Page 71 of Fate and Flame
We were shown to the barracks where cots with blankets folded at the end of them lined both sides of the long room.
“Someday, I hope to have housing available for those who need it, until they can find work, but for now, this is the best we have,” Sabra said.
“Temir and I both have marketable skills,” Nadra said, pulling me forward.
“Do you?” she asked as the others began to claim their beds.
“I can sew. I helped my mother, who was a famous seamstress.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Sabra answered, writing a note on the paper she carried around. “And your mate?”
“Temir is a healer. He’s magically gifted.”
Her head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock. She took a moment to remove the desperation from her face. She knew a war was coming and what I could offer. It was strange though. Most wielders spent their lives trying to hide their magic. And Nadra had just outed me within hours of meeting this high fae.
“You won’t be forced to use your magic here, Temir. Of course, we would welcome your gifts, especially in the training arenas, but you’re free to use them as you wish. If you choose to work, you will be compensated by the kingdom. It’s our goal to get everyone out on their own as quickly as we can.”
“Thank you,” Nadra smiled.
Several unoccupied cots nestled in a corner opposite the door. We moved through the refugees, stepping over some and around the others to settle in, unloading the bags from our tired shoulders.
“When are you going to tell her about the serum?” Nadra asked, sitting on the edge of her cot.
“I plan to talk to Murtad first, and then make my plans from there.”
At least she’d kept one thing a secret. For now.
“Please make yourselves as comfortable as possible. I know you’ve all had a long journey to get here. Tomorrow morning, breakfast will be served in that first building we passed and then each person will be given a chore to help our community. If you’re unable to work, we won’t ask you to, but if you can, we’d love to have you. Welcome to the Flame Court.”Sabra walked out.
Rhogan plopped down on my cot, nearly tipping it with his massive body. “She could probably kick my ass.” He watched the door with a grin.
“What?” Nadra laughed.
“I’m just saying, they breed them for fighting down here. Anyone worth watching fight has always come from the south.”
“You can daydream about getting your ass kicked from your own cot, Rhogan,” I said.
“Oh, I took this one.” He pointed to the cot right next to me.
“Oh. Great,” I mumbled. Nadra smacked my arm.“What? He snores.”
“It’s called nighttime ambiance,” he said, standing. “You’ll grow to love it.”
“How are you even going to fit on that cot?” I asked as he fluffed his pillow and sat, causing the wood to bow from his great size and massive wings.
“On my stomach, like I always do.”
* * *
The next day, the three of us went to breakfast together, and Rhogan was pleased to see another high fae who looked similar to Sabra dishing out the food.
“That’s my future wife.” He stared at her while he shoveled food into his gaping mouth.
“Be less creepy,” Nadra whispered.
I’d seen the female look up and meet eyes with Rhogan several times. Apparently, she didn’t mind creepy.
“What’s the plan for today?” he asked, still staring at the female.
