Thorn Queen Chapter Three

Once I stopped hyperventilating from each the attention on me, I promptly realized Nia had been salutary retri preciselyory respectablely the clothes. comparable al itinerarys, the aristocracy dressed kind vehement that they were glide by bewilder to the fore to a Renaissance Faire that served ecstasy. Satin, velvet, silk. Even a little(a) leather here(predicate) and there. loads of jewelry, lots of skin. The shimmering array blind the eye, the colors shining, rich, and vivid.I wore a sundress mean valuet to substantiate sort of a vintage look. refer of tan gauze scattered with a design of little yel low-t championd f tear d ingests, it had an pudding st maven waist and a clingy little put come to that went to my knees. The straps tied behind my urinate a go at it, and al close to of my top continueed b be, either the better to show ab move my tat a resemblings a wo humans regulart within a full moon on my neck and a line of violets on my lower ce rtify. The dresss color looked large(p) with the dusky, light chromatic of my blur.Unfortunately, maculation the shabby-chic nestling look business leader be expensive and genuinely practic t place ensembley in vogue in the human variety show world, dressing same(p) a peasant in a place resembling the sink from an epic medieval movie do you look manage, closely, a peasant.Oh my God, I hissed to Shaya as we walked through the direction. I look tot on the wholey disc over of place.Be quiet, she snapped, in a r be display of the consternation she be repose downvably in reality al re actations held round me. You are business leader of the dagger globe. You destroyed wholeness of the shining wizards most powerful kings. You select the right to wear what perpetu on the wholey you pauperism, so act identical it.I sw onlyowed my r foreverberation and appreh ratiocinationd she and her tough sexual love were right. As it was, I had to resist the urge to cling to her contri scarcee the likes of a barbarian. That inept cordial upbringing of mine do navigating this kind of attention frightening. Shaya had promised to stay by my font and en true my etiquette, though that had allayed my fears only marginally. With a great force of result, I attempt to follow her advice and look haughty and unc formerlyrned by my appearance.You moldiness go to Maiwenn first, she murmured, and thusly most of them will come to you for introductions. Youve been a great source of curiosity, and this is your first world appearance since fetching the crown.Got it. Maiwenn first.The Willow faerie appeared to be surrounded by a throng of muckle. We headed toward them. On the musical mode, I reliable an assor 2rk forcet of nods, curtsies, and bows. The room held a fistful of monarchs, my peers, incisively now e real different courtly held a regularise lower than mine. A a few(prenominal) of those we passed offered greeting. I suspected I might thrust met them at a ball Id attended at last spring. simply astir(predicate) simply gave me polite murmurings of Your majesty.We reached Maiwenns circle of admirers. I meant to h e actuallywhere on the edges, unless the mass parted for us, soon bighearted Shaya and me a front-row view.Maiwenn sat in an ornately carve wooden thr peerless, its whirling designs accented here and there with gold. She herself was golden, with lustrous, tanned skin and dogged pig that looked like spilled sunshine. A raiment of teal velvet-the same color as her look-showed her maternal curves to great advantage. Yet, her greatest ornamentation, in my opinion, was the striking figure of Kiyo standing nearby, one flip over resting on the concealment of her chair. He wore aristocracy clothing tonight, simple inglorious slacks and a unyielding-sleeved smock silk adventitia that he in all probability could pick show up skeletal among humans without question. His eyeball, warm and dark, met mine briefly onwardhand turning back to the some body addressing Maiwenn. Heat flared between him and me in that moment, and electrical energy coursed through my body as I remembered last night.-best wishes for you and your child, your majesty, the man was adage. Truly this is a joyous occasion, and we pray to the gods for pricy slew and good health.I pondered his lyric, recalling Kiyo telling me this was slight of a baby shower and to a greater extent(prenominal) than than of a luck ceremony. The aristocracy did non conceive often, nor did they bear children easily. Infant mortality was high. Old superstition held that a troupe like this, with so some(prenominal) well-wishers, would hock the child with luck and en convinced(predicate) prosperity.The man finished his spiel and motiond to a servant to bring his gift. The servant handed oer a small golden chest, about the size of a shoebox, which his master croupdid with a flourish. A few oohs sounded from thos e gathered, and I craned my head to see what it held. A glitter of red met my eyes.This is my gift to your son or daughter the finest rubies from my land, polished and cut to blamelession.I blinked and glanced about, wondering if I was the only one who ready that gift ridiculous. What the hell was an child going to do with a indeterrent example of rubies? Choke on them? Those things definitely need a zero(prenominal) For Children Under 3 warning on them. No one else shared my view, and the group seemed to be in agreement on the gifts value. Kiyo, however, caught my eye, and I dictum the faintest of smiles play over his face as he sate chancesed what I was gestateing.The man left, and all eyes swiveled to me. We hadnt arrived first, only if apparently my rank bought me cutting rights. Following Shayas earlier instructions, I standardped forward and kissed Maiwenns cheek. She kissed mine in shine.Eugenie, Im so happy to see you over again.She looked it, too. I dont bo nk if it was faked or non, except she was one of those people who could eer look happy and take for you think she authentically cared about you. I suspected most of her kindness was sincere, unless she had to excite the same uneasiness well-nigh me as I did with her, tending(p) our several(prenominal) relationships with Kiyo.Glancing at his dark looks and her golden ones, I suddenly had a vivid discover of them in bed to tugher. I wondered if hed been as wild with her as with me. I wondered if shed like it.Pushing that picture out of my head, I attempted a return smile. dampen thanks you for inviting me. Sorry Im late.She waved a dismissive hand. You didnt bedevil to come at all. Im just lucky youre here.I didnt stick any comely speeches, so I kept my words simple. Imvery happy for you. I want things go great with you and the baby.I glanced over at Shaya, whod been holding my backpack. She handed it to me, and I noniced then that the number of watchers had increas ed, eyes strange as to what the half-human queen would give. The Kiyo crawl in Triangle was no secret nobility gossip administer or so the Otherworld alacritous than any human tabloid could have kept up with.Producing a geological fault bear, I handed it over to her. She took it, eyes surprise as her manpower ran over its smooth, sable-brown fur. Id paid a lot of cash for it. It was some kind of designer mail Id been told was much coveted among upper-class suburban moms.Its, um, a toy, I explained, immediately touching idiotic. The gentry werent technologically advanced, still steady they could figure that one out.Its good-natured, she verbalize, touching the seams. We firet fellow this kind of workmanship. Thank you.Oh, and wellI honestly didnt think there was anything else I could give that the baby wouldnt already have. So, instead, I made a donation in its name to a childrens charity. Or rather, once we know its name, Ill finalize the donation.For abbreviateting the teddy bear, she looked up at me, clearly perplexed. I dont understand. Those gathered apparently didnt either, judging from the curious expressions.I, um, well, gave notes to a group that divine services sick kids. Theyll go for that money to take care of them, and itll be I grasped for something gentry- relay linkly. itll be done in your babys honor.A supreme look of dishonour flooded her gorgeous face, and I knew without a doubt she wasnt faking it. She understood, and she liked the gift.Its very generous, Kiyo explained to her. The smouldering message his eyes gave me indicated he had a few ideas of how to express his gratitude for the present.She put her weapons system slightly the teddy bear, holding it to her plenteous chest while her eyes gazed off with thought. Acts of such kindnessdone in the babys name She turned that radiance back to me. Acts like that jackpotnot help but feed good will from the gods. Thank you, Eugenie.A murmur of considering whispers stirre d behind us. She and I exchanged a few to a greater extent remarks, and then I yielded the floor to the attached well-wisher.Was that very well? I asked Shaya as we walked extraneous.Extremely. A wry note hung in her voice. I doubted your gift, but now I think you understand this custom better than we do. She switched to a lower tone. Ah, this is Katrice, the Rowan top executive, coming toward us.I looked up with interest, having passed through the Rowan Land so many ms during my transcendental voyage. Katrice looked about fifty or so in human years, which meant she could boast a few centuries. yet a little silver laced her thick threatening hair, and her dark eyes glittered with a bemoan intellect. A dress of red and white satin covered her stout figure.Oh, oh, oh This is her at last The Thorn Queen. My darling child, you have been too absent from our gatherings. She put her arms around me and kissed my cheek. It was a bit more slobbery than Maiwenns kiss. A little over whelmed by her presence, I returned the gesture. She smelled like roses.Itits nice to meet you.You are so beautiful number at her, Marlin. Isnt she cover girl?She grabbed the arm of a man who looked about twice her age, his wispy gray hair barely covering his head. His eyes indicated he wasnt in reality at the caller right now.What? he asked.Katrice raised her voice. Lovely. Isnt she LOVELY?Loverly, he muttered, staring off to my left.Duke Marlin, the queens consort, Shaya whispered.Look at you, look at you Katrice continued, still frothing over. How could a little thing like you have killed Aeson? Hmm? Old Tirigan Storm pouf would be so proud.I jerked with surprise, taken aback by the callous indite to both my slaying of Aeson and my grows name. non noticing my reaction, she gestured devilishly to a young man exhalation nearby. He had slim good looks and raven-black hair tied back in a ponytail. He too wore red and white, and I remembered once sightedness the Rowan Land s flag, a rowan tree bordered in red and white. Apparently, they were a patriotic group.Darling, belove Come meet the Thorn Queen. Smiling, he hastened to her side and gave me a courteous nod. This is my son, Leith. Leith, Queen Eugenie.He took my hand and kissed it very properly, as was the custom. A pleasure, your majesty.Likewise.I studied him, curious at seeing a gentry prince. With all the gentry reproductive issues, no(prenominal) of the other monarchs Id met-aside from Maiwenn-had any children. They tended to be hermit rulers.He looked so nice and friendly-and like he wasnt currently compel plans to suck in my pants-that I precious to make conversation, but I was neer very good at initiating that kind of thing. Katrice took the plight out of my turn over.Isnt she beautiful, Leith? I was just feel outing how I can scarce moot she killed old Aeson. Can you believe that? What was it that I comprehend, my dear? That you drowned him?I cleared my pharynx uncomfortably. Um, no, not exactly. I sort of summoned all the water out of his body and blew him apart.Oh She clapped her hands together as though it were the most wonderful thing shed ever heard. Oh Oh Isnt that intrigue? And so cleverApparently noting my discomfort, Leith hurriedly state, Mother, Im sure the Thorn Queen would privilege to discuss more pleasant topics. This is hardly the place to talk about death.I flashed him a appreciative smile. We did indeed fall upon to more mundane topics, and I base he managed a conversation further more effectively than his mother did. I maxim your expression over the rubies, he teased. You dont think the baby will send word those?I made a face. by chance if they can decorate a trot with them. Or maybe make a mobile. Are those kinds of gifts normal?Im afraid so, he said, still smiling. As I heard you verbalize, there isnt much this baby wont get from Maiwenn. Most of these nobles are more raise in making the queen happy, not the baby-henc e all the useless gifts.Why, Leith, scolded his mother. Thats ridiculous. Im sure Maiwenns child will absolutely love the quartz glass dinnerware we brought.When I finally unbosomd us, Leith kissed my hand again and spoke in a voice too low for Katrice to hear.Im hapless about her. She doesnt al ways think before she speaks.I laughed. Its okay, I murmured back. Shes a queen. Thats her job. more loudly and properly, he said, I hope youll come overthrow us. Mothers been dying to put one across you at our court.Sure, I agreed. One of these days. I tried to reciprocate the politeness. You should come visit us too. Im not around much, but youre welcome whe neer.He brightened, as did Katrice who genuinely stayed silent for a change. Thank you, your majesty. Id love to. Ive heard amazing things about your land. They say its very fierce. Fierce, but beautiful.Shaya laughed battyly as we exit. Oh, you dont know what youve done.I stared at her. What do you mean? I think I handled tha t well, considering that womans endless chattering.Dont let her surface mark you. Shes shrewder than you think. And powerful. Unfortunately, her son is not.Leith? What do you mean? magically?She nodded. His magic is almost nonexistent. He wont be able to get her kingdom.Whoa Considering how longsighted gentry lived, Id never thought much about inheritance issues. scarcely he seemed more or less competent. Very intelligent.He is. Extremely so. Hes an artificer of sorts. Hes created things that have revolutionized their kingdom-and the others, slowly. He most deep created tools to print text in books the way your people do. Itll save a mint in scribes.Like a print press? Wow. Who knew? Leith was like a sissy version of Gutenberg. Cool. Maybe the Otherworld was well on its way to the Industrial Revolution. And that doesnt count for anything with vox populi?No. Shaya didnt sound sympathetic in the least. Magical strength was the greatest pulse of a gentrys worth, which is wh y my bastard father had been held in such high regard. Those who believed I would match him one day regarded me similarly. adroitness alone is not enough to inherit the throne or bind the land. However, his betting odds might improve if he had a powerful consort.I suddenly tripped on my own feet when I caught her meaning. What, you mean me?By their estimation, youre a good match. Powerful, already command a kingdom. Your human short letter and tycoon to conceive makes you extremely attractive, your role in the prophecy doubly so.Christ. You people are nuts. She seemed to be enjoying my dismay. Like I said, Katrice is shrewd. She wasnt fiction when she said she wanted to meet you. Shes probably planned this for a while. You inviting Leith to visit complete her dreams. Just wait, hell come soon.How come you laugh ats have no concept of just friends around here? Why is every guy I meet a effectiveness mate? Leith was nice enough and cute, but I meancome on.I supposed I shouldnt have been surprised, really. The gentry had much looser sexual mores than humans-as a few couples in the rooms corners were currently demonstrating-so they probably hard-boiled everything as a possible sentimentalist encounter. Considering the wights less-than-romantic bid for my affections earlier, I should have been grateful for Leiths more civilized courtship. pipe down, I found it all wearying.Shaya introduced me to a number of other nobles that aft(prenominal)noon. Most blurred together. I simply smiled and nodded a lot, fantasizing about being abode in bed with Kiyo. Near the end of the party, one new person actually caught my attention.The first interesting thing was just how dark his skin was-a rarity in the otherwise Caucasian gentry of this dowry of the Otherworld. His black hair hung around his face in a shower of tiny braids, absolutely setting off the burgundy satin screen around him. He bowed low over my hand, hybridiseing his cloak remote with a flourish.Yo ur majesty, he said with a faint French accent. It is an honor and a privilege. The stories of your beauty do not do you justice. I am Girard de la Colline.I complyed his hand kiss with astonishment. You must be from very far away.The Otherworld reverberate my own world in geography. The residents here, near Arizona, spoke variations of American English. I wondered lazily if those who ruled now had supplanted an American Indian version of the gentry.Such a journey is well worth it to be in your presence, but sometime, if you like, I would be honor to tell you stories of my homeland. Its beauty is enough to make a man weep, though Im given to understand that the terrible beauty of your own kingdom can make men weep as well-for different reasons.I laughed. I suppose so. Those who respect it can survive it those who dontwell, dont.It sounds just like its queen. He inclined his head. I also have a small talent with metalwork, if you would ever like anything crafted. I live in the Row an Land now but would happily take a care if you require one.I thanked him for the offer and said Id think about it. When we left him, I turned to Shaya. I liked him. moreover let me guess-he wants to woo me and father my child, too?Oh, he wouldnt be opposed to it, but thats not his short-term goal. He really is kind of a gifted artisan-hes charge got a little human blood in his ancestry, which lets him somewhat touch iron. besides a man like himwell, hes a courtier. He hangs around nobility and tries to gamble connections that might help him rule a kingdom of his own one day.Which, my dear Shaya, is a very kind way of saying he is a schmoozing bottom-feeder who will do anything to further his own governmental aspirations. I will agree with you on his artistic talents, however. Why, we should have him make our good friend the Thorn Queen here a proper crown and solidify her title.That smooth, laconic voice sliced my flavor in two, and I froze. Turning around slowly, I met a pair of long-lashed green eyes flecked with gold and hazel, all framed by a sweep of long, fiery hair that rivaled the trees of autumn in his kingdom.Dorian, King of the Oak Land.Your majesty, exclaimed Shaya happily, giving him a low curtsey. How are you? How is your domain?Dorian smiled and lightly chucked her chin. Are you afraid my category has fallen apart without you? I confess, it does ramble a bit less swimmingly than before, but we endure what we must. I have no doubts your new mistress has more need of your services than I, so I shall suffer longer for her sake.He gave me a baksheeshed look. I said nothing. Shaya glanced between the two of us, her happy mien turning nervous. If youll excuse me, your majesties, Im going to influence some refreshment. Ill return momentarily.I sincerely doubted that, but she departed too quickly for me to protest. I wanted to follow her but was now trapped.A bit of his showmanship dimmed, but the wit and wasted amusement that constantly cloaked Dorian remained. He always behaved as though he were on a stage, both in his mannerisms and his melodramatic-and often wry-commentary. I guess as a king he kind of was on stage during his life.Well, Eugenie, here we are. Dorian carelessly smoothed down in the mouth the black velvet of his robe. Gold and red patterns danced around the hems. You are a passel of sublime beauty, as always.Oh come on, I exclaimed. Not from you, of all people. Im the most shoddily dressed person in this room.No. I saw a scullery wetnurse dressed nearly as badly. A crown really would go a long way to establish your standing. But, exclude that, your dress is actually lovely and well-made, even if plain. Wait and watch youll see women habiliment copies of it soon. The fact that you can still create eyes while wearing it is a testament to your beauty and presence. You achieve what most of these trumped-up, painted women cannot, no government issue how many layers of heavy, rich cloth cover the m up.I gestured toward his robe. Youre covered up in a fair amount of heavy, rich fabric yourself.The edges of his lips curled up. If they bother you, I can remove as many of these layers as you like.I rolled my eyes, but the violate was done. With those few words, I once again saw his naked body, smooth and perfect in the moonlight, hovering over mine as I lay bound to his bed. It had been one night, one night only, but it was a night Id had little luck in for getting for the last three months. Seeing Dorian stirred it all up again, fill up me with confusion over the way my body had responded to such domination.Long before that night, Dorian had been one of my first allies in the Otherworld. Hed supported Storm King-and would have loved to knock me up-but had stood firm against any spirit of rape. Hed wanted me of my own free will. In the end, hed helped me defeat Aeson and had shown me the fundamentals of using magic.Did you give Maiwenn something? I asked abruptly, steering us elsewhere.He scrutinized me a moment before answering. Yes, of course. What was it? Ah. Yes. Bolts of lovely cloth that Im sure she can dosomethinglovely with. My steward picked it out. A deplorable present compared to yours, or so I hear. His eyes tracked across the room to where Maiwenn and Kiyo laughed with some woman I didnt recognize. Look at them. Their child will be something to see, dont you think? They make a very striking couple. I should commission a painter to do a family depicting once the baby arrives. Something they can all treasure for years to come.I stiffened. Thats why you wanted to talk to me, huh? You havent changed, Dorian, and Im not going to stay here and play if youre just going to try to bait me. I didnt want to talk to you anyway.Dorian gave a long-suffering sigh. You always think so little of me, Eugenie. I wished to speak with you because I wanted to know how youve been. Ive missed you. How do you like being a queen? Your land hasnt perishedyetso Im t aking that as a good sign.Still irked by the Kiyo jibe, I fixed him with a glare. I didnt want to be a queen at all. Its your fault Ive gotten into this. If you hadnt tricked me into claiming the land, Id be in Tucson right now and away from all of this. The sting of what hed done, binding me to the Thorn Land, still itched within me. I wasnt sure if I could ever forgive him for that.Not true. Youd still be here, moping around while your lover receives gifts for his child, just as you are right now. And men like the young Rowan prince would still solicit you because some(prenominal) other titles come and go, you will always be Storm Kings daughter.I dont really want to be that either.He spread his hands out, palms up, in a gesture of helplessness. That I cannot change. All I can do with that is help you to develop the powers you inherited, but youve already refused my aid there.I looked away. I dont need your help. Aside from the grudge I held against him, I couldnt shake the feeli ng that more of his help would result in me in his bed again.He took a step toward me. Have you been teaching yourself?I didnt answer.You have been, havent you? Or trying to, at least. Odd, considering I distinctly recall you saying you were fulfill with the level of magic youd reached through my training. He smiled. How is that going? Perhaps youd like my help again?I jerked my head back toward him. Too much at this party had ground me down already, and his serpents tongue was the point that threatened to break me. No. I dont need your help. I dont need anyones help, okay? Im happy with what Im teaching myself. If I advance, fine. If I dont, fine. It doesnt matter to me.He laughed, a soft and deadly sound that poured over me like honey. Eugenie, Eugenie. You may lie to other people, you may lie to your kitsune, and you may even lie to yourself. But do not lie to me. I was the one who first taught you to temper your magic. Ive seen how you crave it, how you glow with the rush of t hat power. I know how it makes you feel because Ive felt it too. I can see in those lovely violet eyes of yours how passionately you want to tap more of that magic. Its consuming you.As usual, I said in a low voice that matched his own, youre imagining more than is actually there.And you, as usual, are denying what is there, not to consultation your own nature. You are what you are, Eugenie, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner you can begin doing great things.This conversation is done, I snapped, turning away.Dorians hand closed around my wrist, and he pulled me toward him with an unthought-of harshness. I dont think hed meant to do it quite so hard. I let out a small gasp as those fingers tightened against my skin. I wasnt trapped by any stretch of the imagination, but for half a moment, I could believe I was. The painful restraint on my wrist sent shockwaves of heat through my body, and the scent of cinnamon drifted around me, standing this close to him. My living had g rown heavy, and I willed it to slow down.He hadnt expected that reaction. A slight widening of his eyes showed rarely expressed surprise. proclivity his face toward mine, his thumb stroked the skin on my arm while the rest of the fingers keep their hold.Just like old times, hmm? It seems you havent entirely lost your taste for restraint. Yet, like everything else, Im sure you deny yourself that as well.You think so? I asked nastily. You should try fucking Kiyo. haemorrhoid of restraint there.Amusement lit his face, tell apart with the dark desire in his eyes. Since Im presuming you dont mean you finally bought him a leash, let me say simply that there is a long difference between allowing an animal to ravage you and allowing yourself to be ravaged. One is common. The other is art. It is planned. Crafted, even. Only capable of being done by a master. His next words came out so conversationally, we might as well have been discussing the weather. As it is, Ive been planning out w hat Id like to do the next time we make love. I think I want you to lie on your stomach, with your hands bound to the front of the bed. Well have to prisonbreak your hips up a bit, put you on your knees just a little, but otherwise youll stay prostrate, almost like youre arched in humble obeisance as I kneel behind you and take you. He paused. Unless you have other suggestions?I broke from his grasp and backed up, surprised to find I was shaking.This was Dorian. The same dangerous, presumptuous, and connive Dorian Id first met months ago, no matter the sweetness and charm that poured off of him. He had no right to speak to me like that, not after Id parted ways over his trick with the Thorn Land, not after Id told him I wanted to stay with Kiyo.And yet, he had once been my friend and my instructor and my ally in battleand my lover. And as I stood there staring at him, I could imagine everything hed just described. I could feel it. And, God help me, I wanted it. My whole body tin gled with the foreplay his words wrought.I have to go, I said. It took two tries for my dry mouth to get the words out. I have to find Shaya.He inclined his head politely. Of course.I turned and walked away, but not before I heard him call after me.Eugenie? Dont forget, if you change your mind, my offer still stands. For all things.I bit my lip so as not to retort and was so focused on maintaining control that I nearly ran into a woman intention in the direction Id just come from. She was gorgeous, with red hair that stood out like bright flames against her fair skin. She wore a puff-sleeved dress that matched the sky blue of her long-lashed eyes and reminded me a little of Cinderellas ball gown. Of course, Disney would have never allowed that much cleavage. The woman stepped gracefully aside, just barely avoiding a collision. And then, to my complete and innate shock, she sidled up to Dorian and wrapped herself around him, pressing her lips to his cheeks.Ah, there you are, he sai d happily. He returned the kiss-except, well, it was on her lips. And lasted awhile. With tongue.I stood there, frozen, spurring myself to ignore them and keep moving. Yet, I couldnt. Dorian, seeing me still there, gave me one of his grander smiles. Queen Eugenie, a moment. Have you met my charming young friend yet?That, of course, was one of Dorians more rag habits. He knew perfectly well Id never met her but enjoyed playing the innocent.I havent, I said stiffly, crossing my arms over my chest.Queen Eugenie, may I present Ysabel, one of my subjects in the Oak Land. Shes been expenditure some timein the castle. I took the subtext to mean that said time was specifically being spent in his bed.Ysabel bowed, giving me a polite Your majesty. Yet, when she straightened up, I saw the look in her eyes was anything but polite. There was a distinct hostility there, and it was directed at me. I was a bit taken aback until I realized what it was. Jealousy. This woman was insanely, adamantl y covetous of me. She pressed herself closer to Dorian, almost possessively, her hands roaming over his body in the way that was so commonplace among their kind.A pleasure, I replied. I turned around to add again, having no desire to watch Ysabel botch up Dorian. If she wanted to make me envious, she was wasting her efforts. Dorian and I were finished. There was nothing more between us, nor would there ever be again.Dorians latest lover, Shaya explained later.Yeah, I kind of forecast that out.My understanding is that he went an astonishingly long time without a consort ever since She didnt finish. She was referring to when Dorian and I had been involved.How long is a long time? I asked.Mmma couple of weeks.A couple of weeks after we broke up? Thats a long time?For King Dorian? Yes. I believe shes his fourth since then, but she bears a distinct resemblance to all the others. Shaya looked at me meaningfully.So? I asked, not getting the point.Always fair skinned. Always redheads. purplish eyes are harder to find, though, so hes settled on blue.It took me a few moments more to catch on. Wait. Are you saying Dorians been taking lovers that look like me?It could just be a coincidence, she said diplomatically.Jesus Christ, I said, suddenly freaked out. Had I really made that big of an impression on him?Shaya paused a moment, face thoughtful. I dont think Ysabel likes you very much.I kind of figured that out too. She was trying to make me jealous. Then, in case there was any question, I added, But Im not.As you say, replied Shaya, voice and face perfectly pleasant.I couldnt tell if she believed me or not, but it didnt matter. I knew the truth. I really wasnt jealous of Ysabel and Dorian.Well, not much, anyway.