Page 42 of Right Next Door
Tsok opened his mouth, but words failed him and he shook his head, trying to recenter himself. “I do not actually know. I am just suddenly so angry.”
Davard’s confusion turned to concern. “But why?”
“I don’t know. But that male is just… I mean, he’s clearly unworthy to stand beside her. Right?”
“Er…” Davard’s muzzle moved, like he was trying and failing to find something to say. “I believe Master Flik is just visiting today. He doesn’t have an appointment for another few days.”
Tsok’s eyes cut back to the garden where Misty was waving her hand, smiling asFlik– who was obviously a sketchy, untrustworthy character – walked back to her salon. Leaving, hopefully. He was clearly not a good person to be around her.
“I want his appointment,” Tsok said suddenly, surprising both Davard and himself. He hadn’t meant to say that. The words just came flying out of his mouth. And he had no desire to take them back, even as he had no idea where they came from.
He just knew that he didn’t want Flik to keep that appointment. He wanted it.
“If you would like an appointment, I’m sure the charina has an opening at some other-”
“No. It must be his.”
“But… why?”
Tsok had no idea. He just knew that Flik had something he wanted, and Tsok had to have it instead.
Huh…
That seemed an awful lot like… envy. Or jealousy?
But why? That didn’t make any sense. Tsok was not an envious individual. And even if he was, there was certainly nothing thatFlikcould have that he couldn’t. So why…
“Just get me that appointment. Offer that male whatever you have to, but I want to take his place.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I am.”
Davard inclined his head. “Very well. As you say. Would you like me to prepare some flowers for the charina as well?”
Tsok started, surprised he asked. “No. I shall do that.”
“You will?” Davard looked even more confused. “But… why? It’s a waste of your time, honored char. Surely, you have more important things to-”
“I said, I will do it, and I shall. You need only focus on getting me that appointment.”
Tsok very deliberately turned from the window and sat back at his desk. Davard hesitated a moment but eventually turned and followed, coming back around to the front of the desk where he hid his hands in his sleeves.
“I shall do as you say, honored char. But perhaps you should see a healer. You seem to be under some stress. Perhaps the burden of your new mate is becoming too much.”
Tsok’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Maybe Davard was right. Why else would he be suddenly so completely irrational? This was definitely going in the journal.
Chapter 17
Misty
Tsok was in her salon.
The most honorable Char Tsok himself had deigned to grace the sparkly white floors of her salon. He was looking around with no small amount of unconcealed approval and appreciation that just pissed her right the fuck off to see. Who the fuck did he think he was to dare pass judgment on her space – positiveornegative?
Misty paused in the act of setting out her braiding supplies only for a second before she continued – placing the fur cream she used for extra holding power with a little more strength than really necessary.
“Good evening, honored char,” she said icily. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
