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

upholstered with a deep crimson fabric. And there is one shallow tallow candle placed in the center of the table, emitting a dull, cambered glow over the surface of it.

As I approach the dining table, I’m grateful Ellia provided me with flats, rather than those taller, uncomfortable shoes. A lasting impression of clumsiness is the last thing I want. Stop it, Jaymes. There’s no reason to be intimidated. I am more than capable of handling myself. Focus on the moment. Focus on the end goal. Cunning. Confident. Disciplined. Seductive.

The hand maiden pulls out the chair across from the Taoiseach. He hasn’t even bothered to acknowledge my presence yet. I thought maybe the beautiful gown would take the room as I entered. I seat myself in the chair, and Sasha lifts the decanter sitting in the center of the table and offers to fill my glass.

“Please.” I accept her offer with a lisp. The Taoiseach raises an eyebrow and looks at me from under his brow.

“Jaymes.” He greets me in a deep, stern voice.

“Your Divineness,” I say politely with an airier tone than I realized I was capable of. But the words that come out are rather butchered.

“Sasha, don’t make this more awkward than it needs to be. To the kitchen please. Have them bring the first course.” He demands his handmaiden in a firm yet kind manner. She disappears with haste. “Jaymes, my apologies. When I have text in front of me it tends to drown out my surroundings. Please forgive my lack of manners. And thank you for joining me this evening. As I’m sure Ellia has informed you, I summoned for you because I believe our acquaintance has grown stale, and it is overdue for us to become more familiar with one another. You’ve been residing in my home for several months now, and I hardly know who you are. Would you agree?”

“Yes, Your Divineness.” Referring to him as someone above all the rest of mankind makes me dig my fingers into my palms.

“Please, that title is tasteless and nauseating,” he replies as if he was reading my thoughts. “Harris is fine.”

“Yes, Harris,” I reply gently without hesitation, trying to inflate my confidence.

“Ellia has praised your abilities and believes your improvement to be remarkable from the last time we spoke. Is that true?”

“Yes, sir, it is true.”

“How so?”

“I have improved my control. Control over my talents, sir. I no longer let them rule me during emotional outbursts. And Ellia has had me sitting in on courses at the Academy. She has given me several of the extracurricular assignments the students are also responsible for. She has me learning or training during every waking moment. So yes, because Ellia has instilled discipline as the number one priority and because I’ve allowed it to be the backbone of my training, I have improved all around. And…I am no longer a virgin of the blade. I have had to wipe crimson stains from it many times over.”

“I see,” the Taoiseach replies, followed by a cadenced rap on the table with his forefinger and thumb. Then, he lifts his glass of berry wine and takes a large sip.

I’m losing him already. What do I say next? Do I wait for him to speak, or am I allowed to speak freely? I’m not sure how to proceed.

The kitchen doors swing open, and the first course is served just in time to bail me out. Two young boys enter the room, each carrying a covered silver platter. They’re placed in the center of the table and the covers removed, revealing a savory and fine-smelling feast. An uncommon scenario for me anymore.

On the platter closest to me is a variety of rolls. But the further one draws my interest. A slab of seared red meat simmers in sweet-smelling sauces and spices. The meat is coiled in a circular pattern sliced in small finger-width portions. It could be some type of snake. Although, I’ve never heard of a snake having red meat. Regardless, my mouth waters.

The two servants each dish up a plate and serve us. “Seared trunk and honey rolls. Enjoy.” They both turn and retreat into the kitchen.

Trunk? Elephant trunk? I dip my finger in the sauce and stick out my nub of a tongue to lick it off. Then I proceed to put my entire finger in my mouth, sucking all the savory juices from it. The Taoiseach clears his throat forcefully and stares down at me with vexed eyes. Manners. Right.

“I apologize, sir. I forget my manners sometimes. I have many improvements still ahead of me, I must admit.” My words are hardly perceptible.

“Your tongue. I thought Ellia had it removed, yet you speak, and you are capable of enjoying the sweetness of the seared trunk.”

“Yes, sir, she did have it removed when I failed my first test. But you house a Healer within your walls. Or, rather, a Healer in training. It didn’t fully grow back. And a speech impediment lingers, as you can hear.” I hesitantly stick out my tongue once more to reveal the forked tip. “If I had peers, I’m sure I would have a surplus of nicknames by now. I’ve accepted it, though. I see it as a reminder of my failures, my successes, and my further improvement.” I reply to be dutiful, but all I want to do is dig into the food. I look to the Taoiseach for approval, and he stares back at me in disgust.

“A Healer, yes…” His eyes shift to the shadows where Sasha stands attentively. I nearly forgot she was here. “How is it I’m not aware of this? Is Ellia holding back or…” he pauses. “Or are you?”

I reply quickly and as confidently as I am capable. “I haven’t spoken around Ellia since my tongue was removed, sir. I thought it better to keep to the