Page 29 of Blood Tribute

Nora wrapped her arms around him.

“Can you deny you want what I’ve shown you?” Dav asked.

“Leave,” she demanded. “Never set foot within sight of Castra Gloria again. And take me with you.”

EPILOGUE

Eternal Heresy

I

Four Years Later

From the rooftop garden atthe peak of the city, Dav stood with Nora and looked out over the domes of Orthros. Polar night draped the sky in indigo, and fresh snow glittered on the many-colored mosaics. He had seen this view for five centuries, but every time she beheld it, he felt like he was looking at the world and at her for the first time.

Dav would never stop wishing Rahim could stand here with them now. But his memory would live forever, and so would Nora.

Dav caressed the thin braid of his hair she wore in her curls. Her vibrant red braid draped down his cheek and over his shoulder, a constant reminder to him and all their people of their Grace bond. The wind tugged at her sleeveless red robe, and Dav ran his hands down her bare arms, caressing her smooth skin. She beamed at him over her shoulder, her fangs tempting him to kiss her.

“You can see it from here! Look.” She pointed at one small dome among the others. Dav recognized the top of the Shrine of Hespera that Nora had designed and built to complete her studies with Yasamin.

“Just think,” he said, “your contribution to the architecture of Orthros will be seen by everyone who sets foot here in the Queens’ garden, for centuries to come.”

“Do you think anyone will mind if the kiss I’m about to give you will be seen by everyone?”

“The Queens kiss each other up here all the time.” Dav lowered his face toward her.

Nora wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed ardent kisses to his mouth, her fangs teasing his lips. How he enjoyed it every time her new Hesperine appetites overtook her. He heard the last group of Hesperine petitioners depart, but didn’t bother to veil himself and Nora. No one begrudged two newly avowed Graces a display of affection.

Dav spoke in her mind, their Grace Union carrying his words directly between their thoughts.We should go to your shrine later. Alone. I want to perform one of Hespera’s most sacred rituals.He sent her a mental image of her kneeling in the Sanctuary she had built. Then him down on his knees behind her, thrusting inside her while he took her vein.

Nora drew back, pressing her hands to her cheeks. “You indecent Hesperine. I can’t appear before the Queens with my face all red.”

He gave her an unrepentant grin. “I think they’re ready to see us now.”

“I’ll make you pay for this blush later.”

“I look forward to whatever revenge you have in mind.”

Hand in hand, they approached the Queens through the garden of white roses. Queen Alea, once from Tenebra and pale like the blooms, sat with Queen Soteira, their Imperial monarch, who was as dark and beautiful as the Goddess’s night sky. Their only thrones were their silk cushions. For crowns, they wore one another’s Grace braids. Their power was self-evident in the ageless, endless magic in their auras. Dav and Nora put their hands on their hearts and bowed.

Queen Soteira gave them an affectionate smile. “Congratulations on the completion of your studies, Nora. We would be pleased to attend the dedication ceremony for your shrine.”

“You honor me, Annassa,” she replied, using the Queens’ honorific. “Surely you didn’t ask to see us only to show me such recognition.”

“No,” Queen Alea said with a kind laugh. “We would also like to recommend you to someone for your first commission.”

“He’ll be joining us in a moment,” said Queen Soteira.

“Annassa, this is a dream come true.” Nora’s happiness lit up their Grace Union.

Dav smiled at his mentor. “You have our gratitude.”

“He has a position available for a mind healer, as well,” Queen Soteira said. “I think you two are just the pair he needs.”

The heavy tread of riding boots ascended the steps behind Dav and Nora. They turned to see a Hesperine approaching, dressed not in the silk robes of Orthros, but Tenebran battle gear. The blood-red braid trailing to his ankles was legendary, his grim, hawkish face known to every Hesperine, although seldom seen at home these days. He was one of the most infamous Hesperines errant to ever challenge his people’s persecutors.

The First Prince of Orthros had returned.

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