wide-eyed. It was a communal expression amongst Otherworldly denizens whe neer I began talking about human technology.I wonder sometimes if theres any mystery or wonder left field in your world at all.I glanced over and saw Ysabels contour silhouetted in t he doorway to the castle.Oh, sure. Plenty of it. I gestured her over. pay back have a drink. Im pretty sure Im too drunk to kill anyone tonight.Ysabel hesitated a hardly a(prenominal) seconds and then slowly walked over, sitting almost Rurik and Shaya, as far from me as she could respectfully go. She grimaced slightly at the tiles as she tucked her flowing silk skirts underneath her. No doubt be on the ground went against her fastidious nature. Rurik cheerfully handed her a tequila shot. She sniffed it, and her scowl returned.My mind was still on babies. Seems like ultrasounds would be useful to you guys. I mean, what with the trouble you have having kids.There was a good chance, I knew, that Maiwenn might not even survive the delivery. Or that her child wouldnt. It was common among the gentry, sort of the cost for their long and healthy lives. I didnt know how I felt about that. I didnt wish death on either of themand yet, how much simpler would things be if there was no Maiwen n and no baby? Even now, I could picture Kiyo by her side, holding her hand. His attractive face would be lined with worry as he verbalize wrangle of encouragement. Surely, with his human blood, their baby would be healthy and strong. And Maiwenn was a therapist. would that be useful to herself? Maybe. Everything would go well, I was certain, and theyd undoubtedly have a beautiful baby, one that would create a bond between them forever, a bond I could neer be a part of.I drank my next shot and noticed that Ysabel had manfully downed hers. Nice work, I said. You want another?She move her head. I dont consider it ladylike to drown oneself in excess, losing hold of inhibitions and all sense of decorum.Of run for you dont, I said.I intend, she added primly, that the Willow Queen shares my views.I smiled, spinning my cup on the ground, watching in fascination as it turned in smaller and smaller circles earlier coming to a stop. With Maiwenns baby consuming my thoughts, Ysabels bai ting seemed insignificant tonight.We proceed on for a while, Rurik keeping up with me in shots, with Shaya only now and again indulging. Ysabel seemed to have lost her fear of me and continued her running commentary of crisp remarks. I think knowing I was in a soft state over Maiwenns labor had emboldened her. In fact, she was in the pump of some anecdote about how Kiyo and Maiwenn had first gotten involved when her words came to a halt, and her features lit up with surprise.My lord she cried, springing up just as one of my servants began announcing, His royal majesty, King Dorian, of the House of Arkady, caller of earth-Dorian strode forward into the courtyard without waiting for his titles to finish. Ysabel fell to her knees forrader him, face radiant. My lordHe gave her a brief nod of acknowledgment and then swept on last(prenominal) her toward me. I dont think anyone except me saw the devastation that filled her face over the slight. Shaya and Rurik began to rise out of c ourtesy, but Dorian quickly motioned them down. undoing his cloak-it appeared to be navy in the moonlight-he spread it on the ground and sat beside me.Well, well, a party, and no one invited me.It was kind of impromptu, I said, reaching over to pour him a shot. My hand trembled as I held the bottle.Dorian took it from me and perfect pouring. He eyed me carefully. And yet, it appears to have been going on for some time.Yes. Were toasting the have of the next king or queen of the Willow Land.So Ive heard, which is why I came to see how the news was received here. Dorian tossed back the tequila. His eyebrows rose in surprise at the taste, but it didnt stop him from pouring another. And dont presume her child will inherit. It all depends on strength and power.His words reminded me distantly of Leiths own inheritance problems, which then reminded me of Leiths declaration of love. Ugh. Id probably killed our one chance at engineering help. Well, that was a concern for another day. How d you get here so fast? I asked Dorian.Not that fast. I heard hours ago.Hours ago. Dorian had found out before I had. Probably everyone had. Who was I, after all? Certainly no one who was connected to this birth. I was just another monarch whod be expected to send jewels or tapestries when the baby was born. I poured another shot, but Shaya reached for it.May I have another? She wasnt a fan of this stuff, but I had a feeling she cherished to stop me from drinking any more. Oh, well. There appeared to be about one more shot in the bottle-though Dorian beat me to that one too.Youll make yourself sick, I warned, reaching for the bottle. Only a fewer drops poured into my cup.Ill take my chances. This is a fascinating substance.It surveys from cacti, I said helpfully, hoping it might deter him from that last shot. It didnt.Intriguing, he said after downing it. You should try producing it here. Im certain a issuance of people would trade for it.I couldnt be certain in the near-darknes s, but it looked like Shaya rolled her eyes.Part of me resented Dorians presence, though I had to admit that he did a good job in keeping the subject extraneous from Maiwenn and Kiyo. That didnt stop me from thinking about them, of course, but I couldnt help but smile as he entertained the others. Whether it was part of being a king or just something inherently Dorian, he had a correctly charisma about him that could make everyone laugh and stay captivated. With my social reticence, his were skills I admired-and occasionally envied.As the night wore on, though, I could feel the tequilas effects decrease a little. That wasnt to say I still wasnt drunk as hell Id taken down half that bottle myself. But, I valued to go to bed while I was still in that delirious haze. It didnt stop me from feeling down over Kiyo, but I had to imagine being sober would be worse.Everyone stood up when I did, and I felt my legs clamber for balance. Let me assist you, said Shaya, reaching toward me. Dor ian intervened before she could help.No, no. Allow me to guide the Thorn Queen to her room. Id like a few words. Ysabels face darkened at this, and he gave her a chastising look. Oh, stop it. Ill come to you shortly-provided Eugenie will allow me to stay overnight in her castle.Sure, sure, I said. Come on over. Make yourself at home. Pick out curtains.He extend his arm to me, and I decided the indignity of letting Dorian guide me was less than that of me falling over in front of my servants. Ysabels eyes followed us furiously, and I couldnt blame her. If my boyfriend were taking a drunk char to her bedroom, Id be pissed too.It was very high-handed of you to think I needed your clean-living support, I told him once we were out of earshot of the others.Right. You only need the deterrent example support of a bottle, he teased. Be honest, Eugenie. Your lovers at the side of a former lover, eagerly awaiting the birth of their child. Id be distressed as well. goose egg distresses you, I grumbled. We reached my room, and he followed me in without invitation.Plenty of things do, he said. He frowned, ever so slightly, and it occurred to me he was none too sober himself.I let go of his arm and walked over to the full-length mirror that stood on one side of the room, edged in gold. Id pinned up my hair earlier and let it down now, wondering if I wanted to bother with sending Nia for a nightgown or if Id just sleep in my clothes. Standing there, I stared at my form, thinking again of my mothers claims that I was too skinny. I perpetually argued it was an athletic build. Running my hands over the sides of my stomach and down to my hips, I studied my figure. Whatever you wanted to call it, it was slim.I can never do that for him, I said in a small voice. I can never give him a baby like she can.Dorian strolled over and stood behind me, meeting my eyes in the mirror. Do you want to?I dont know. Kids were never on my radarit was always a perchance someday kind of thing . But nowknowing I cant My hips and stomach suddenly seemed as unhealthily skinny as my mother had always said. They would remain unswayed and infertile, never filling out with the kind of life Maiwenns had. I would never share that with Kiyo.I flinched as Dorian reached from behind and placed his hands on the narrowest part of my waist. He rested his head on my shoulder, and I was too weary to shoo him away.You speak like someone whos been condemned with asepsis or like youve passed your prime.I might as well be.Thats not true. Youre young. You radiate health and fertility. You could have a dozen children.I shook my head slowly. I cant, I said sadly. I wont. You know I wont, no matter how much you and every other Otherworldly pecker want me to.Maybe youd have a daughter.I cant take the risk. I knew Id never be confiding in him sober. And what if Kiyo decides he doesnt want that-to be with someone whos always going to be childless? What if he wants more kids? Maybe this babyMaybe hell go back to Maiwenn. Maybemaybe hell leave me. I could feel tears forming in my eyes and scorned myself for the weakness.Dorian tightened his grip on my waist. Hed be a fool. And youd be a fool to mourn him if he did. Youre more than a childbearing vessel.Not the way everyone talks. Not the way you talk.To my shock, Dorian spun me around. Still gripping me, he pressed his forehead to mine so that only an inch was between us. I could smell the tequila on his breath, no doubt mirroring my own.Eugenie, youre a woman without equal, and no matter how much you annoy the hell out of me and no matter how much I try to get you out of my head-and believe me, both occur regularly-I cant stay away from you. Even if you were barren, Id take you as my consort in an instant and spend the rest of my life with you-childless, so long as it meant youd be by my side. I would gladly bring you to my bed with no other thoughts than taking joy from your body. It would be enough.I swallowed. But youre withI mean, what aboutwhat about Ysabel? She can have kids.Ysabel, he said dismissively, is nothing. A pale imitation of you-and not even a good one at that.That was approximative of him, but it filled me with something warm up and loved and special. I realized then that no matter the bantering, informal tension, and many schemes, Dorian really was my friend. I also realized that I wanted so badly then for him to kiss me, to crush his body against mine and run his hands along my bare skin. I wanted to have sex with him against the wall, on the bed, on the floorit honestly didnt matter, so long as our bodies were joined, and I could feel him in me.Whoa. I jerked away, my stub racing, barely stopping myself from doing something Id regret. Deciding he was my friend was one thing jumping into bed was another. I knew it was the tequila and my worry over Kiyo causing this. I didnt want to be with Dorian again I couldnt be. Even if he claimed it would be for love and pleasure, I knew i t could never be that simple. There would always be politics and schemes.And so, I did the most unsexy thing I could. I summoned Volusian.The icy, dark presence of my minion caught even Dorian by surprise, and he took a step back. It was the Otherworldly equivalent of a cold shower. Volusians eyes flicked to him and then turned back to me.My mistress requires more intoxication, he said.No. My magical hold on him trembled ever so slightly. It was nowhere near enough for me to lose control, but the alcohol messed with my power a bit. I wanted you to go to the Willow Land and see if theres any news.More romantic errands.Just go, I snapped, trying to sound as harsh and commanding as I could.As soon as Volusian was at rest(p), Dorian strode angrily to me, all traces of sensuality gone. That was stupid, Eugenie. You shouldnt have summoned him after drinking so much.I turned away from him. I need to find out whats going on.You need to banish him. Youre going to regret keeping him someday. Hes useful, I protested. I dont need any lectures. You should go to Ysabel now. I dont need any more declarations of love at once.Oh? His light tone returned. Had a few of those today?Leith, I admitted. He came by tonight to profess his undying allegiance and see if he had a chance with me.Dorians green eyes watched me carefully. And?And, of course not. I had to tell him no a few times before he finally got it.Dorian didnt bother hiding his satisfaction. Youve broken the unretentive boys heart. And his mothers, no doubt. Therell be no ball now. Would you like me to throw one instead?No. My sadness was turning into irritability. I want you to leave. Go to Ysabel and paint her or tie her up or whatever it is you do together. Im tired and want to go to bed. Alone.To my surprise, Dorian didnt protest. Much. As you wish. If you need me, you know where Ill be.It would take a lot for me to interrupt you, I said dryly.Dorian gave me one of his knowing, sly smiles and then left without ano ther word. The thought of him going to Ysabels bed troubled me more than I would have liked. Hed barely been gone a few minutes when Volusian returned.Well? I asked. My stomach was queasy. I didnt know what I wanted to hear.If it was in Volusians nature to smile, I swear, he would have. The servants of the Willow Land report joyfully that their queen has given birth to a daughter. All are healthy and well.My body went perfect still, and for a moment, I saw nothing in the room except those burning red eyes. Finally, I snapped back to myself. Thank you, Volusian.Does my mistress require me to learn anything else about this joyous occasion? There was a sneer in his voice.No. Go back to Jasmine. Now.He obeyed, leaving me alone. I sat on the bed for several minutes, thinking of everything and nothing. I felt numb. I felt every emotion in the world. And when I suddenly ripped the air from the room and used it to smash a vase against the wall, I couldnt say if it was because of Dorian or Kiyo.