Page 50 of Naga General's Mate

Mila’s heart skipped. Everything she’d risked—the beatings, the fear, running for her life—hadn’t been for nothing.

“My servants will provide you with supplies.” Talis gestured to attendants who carried in bags laden with goods. “Consider it a down payment on my gratitude.”

The scent of fresh bread and spiced meats made Mila’s mouth water. Packages of dried fruits, nuts, and preserved delicaciesfilled ornate boxes. Fine clothing in rich fabrics spilled from the bags.

“This is too much,” Mila said.

“Nonsense. Kurg’s fall will be worth far more.” Talis’s sapphire eyes gleamed. “Take what you need for your journey. My guards will ensure you leave the premises safely.”

“Thank you,” Mila said, her voice thick with emotion.

“No need for thanks. You’ve given me exactly what I wanted,” Talis replied. “Now I must go.” She turned and walked down a nearby corridor.

Brivul helped gather their newfound bounty while Mila selected practical items for their journey. Her hands trembled as she packed away food that would have fed her and Priscilla for months in their old life. Soon her sister would taste freedom, too.

The hotel’s crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across marble floors that put even Talis’s estate to shame. Mila’s fingers tightened around the strap of her new bag as the desk clerk processed their credits.

“Your suite is ready.” The clerk handed over an ornate key card. “Top floor.”

The elevator whispered upward, all gleaming gold and mirrors. Mila caught glimpses of herself—no longer in rags but dressed in fine clothes that actually fit. The woman in the reflection looked like a different person entirely.

“You okay?” Brivul’s violet eyes met hers in the mirror.

“Better than okay.”

The suite doors parted to reveal a sprawling paradise of cream and gold. Plush carpets sank beneath her feet as she wandered inside. Through gossamer curtains, the city lights sparkled like fallen stars.

“This can’t be real.” Mila ran her hand along the intricate golden wallpaper.

“Very real.” Brivul set their bags down. “You deserve this.”

The massive bed dominated the space, draped in silks finer than anything she’d ever touched. Her cheeks warmed as she realized there was only one bed—and for the first time, the thought didn’t make her nervous at all.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” She sank onto the edge of the mattress, running her fingers over the embroidered duvet.

“I have.”

She looked up to find Brivul watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch. The space between them crackled with possibility.

Brivul then blurted out, “We should really sample some of Talis’s generosity.” He gestured to the packages of food. “Seems a shame to let it go to waste.”

The rich aroma of spiced meats and fresh bread made Mila’s mouth water again. She helped Brivul spread the feast across the low table near the couch. Her fingers trembled as she unwrapped each delicacy—foods she’d only glimpsed while serving at Kurg’s parties.

“I’ve never tasted anything like this.” Mila savored a bite of honey-glazed fruit. Sweetness burst across her tongue.

“The look on your face.” Brivul’s tail swished with amusement. He settled beside her on the plush couch, close enough that his scales brushed her arm.

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “What about my face?”

“Pure joy. It suits you.”

They sampled their way through exotic delicacies, trading bites and commentary. Mila found herself laughing more than she had in years. The weight of constant fear had lifted, replaced by something light and effervescent.

“Try this.” Brivul offered her a piece of perfectly seasoned meat.

Their fingers brushed as she accepted it. The casual touch sent tingles up her arm. When had she started noticing how his violet eyes caught the light? How his deep laugh made her stomach flutter?

“Your turn.” She held out a morsel of sweet bread.

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