Page 37 of Pawns of Salistya

‘I don’t get hangovers,’ I shrugged nonchalantly. One of the many perks of my unique magic. It had won me a lot of gold from disbelieving Solistans back in the day, much to Varqel’s chagrin.

I changed the subject, unwilling to answer further questions on the matter. ‘So, what’s the plan for today?’ I asked the table of royals and their Seconds. Glancing at the weary eyes of our hungover guests, I noticed Slaviya was the only one not feeling sorry for herself. Pretty standard really as she isn’t much of a drinker. Can’t have that control slipping away.

‘Matters of trade agreements and negotiations don’t start until tomorrow,’ Eliasson mused. ‘Valare, since it’s King Xylan’s first time in Amarald, I thought you could show him around? The markets, perhaps? I would offer to tag along but I have palace matters I must attend to.’

‘It’s up to you, Xylan. I’d be happy to show you around. However, I understand –’ I started but Xylan jumped in.

‘That would be lovely. Orlandia, would you be interested in joining?’ he asked his sister, before hastily adding, ‘If that’s okay with you, Valare?’

‘Of course! The more the merrier.’

If I was being honest, spending one-on-one time with Xylan was dangerous. I found myself grateful that Orlandia would act as a buffer between us. Plus, I also didn’t want to turn down the opportunity to probe Orlandia a little more. I still couldn’t shake the feeling that I had met her before. Her knowing gaze rattled me.

‘That would be great. Qynthia, would you like to join us? Perhaps it would be good to walk out the hangover,’ Orlandia teased.

The Queen rubbed her temples, wincing in pain. ‘I think it’s best for all of us if I spend the rest of the day in my quarters.’

Qynthia was a warm and vivacious character. She brought a spark of fun and joy to the Forum. However, I’d never seen or heard of her throwing caution to the wind like this. There was something about her relationship with Xylan that made her feel comfortable enough to do so. There really must be more to their relationship than meets the eye.

‘Do you need anything before we leave?’ Xylan asked her.

Not normally one to talk, I was surprised to hear her Second jumped in. ‘It’s all taken care of, Xy. Go and enjoy yourself.’ Ramone shot a reassuring nod to the King.

Xy.So that’s what they call him. Good to know.

‘In that case, meet you out the front of the palace in fifteen?’ I directed my question to the Marlyst’s.

‘It’s a date,’ Xylan replied with a wolfish grin that absolutely did not make my heart flutter.

Denial was my new best friend.

I shrieked with laughter as Xylan sped past me on his horse. Hanging out with the royal siblings was a lot easier than I’d expected. They were easy-going and clearly up for an adventure. I felt like I’d known them forever, like we were old friends who had reunited after a long time apart from one another, instead of only meeting them yesterday.

Wanting to capitalise on a day without guards, we bypassed the markets completely and headed straight into the hills beyond the palace. We zipped in and out of the streets surrounding the civilians’ houses, a mixture of startled glances and awe at the sight of meand royals from another Dom casually riding through the villages following us. It wasn’t long before we’d reached the edge of town, and could finally let the horses stretch their legs to sprint through the woods.

My hair blew in every direction as I smiled in joy, feeling the wind wrap around me. I could let my guard down here in the woods, surrounded by nature. I took a moment to really acknowledge that this is what it felt like to be alive. To be free of reality that crushed and suffocated me. Out here I could breathe.

We reined our horses into a trot when we eventually cleared the forest, coming out on top of a hill. From this vantage point, we could see farmers working fields that spanned out into the distance. One poor farmer was having a hard time rounding up their cattle, a few strays deciding the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the field. What would it be like to lead such a life, away from the palace? No royal obligations or schemes to become an unwilling participant in? I imagined the hardest part of my day being a few stubborn cattle refusing to move. Honestly it sounded lovely.

‘He’s such a show off,’ Orlandia muttered as her horse came up beside mine. She was wearing an all-black outfit which looked out of place in our current setting. Not to mention, she had to be sweltering under the Arloman sun.

‘To be fair, if I’d taken the faster horse, I would’ve done the exact same thing,’ I replied distractedly. My earth magic yearned to be let out. To create beautiful, coloured flowers in all different varieties to add to the browns and greens surrounding us.

‘Well, yeah, that too. But that’s not what I was referring to.’

I had a feeling that if I were to look, I’d see a smirk on her face. ‘Oh? What were you ref –’

My words stuck in my mouth, earth magic forgotten as I caught sight of Xylan and understood what she was talking about. He had taken his shirt off and was using it to wipe the sweat that had builtup on his face and torso. I watched as he slung it over one shoulder. My mouth watered as I took in the sight. For all the built bodies I’d seen on the Isles, his put every one of them to shame.

Orlandia chuckled as she watched the play of emotions crossing my face. ‘The man can’t help himself. He’s just a big old flirt. Word of advice? Try not to play into it or it’ll only get worse.’

‘I’m a kept woman. It would be highly inappropriate for me to entertain anything of that nature,’ I sniffed, willing myself to believe my words and stick by them.

‘Good thing we aren’t offended by inappropriate behaviour,’ she called teasingly over her shoulder, making her way towards her brother. She was almost there before I could shake my stunned self into following her.

You are a married woman. You are still sleeping with your lover. You do not need a third man.I reminded myself. I think this will be my mantra for the next fortnight.

‘God it’s hot out here. How are you wearing that outfit, Orla?’ Xylan whined in discomfort as I met up with them.

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