Read Online 03 - The Eternal Rose by Gail Dayton - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Gail Dayton
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enough to send water flying. “No. I couldn't do that to you. Or to Torchay, or Stone. None of you. You mean that much to me."
That was something, anyway. Not much, but something. The conversation had dissipated the urgency of his need, his arousal fading. Kallista tossed him the loose Daryathi trousers he'd taken to wearing again, before hurriedly pulling on her tunic.
He couldn't help his disgusted huff of breath as he put them on. “We had better conclude our business in Daryath soon."
She laughed. “You mean you don't want a nice long visit with your loving family?"
He gave a derisive snort. “My family makes yours look like Powlas and the Three.” He named the legendary first ilian formed thousands of years ago by the first Godstruck naitan, famed for their love, harmony and angelic children. He'd met Kallista's parents, heard their quarrels. But they were merely ... awkward. Cold and belligerent at the same time. They didn't murder each other, or control each other with that threat.
He pulled his overrobe on over trousers and bare chest, leaving exposed the tattoos near his shoulders and around his navel. It gave him back a bit of the confidence Kallista had taken away, to show his tattoos. Very few sported as many as he had earned. “Come. The others will be wanting their baths."
“There's only Leyja and Keldrey left, I think.” Kallista shoved her feet into lightweight slippers and pulled her tunic hem down over her trousers.
“Two more who won't be getting any sex till we leave here,” Obed muttered.
Kallista playfully punched his arm. “You think the others are?"
“Joh, maybe not, but Fox? Oh yes. Aisse doesn't have your qualms, and Fox isn't one to pass up any opportunity.” Obed held the door for her to pass into the hallway.
* * * *
That same evening, a message arrived from Obed's cousin Bekaara. She had contacted the Head of Habadra Line where the servants worked, those who might be Merinda and Sky, and asked about buying out their contracts. Between veiled insults, the Habadra had stated she would negotiate only with the Adaran who claimed kinship to her servants. Apparently Habadra Line had a long-standing rivalry with Shakiri Line. Not the best news.
Other news was better. The child and his mother were apparently well, or had been when they were last seen, before the inquiry from Bekaara.
“We knew it wouldn't be easy, going into this,” Viyelle said from the sofa after the messenger had gone.
Kallista sprawled beside her, suddenly exhausted. The endless day was catching up with her. “At least the Habadra is willing to negotiate."
“With me .” Stone sank onto the edge of one of the wide, round upholstered stools. “I think I'm going to need lessons in tradecraft. I've never paid any attention to the business."
“You have the first, most important requirement, I think, Stone.” Kallista sent a touch down her link with him. “You are determined to win."
“But you cannot let the Habadra know.” Obed paced as he offered his advice.
“How can she not know?” Stone asked. “I'll be negotiating for my son . My child."
“Sons are not important in Daryath. When they marry, they leave the Line of their birth to add their talents and seed to that of another Line. Their only importance is as...” Obed paused in his pacing to hunt words. “As trade goods. To seal alliances—or contracts—between Lines. Most Heads of Lines pay no attention to their sons and grandsons until they are old enough to send for training. Then they are sent away till their training is complete, so they are not present to be noticed."
“If that is the case,” Viyelle spoke over Obed's quiet response. “Maybe one of the women should do the negotiating."
“The message said the Habadra would deal only with Stone,” Kallista said. “With Merinda's mate. Sky's father."
“More than that.” Obed stopped beside Stone's round couch. “The method for redeeming a bondservant is written down in
That was something, anyway. Not much, but something. The conversation had dissipated the urgency of his need, his arousal fading. Kallista tossed him the loose Daryathi trousers he'd taken to wearing again, before hurriedly pulling on her tunic.
He couldn't help his disgusted huff of breath as he put them on. “We had better conclude our business in Daryath soon."
She laughed. “You mean you don't want a nice long visit with your loving family?"
He gave a derisive snort. “My family makes yours look like Powlas and the Three.” He named the legendary first ilian formed thousands of years ago by the first Godstruck naitan, famed for their love, harmony and angelic children. He'd met Kallista's parents, heard their quarrels. But they were merely ... awkward. Cold and belligerent at the same time. They didn't murder each other, or control each other with that threat.
He pulled his overrobe on over trousers and bare chest, leaving exposed the tattoos near his shoulders and around his navel. It gave him back a bit of the confidence Kallista had taken away, to show his tattoos. Very few sported as many as he had earned. “Come. The others will be wanting their baths."
“There's only Leyja and Keldrey left, I think.” Kallista shoved her feet into lightweight slippers and pulled her tunic hem down over her trousers.
“Two more who won't be getting any sex till we leave here,” Obed muttered.
Kallista playfully punched his arm. “You think the others are?"
“Joh, maybe not, but Fox? Oh yes. Aisse doesn't have your qualms, and Fox isn't one to pass up any opportunity.” Obed held the door for her to pass into the hallway.
* * * *
That same evening, a message arrived from Obed's cousin Bekaara. She had contacted the Head of Habadra Line where the servants worked, those who might be Merinda and Sky, and asked about buying out their contracts. Between veiled insults, the Habadra had stated she would negotiate only with the Adaran who claimed kinship to her servants. Apparently Habadra Line had a long-standing rivalry with Shakiri Line. Not the best news.
Other news was better. The child and his mother were apparently well, or had been when they were last seen, before the inquiry from Bekaara.
“We knew it wouldn't be easy, going into this,” Viyelle said from the sofa after the messenger had gone.
Kallista sprawled beside her, suddenly exhausted. The endless day was catching up with her. “At least the Habadra is willing to negotiate."
“With me .” Stone sank onto the edge of one of the wide, round upholstered stools. “I think I'm going to need lessons in tradecraft. I've never paid any attention to the business."
“You have the first, most important requirement, I think, Stone.” Kallista sent a touch down her link with him. “You are determined to win."
“But you cannot let the Habadra know.” Obed paced as he offered his advice.
“How can she not know?” Stone asked. “I'll be negotiating for my son . My child."
“Sons are not important in Daryath. When they marry, they leave the Line of their birth to add their talents and seed to that of another Line. Their only importance is as...” Obed paused in his pacing to hunt words. “As trade goods. To seal alliances—or contracts—between Lines. Most Heads of Lines pay no attention to their sons and grandsons until they are old enough to send for training. Then they are sent away till their training is complete, so they are not present to be noticed."
“If that is the case,” Viyelle spoke over Obed's quiet response. “Maybe one of the women should do the negotiating."
“The message said the Habadra would deal only with Stone,” Kallista said. “With Merinda's mate. Sky's father."
“More than that.” Obed stopped beside Stone's round couch. “The method for redeeming a bondservant is written down in
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