Page 179 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Yeah,” Attes replied. “But it hasto be at least two centuries since I entered the throne room.”

Ash’s attention shifted to the god. “Thierran.”

The oneirou bowedagain. “Asher.”

My attention sharpened at his response, but Ash merely gavea dry laugh. I relaxed—a little.

Attes turned to us then. Shadowstone armor covered his chest. That wasn’t the onlything different about him. His eye was no longer swollen, proving what Lailahhad claimed about him purposely not healing it. “I’m sure you’re wondering whyI’m back so soon and why I brought…a friend with me.”

“Yes,” I said. “But where’s Lailah?”

“I believe she returned to your training fields to take outher anger on some poor, unknowing soldier,” Attesreplied. “Apparently, spending even a short amount of time with me incites sucha need.”

“That it does,” Ash replied dryly, still focused on the oneirou. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“As am I to be here.” Thierranshrugged. “But when I heard—”

“Heard?” Attes interrupted, hiseyes narrowing.

Thierran flashed him a downrightdevilish grin. “When I figured out what Attesand Lailah were up to, I invited myself along.”

“And why would you do that?” Ash asked.

“Besides wanting to see the Queen in person?” His bright,bejeweled gaze drifted to me. “I have to admit,” he said, and I arched a browat the purr in his tone, “one look, and I can safely say that serving you willbe far more…pleasing.”

“Careful,” Ash warned softly.

Thierran chuckled, but the soundlacked humor. “I’m always careful.”

“And if I remember correctly, you’ve always been anopportunist, too,” Ash replied. “One who wields a sword when it benefits him.”

“That hasn’t changed,” Thierranacknowledged, standing unsettlingly still. With his black attire and hair, helooked like he was seeping into the shadowstone allaround him. “Removing Kolis from the throne does benefit me.”

“True,” Ash said after a moment. “I imagine you will belingering in Lethe, then?”

“Unless I want to face an untimely death, I will. Some of usaren’t so privileged as to have a Fate at our beck and call,” he said, clearlyreferencing Penellaphe—and, by extension, Holland.

“Fine,” Ash said after a moment. “You’re more than welcome.”

“Thank you.” Thierran inclined hishead.

“But,” Ash continued, and I tensed, recognizing thattoo-low, too-level tone, “if you try any of your shit, I will do worse to youthan Kolis could even imagine.”

Well, I was pretty sure I knew who had given Thierran those scars.

And I really wanted to know what his shit was.

“I don’t have a death wish,” Thierranreplied, his gaze briefly flickering to me. “I’m the least of your concerns.”

Air lodged in my throat. Something about how he’d said that…

I shook my head. “Would either of you like something todrink?”

“I’m good,” Attes answered.

I looked at Thierran. “You?”

“I’ll never turn down an offered drink,” he said. “It’s badmanners to do so.”

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