Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“That’s because I just came up with it.” She gleams. “What do you think?”

“Well if it’s all about survival, then don’t you think you should refrain from inflicting pain upon others? Oh no! What time is it? I had four more courses to attend before that feathery beast nearly killed me. I can’t be late to Social Etiquette.”

“Don’t worry. When I heard of your accident, I informed your instructors of the incident. They’re not expecting your attendance today.”

“Why would you do that?” I shout while attempting to sit up. “Argh!” My arms, my legs, my back, it all hurts. Pain screams throughout any moving body part. I flop back onto the bed and try to remain still until the pain subsides.

“That’s why.”

“But I can’t miss any lessons,” I argue. “I’m already too far behind. That’s why I’m in the condition I am right now. What time is it?”

“Calm down, Stone. What’s changed your attitude? One day, you’re eager to get out of this city, and the next, you can’t miss a beat in your studies. What’s changed?”

“Why do I need a reason to be successful? I simply don’t like to fail. It’s embarrassing.”

“Yeah, but…” she pauses. “Your sister.”

My eyes light up. “What do you know about her? Has there been news? Did the pigeons return?”

“No.” She sits at my bedside and places a hand on my calf. “But you have to admit…your tune has changed.”

“Can you just help me out of bed? Why is my body not healing anyways?” I flip the linens off. “Where are my trousers?” I gasp and suddenly feel warm.

“Well…” she shrugs, and her fair skin flushes. “I wanted to try some of my herbal medicines. Your legs were severely injured.” She throws the linens back over me. “Madam Platina took care of the worst of it and sent you off. You were out of it and groaning in your sleep. I took the liberty of rubbing one of my salves on your legs to ease the pain. I’m unsure if it worked, however. With you being asleep and all.”

“So, you experimented on me.” I roll my eyes and sink into my pillow. “If my legs fall off, I’m going to be furious.”

“Your body is healing, by the way. If you didn’t have the talent you do, you’d be dead. You have something special, Stone. You should be free of pain soon enough.”

“I miss Jay.” I close my eyes and hide under the linens. Astor remains silent. Her scent of lavender and honey consumes my senses. I push the linens back down. “I suppose that’s why my attitude has changed. I’ve always protected her. Cared for her. And now I don’t know what to do. I don’t know where she is, and I can’t help. I am getting closer to the Taoiseach like we discussed, but I’m not learning anything about him. If anything, he’s only learning more about me. I don’t know how to break through to find his weaknesses. He has complete control of everything around him. I’m lost. And…my coursework is my fallback. Except I continue to fall. And I don’t know when I’ll hit bottom. I’m lost, Astor.”

“You’re a capable man, Stone.” She turns away and continues in a softer voice, “Your sister will turn up. I know she will.”

“You think me a man?”

Astor turns back to face me with a puzzled and alarmed expression but soon follows it up with a smile and a calming laugh. “Continue on as you are, Stone. If there is sudden change in your behavior or you disappear from Harris’ lessons without word, it will cause suspicion. If you carry on hiding within his shadow, it’ll buy you time until Goose and Jaymes reappear. Or until we get a return message from the pigeons. And in the meantime, you might as well better yourself by learning as much from or about the man as you can.”

“It’s going to be tough while incarcerated in an infirmary.”

“You always see the challenge. Try looking for the solution once in a while.” She tilts her head with a cute grin and rolls her eyes. “As you’re well aware, I’ve been through all of these courses once already. It’s been several seasons since I’ve been invested, sure, but I’m still a viable source of information. It’s decided. I’m going to be your very own personal tutor.”

“Tutor?” I’m unconvinced of the idea.

“Yes. Today’s happenstances are clear proof you need one. You could have easily corrected the flight of that bird had you properly prepared yourself. It is well trained, and I saw for myself Madam Platina’s infirmary didn’t get overpopulated today, which tells me you’re the only one with an aeronautical incident. You’re overextended, Stone. You need help.”

“I suppose it would help. But what time is there in the day for more studying? My day is already filled to the brim with six courses a day, insufficient time for meals, and even less time for sleep. The only time I have to study is during meals or right before I shut my eyes at night.”

“I have an extra cot in the closet. We can get you all the studying you require each evening before your much-needed beauty sleep. Plus, my place is more centrally located to your lessons than the inn you’re calling home. It’ll free up the time spent traveling between classes. It makes sense. What do you say?”

“What about Master Sephyre? He wouldn’t have another man roaming on his territory. He thinks himself an alpha male who has rights to all women. Especially one staying on his grounds. He’d be offended.”

“I will have a conversation with Master Sephyre. He will understand.”

She leans over me to check my injuries, and her sweet aroma fills the air around me. Her place does smell better, and it’ll