Page 69 of A Blightress of Wrath
Lannawaved a hand dismissively. “Thevindoesn’t dance.”
Iglared at her. “Idon’t mind it.”
Shehuffed and shook her head. “I’venever once seen you dance at these gatherings.Youalways stand here like this.”
“MaybeIjust don’t want to dance withyou.”
Sae’seyes darted back and forth between us as we bickered.
Lannapretended offense, patting her chest. “Howcould you offend me so?”Asmile tugged at her mouth. “Andin front of my new friend, too.”
“You’llget over it.Besides,“—Ipointed across the room to theViceroy’sdaughter,Malla—“Isee someone who could stand dancing with you for more than two seconds.”
Lanna’sface fell as she followed my point. “She’sno longer interested in dancing with me.”
Ismirked. “Nowwho’s not trying hard enough?”
Sherolled her eyes, winked atSae, and left, headed to the musician at the front of the room.
Iturned my attention back toSae, only to see her gnawing on her lip repeatedly.
“Hey.”Irubbed her shoulder. “Youalright?”
Shewas silent for a moment, watchingLannajoin theViceroyat the front of the crowd as the singerIrecognized asPynthstepped onto a box laid down on the floor.Shewas a talented woman and it was true whatLannahad said.Ipreferred to keep to the back of the room and listen to theSongofRemembrancealone.ButifSaewanted to dance, then we’d dance.
Themusic began and couples flowed out to the cleared floor.Thefirst lyric lifted through the room, accompanied by a single violin.
“Asong to give voice to those we’ve lost, a song to take time to remember them.”
IpulledSaeout of her trance, leading her onto the dance floor whereItook her hands, placing them on my shoulders, grabbing her waist.
Shelaughed nervously, avoiding my eyes, still chewing on that lip and watching the musician asPynthsang,
“Theirlives at a cost, their stories at end, and a song to take time to remember them.”
“It’sa beautiful song,” she murmured.
“Whatare you thinking about?”Itilted my head, recognizing her hesitancy as we danced.
Shecleared her throat, finally meeting my gaze. “YouandLanna…you’re close?”
Ishrugged. “Yes.We’vebeen friends for many years.Shecommands theRunners, andI’vebeen conscripted into that army sinceIwas fifteen.”
Shenodded and the song continued,
“Themountains, the forest, the seaside, and plains, we sing a song to remember them.”
“Andhave you ever…”Shehesitated andIpulled her just a little closer. “Haveyou ever been more than friends?”
Itilted my head back in laughter, instantly disturbing the peaceful quiet of the song and murmuring my apology to those around us. “No,Sae.We’refriends.That’sit.Lannaprefers women in that regard anyway.”
“Oh,”Saesaid, her cheeks reddening. “Ijust thought that because you seemed so close that maybe there was something more there.”
“Never,”Iassured her. “Shefeels like a big sister, really.”Ishrugged again. “OrwhatIimagine a sister would be like.”
Hershoulders relaxed. “I’veenjoyed this day.”Awide, toothy grin swept over her mouth. “Almostdrownings and all.Thankyou for taking me out.It’shelped to keep my mind off of my father.”
Isqueezed her waist. “You’rewelcome.Ienjoyed our day, too.”
