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

“My next protégé, you say? Is she worthy of being the Shadow? Has she been through the rigorous tests you’ve endured to become who you are?”

The Shadow? Does she really think me worthy of that role? Do I even want that role? I’m on a mission to kill the man. It would put me closer to him, certainly. And it could reveal his deepest secrets. Like why he’s searching for a Hybreed. And how he was involved with the death of my parents. What a heavy weight to carry, being the Shadow. But that moment is too far off to brood on.

“Not entirely, sir. I don’t intend on leaving you so quickly. We have time yet to rid her of her heart and soul.”

I need to see her eyes, or rather her eye. There’s no doubt she’s concealing the other, even if she’s in private quarters with the Taoiseach. I need to see if she is being truthful or imposing a false confidence into the Taoiseach’s future. Not that he would believe her lies, but I would like to know. Damn, those Instincts would be handy right now. And why does she believe the Taoiseach will outlast her? She has a hazardous occupation, nonetheless, but the Taoiseach’s is no less risky. Plus, he must be three times her age. He’s just a man. Or maybe she’s planning on leaving his side for something more, or less, I suppose. But he wouldn’t just let her leave…would he? I must find out more. I poke my head above the ledge just enough for my eyes to peer over it.

I don’t see the Taoiseach, but I know he sits in his high-backed, uncomfortable ironwood chair because Ellia is standing just on the other side of his desk. My assumption is confirmed when the Taoiseach’s arm reaches to fill his glass. Dirty scotch. He offered me a sip once before. I don’t know how any man’s tongue can withstand that awful taste. It’s like drinking poison willingly.

While the Taoiseach is distracted with his drink, and somehow without looking at me, Ellia sends a glance my way. I hastily duck out of sight. How did she know I was here?

I peek back over the ledge once more. The consequences won’t be any more severe because I held my ground. For being seen, she will give me lashes and likely send me out on a mission that involves a band of immoral drunken fisherman, but I won’t be punished for staying put. If anything, she’d praise me for not backing down. So, I continue listening in on the conversation, hoping it will yet hold some value from the Taoiseach. Ellia will give me nothing.

“Yes. Well…” The Taoiseach carries on the conversation. “…we don’t need to desensitize her so much that she is cold to the touch. You’ll turn her into one of those bloodless Nocturnal Eyes if you’re not too careful. But having a reserve on hand will do us well. I will need to get to know her better. Have her meet me this evening. We will dine together.”

Nocturnal Eyes? I don’t know what that is. Maybe some form of disgusting creature that dwells in the darkest crevasses of the world. I cast it to the side. Not important.

“Taoiseach, sir? May I speak freely?” Ellia asks the Taoiseach respectfully. He is the only man I have ever seen her treat this way.

“Yes.”

“Are you certain of this? Although she no longer has a tongue to spit uncouth remarks, she is not fully trained as a lady. Her table manners have not been a priority, and they are unpleasant at best. I don’t wish for you to be offended by her offhandedness.”

“Thank you for setting the expectation. I will send Sasha to summon for her.”

“Yes, sir.”

Dinner with the Taoiseach? He knows there is more to this masquerade than simply molding another soldier for him to use at his own discretion. But what is all the masquerade for, Ellia? What are your plans for me? The thought comes, and I immediately dismiss it. It is only a distraction from my own goals.

“Here.” Ellia tosses a gown in my direction. “Put this on.”

I hold it up. My first concern is whether she’s having me dress like a lady proper or a lady of the night. It’s sort of…in between, which isn’t a bad thing. The gown is golden yellow, a little more on the burnt side than bright, and is trimmed with a dark-blue lace at the revealing neckline and around the hem. I press it to my chest. It’s above knee-length even for my petite frame. If this is Ellia’s dress, then I would argue it is a little too revealing on her.

I turn my back to Ellia and disrobe. As I pull the dress over my head, my hand maiden, Nayettѐ, assists me in getting it positioned correctly. She gives it a solid tug at the hem to ensure it’s in place, then spins me and laces up the blue ribbon in back. Another spin so I’m facing her, and she adjusts my breasts, giving them a nudge and a tuck. It’s a little tight around the ribs, but I think that’s how it’s supposed to fit. I look at myself in the full-length mirror, and a smile slips through. I bite my inner lip to make it go away. Those feelings don’t benefit me anymore.

“It looks good on you.” Ellia shares a compliment followed by a spiteful remark. “Your bosom doesn’t fill it the way it’s intended, and your hips are lacking in curves, but it’ll impress.”

My bosom doesn’t fill it? Is it supposed to be tighter than this?

“Your actions won’t go unpunished today. Don’t think you’re out of this free and clear. Sasha will be on