Read Online Amazon Companion by Robin Roseau - Free Book Online

You don't understand, and that isn't your fault. I have been begging and pleading with the councils of most of the villages along the more western reaches of Morehama for years. This latest choice was forced upon us."
    "You could agree you have outlived your usefulness," I said. "You could raise your own crops. You could make girlfriends the old fashioned way: by getting to know someone who joins you willingly."
    "We can not be both farmers and serve as a shield for all of Morehama. We are owned payment for what we do."
    "Perhaps Gallen's Cove does not agree."
    "And if we could let a demon or two stop by your neighborhood without risking everyone between here and there, perhaps we would. But the villages closer to the mountains all pay their tithes, and thus we have an obligation to them. But the burden should be shared."
    "I do not believe these demons exist," I said. "Nor am I convinced someone living so many days from the danger, if it does exist, should be expected to be treated the way I have been treated."
    "I agree with you," the queen said, "at least about your treatment."
    I stared at her.
    "We would much rather take volunteers," the queen explained. "In the past, that is how it was done. In the closer villages, girls compete for the privilege."
    "Then take them!" I spat.
    "We cannot. If we did, there would be no more villages, as there would be no women giving birth to more villagers."
    "Give birth yourself," I suggested. "As I understand it, you cannot have men here, but you can travel to the men. They are only a village away."
    She sighed. "That is impossible. I will not explain why at this time. I wish it were possible. I would have loved to have been a mother, but it that is not to be."
    "Instead you are queen. That does not seem like a bad trade."
    "Would you mother give up you and your sister for responsibility of your village?"
    Of course not. I remained silent.
    I looked around the room. "May I have some of that wine now?"
    "Of course," she said. "Nori will you pour for all of us?"
    "Yes, Malora." Nori rose and poured from the other jug. She handed one glass to the queen then crossed the room to me. "Your arms are probably not working yet."
    I tried raising my hands then shook my head.
    "I'll hold it," the queen said. She moved her chair closer, taking a glass from Nori, then held it for me. I sipped. It was a good, red wine.
    "Tribute?" I asked her.
    "Tithe," she corrected. "Yes. We don't get much."
    "Rank hath its privileges?"
    "All tithe is shared equally," the queen said.
    "This was from one of my bottles," Nori said. "I have one remaining. I will fetch it if we finish this one."
    I looked at her.
    "Consider it an apology," she said. "There isn't sufficient apology for what you feel I've done to you, and you couldn't possibly accept until you fully understand. That won't be tonight. When you understand, if you ask for an apology then, you will get one."
    I nodded, not fully understanding, then turned back to the queen and looked at the glass again. She held it up and I took another drink, then leaned back. "Thank you."
    "You're welcome," she said. "So, I have a proposal for you."
    "Oh?"
    "I find you intriguing ."
    I stared at her. "What does that mean, Queen Malora?"
    "Nori knows me very well." She smiled at Nori. "I will offer this. Serve as my companion for two years. If at the end of those two years, you still wish to be returned home, I will personally escort you."
    I started to open my mouth, refusing to be her slave, but I realized that wouldn't go over well. "What does a companion do?"
    "Tend to my needs," she said. "Make my life easier. Ease my loneliness."
    I glanced at the bedchamber. The queen grew indignant. "I have never taken anyone to my bed who did not want to be there, and I wouldn't start with you!"
    "If you leave such an obvious conclusion by your casual words, it is not my fault if I ask whether the conclusion is accurate, your Majesty. What else does 'ease my loneliness'