Storm and Steel by Jon Sprunk Read Free Book Online Page B

he hadn't had the heart to tell her they were an affection of the elite class of the fallen Nimean Empire, not something modern Arnossi used in their homes. Although their padded tops were comfortable to lie on, the odd position made it difficult to eat or drink without making a mess or choking.
    Byleth smiled as her guests got settled. “My cooks have been busy with a special surprise for tonight.”
    â€œThat's very kind, Your Excellence,” Horace said. “I have the latest reports from Erugash. There aren't any new developments on the Chapter House attack, but I've ordered a complete inquiry.”
    Byleth placed a hand on his arm. “I've seen the reports, Horace. Please, be at ease tonight. Our duties can wait until tomorrow, yes?”
    She clapped her hands once, and a dozen servants in fine dress entered carrying covered silver platters. These platters were set down on the table and the covers removed all at once to reveal an exotic selection of foods. Horace leaned forward for a better look. One dish was lined with rows of quail, stuffed and roasted in a glaze. Another was piled with slabs of grilled meat that looked like Arnossi beef, but he found it hard to believe. There were also two soup bowls, fresh bread slathered in melted butter and honey, and other wonderful foods. The smells were divine. Before Horace said anything, the servants began loading his plate with choice selections from each platter.
    â€œI hope you like it,” Byleth said as she accepted a filled wine glass from a handmaiden. “I went to great lengths to obtain the finest delicacies of your homeland.”
    â€œThis is…extraordinary.”
    He smiled and made a show of trying everything, even the tortoise eggs, which he really didn't care for. The other guests ate more selectively. As they picked at the unfamiliar food, it reminded Horace of when he had first arrived in this country and how alien everything had seemed.
    The queen raised her glass. “To our continued friendship. May it ever grow closer.”
    Everyone drank to the toast. Horace hesitated a moment before he sipped from his cup. While his closeness with Alyra had entered a strange, uncertain place since the Tammuris , his relationship with the queen had flourished. Not too hard to guess why. I saved her life, twice, and brought down her enemies.
    As a slave girl passed, the queen reached out to stop her. “Lord Horace, I believe you've already met my newest acquisition.”
    She pulled the girl by the wrist to stand before them, and Horace realized he had met her. She was the slave who had bathed him down in the hot springs. Her pale skin glowed almost translucent in the candlelight, contrasting sharply with her long chestnut hair. “This is Kelcia. She's from Hestria, which borders Arnos, if I'm not mistaken.”
    Horace dried his lips with a cloth napkin. “You are correct, Excellence.”
    He kept his face impassive, as if they were discussing the weather instead of a person made into property. He also avoided looking directly into the slave's eyes, even as the queen stroked the girl like a prized pet.
    â€œWell, I had to replace Alyra,” Byleth said, gazing up at the slave with a smile. “And this one is quite talented.”
    With a wink, she dismissed the girl. “I adore the hot baths at this house. Especially when the weather turns cold. I wish I could spend all winter here. Tell me, have your rooms been warm enough…at night?”
    â€œQuite warm enough, Excellence.”
    She reached out and touched his wrist. Just a light touch, but it sent a jolt up his arm and set his heart to beating faster. “I forget that you are accustomed to the cold. You must find us hot-blooded, eh?”
    â€œWell, I certainly understand why your people wear less clothing than us. And I've come to appreciate the balmy climate, I must admit.”
    â€œI've heard that the women of Arnos cover their entire bodies