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

a treat as nauseating as this one, I let my mouth fly. “What is this? It looks disgusting.”

“Jay. That’s very rude. This isn’t an easy meal to prepare, and your mother deserves a little appreciation,” my father says, clearly appalled by my reaction to the creepy-crawling snack laid before us.

“They are shellfish, dear,” my mother interjects, trying to keep the mood calm. “They thrive in the delta where all the nutrients of the Scarlet flows. The men and women of Greenport eat them regularly. Up here in the northern forests, we don’t have the luxury of that everyday pleasure. Try some.” She hands me a tool that looks like it’s used for breaking knuckles, not eating a meal.

“I’m not eating this. They still have legs and eyes. Are you sure they’re even cooked? If this is what the people of Greenport eat, then I never want to go there.” I toss the knuckle-breaker toward the center of the table.

“Enough, Jay,” My father says. “You know your mother was born and raised in that village. Why would you so carelessly disgrace it? Apologize to your mother.”

“No!” I shout.

“What? You’re excused, Jay. See yourself to your chambers.”

“No. I’ve been trapped here with mother while Stone has been off playing in the courtyard. How come I never get to go do what I want to? Stone is always out having adventures and free to do as he pleases. And I always must help cook his meals and clean up after him. I want to do what I want to do, not what I need to do to take care of the lazy boys. I don’t want to be like mother!”

“Sweet Jay…” She voices concern. But it’s Elder’s voice I hear, not hers.

“Jay…” Elder’s voice brings me back. “Where are you?” He steps up behind me and stands next to Nayettѐ. His reflection smiles at me. When did he enter the room?

“Err…sorry.” I respond once I realize Ellia has left my quarters. I promptly look back at my own reflection to avoid eye contact and see myself this time. A relief. How long was I in my own head? “It just reminds me of someone I used to know.”

“Your mother,” he correctly adds. “You’re just as beautiful, you know.”

“No. Not my mother.” I get up and storm to the opposite side of the room.

“Err…sorry, Jay.” He rubs at his brow. “I didn’t mean to—"

Ellia steps back into the room and cuts him off. “The Taoiseach awaits.” She places a hand on my shoulder.

I press my lips tight. Did she hear me speaking?

“One more thing.” She looks me up and down. “Well, three actually,” she articulates and hands me a pair of flats that match the color of the dress.

I let out a soft breath. No. My secret still holds.

I slip them onto my feet, and as I rise, she fastens a gold necklace encrusted with an amber amulet around my neck. The necklace is beautiful. I want to give her my gratitude, but…

“It is only for the evening. It does not belong to you.”

Argh… I let my thoughts slip, and she smashes all gratitude I felt.

“And last…” She pulls out a gold barrette and, without word, demonstrates the lethality of it. She pulls on the end to reveal two dagger-like points, then promptly conceals it before fastening it into my hair.

“It’s laced with a neurotoxin, the same toxin that tips my darts. A lady can never be too careful. He might be the only man whom I hold above myself, but I always protect myself first. And so must you.”

My callous stare must say more than I intend, for she explains further. “It’s merely a precaution and a habit worth gaining. Your talents alone are lethal, but that is expected. A surprise up your sleeve can turn the tables quickly if you’re ever in need.”

A rap sounds on the door to my quarters. Nayettѐ scurries over to open it, and in steps Sasha, the Taoiseach’s mute hand maiden. I have a better appreciation for her burden now. She works under a man she despises to unlock the secrets of his world.

“The Taoiseach is ready for your company, Lady Jaymes.” Nayettѐ speaks for her.

Lady? Since when am I a lady? Maybe it’s the attire.

“Jaymes…” Ellia starts and pauses to look at me vigilantly with the one green eye she reveals to the world. “Tonight is a test. Whether or not you succeed will be based solely on your perspective. He’s feeling out your competence to see if what I believe to be true is. The outcome will be the beginning of the end of a relationship for you. Whether it be mine or his, you will get pulled in one direction and will not have a choice to look back. Is that clear?”

I give her a nod.

“And…” Ellia adds, “…know the energy of those around you is contagious. And do chew with your mouth closed.”

“It is time, Lady Jaymes. We must not keep him waiting,” Nayettѐ comments. I take Sasha’s hand, and we exit together.

Cunning. Confident. Disciplined. Seductive. These are the traits he found appealing in his Shadow. A trusting relationship with him is the only route to my success.

Sasha guides me into the dining area where the Taoiseach has already planted himself with a tall glass of red wine and some parchment in his hand. He studies it rather intensely. The setup is more intimate than I would have anticipated. An oversized chandelier lined with tallow candles hangs high above the center of the table, along with an ambient light coming from near-exhausted thunder lanterns bordering the dining hall. The charcoal, granite table, edged in an elaborately etched dark wood, is large enough to seat twelve and is accompanied by two high-back, dark wooden chairs