King of the Seditious

The following morning, Savage watched from his tent entrance, leaned against the pillar, as the courtyard came alive with the Undermarket activities.

Delcourt pranced from the corner stake.

Dorena looked nervous, setting up her booth. Even with Phalanx’s help.

And Dimurah was strolling through the booths, heading for her.

Poor thing. Savage was curious to see if Phalanx would come to her rescue or let Dimurah heat her up.

“Why are you here?” Dimurah demanded.

Phalanx put an arm between them, but Dimurah swatted it down and out of the way.

So, she’s got a clear shot at the other woman.

He assessed Dorena. She was a few inches taller than Dimurah, though slenderer. They’re likely about evenly matched. Size wise.

Though no woman is fierce as Murah. Hell, most men aren’t.

“I’m here to sell my potions.”

“And nothing else.”

“What do you mean?” Dorena asked, just as directly.

“I see the way your eyes trail him.”

“Savage Jack?”

Savage unfolded. This could get ugly.

Dimurah’s arms crossed over her chest, and she cocked a hip.

Not a good stance. That pose means a feral tirade is coming.

“I do find him attractive.” Dorena admitted.

Savage was taken aback. Not the right thing to say. Surely, she’s more sense than that?

Dimurah twisted her head in a threatening way. Eyes widening in fury.

“But only because he reminds me of someone who was very dear to me.”

Sebastian.

“You loved this man?” Murah asked.

“Yes.” Dorena confessed in a hushed voice. “He was endearingly kind. Like your man.”

Kind?

Dimurah looked equally startled. “Savage Jack?” She pointed toward his tent. “Are we speaking of the same man.”

“There is kindness in him.” Dorena nodded. “He hides it well, but it is in the lines in his face. In his eyes, if one is really looking.”

I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous.

In my eyes. He grunted.

“You’re right.” Dimurah’s arms dropped to her sides. “I didn’t think anyone else saw him that way.”

That’s what Dimurah thinks of me? That was oddly touching. Warming him in ways he’d not expected.

Well played Dorena.

It’d be nice for Murah to have a friend as good as she is. Someone who won’t betray her. I don’t know if she’s ever had a real friend.

***

Stone Peak, Black Mountains, Battling Border

“Murah?” He rolled to lay on his side. Knowing that he needed to tell her.

Even if the ramification will be dreadful.

It always was.

It always means her silence.

Endless hours of it.

Which he found exceedingly unbearable since she was the only one, he wanted to talk to. In fact, it was what he looked forward to each day.

“Mmm?” She lay on her back. Sweating and flushed from their loving.

He opened his mouth to tell her, but she cut him off.

“You should sleep.” She said quickly. Rolling her head to look at him. “Why do you never sleep?”

“I don’t know.” He dismissed. Forcing himself to say the words. Likely making them sound more callous than he intended. “I have to go somewhere. Somewhere ugly.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I can’t guarantee I’ll come back this time.

“What are you saying!” She was outraged. Her face flushed as she glared at him.

Well, I have her attention now.

“If I do not, or you get word that I will not. Go with Phalanx.”

“The guard you always leave to trail my every move?” She said derisively.

“Yes, that Phalanx.” He sighed. Wondering how long she had known she was followed. He shouldn’t have underestimated her.

I never should. I know better.

“Leave with him.” He urged. “Go somewhere safe.”

“Where are you going?” Her chin lifted and she looked sideways down her nose.

This is what always begins the fights. I won’t tell her where I’m going or what I’m doing.

He sighed. Lightly pinching her chin, before her finger and thumb and tugged it back down. Level with mine.

“Don’t give me that look. I need you to do this.” His gaze roved her lovely face urgently. “Vow it.”

“I vow nothing that means I allow you to leave and not come back!” She said venomously, shaking her head adamantly.

“Murah…” His hand fell as he tried to coax her.

Pointless I know.

“No.”

“I need you-”

“No.” She said decisively. That chin was easing up again.

Uh-oh. I know that look…

“If you go away and die then I remain here and die.” She said it like she meant it.

“That’s not what I want.”

“Good.” She lifted a haughty red brow. “Then I suggest you come back to me.”

“Murah!”

“No.” She met his look. Shaking her head pointedly. “Where are you going?”

“If I tell you and I don’t come back you’ll go looking. And I go to see someone you cannot declare war on.”

“Radix?”

“No. Not this time. But I am going to walk into his lair to get there.”

“His lair! Even I, know that’s foolish!” She leaned up. The coverlet fell to expose her beautiful porcelain bosom and the flatness of her belly curving into lush hips. “Why would you do that?”

I’ve no other choice.

“It’s essential.” He leaned up to meet her.

“No!” She launched over him. Shoving his shoulders back roughly to the blankets.

“Are you trying to pin me down to keep me from leaving?” He half-laughed. “I could pick you up and walk out with you still clinging to me.”

Still, the feel of her so close, is nice. Knowing she wants me here so badly, is nice.

Especially when she could, on occasion, be so cold.

“Congratulations to you. For you may have to do just that.” She said through angrily narrowed eyes.

A woman incited.

“Murah.” He laughed. Trying to pry her off.

She dug fingernails into his chest.

“Ouch!” He laughed harder. “I cannot surrender, no matter your wiles.”

“I’m not using wiles. I’m using pain.”

“I know! I was being sarcastic. Come.” He caught her shoulders and rolled her beneath him. Yanking the coverlet from between them so he could drop his weight over her.

“Much as I bend to you. I cannot in this.” He slowly lowered over her. Watching her face over her fuzzed mound as his mouth descended on her. Seeing her head angle back as she gasped in pleasure.

“I’m not surrendering.” She moaned.

“You’re not? It certainly looks it.”