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

I experienced. Soft and petite, just as you would expect from such a creature. It was a perfect tune. But then again, perfect for whom? Perfect for you or perfect for me? Perfection belongs to only those who seek it. You know, Jaymes, like you, I once cherished a life in which I had passion, power, prestige, and purpose. That day is long gone, however. I now seek perfection. I know it is imperfect in every way to do so, but I have lost everything else. Perfection is the only thing left for me, and there is no practical way for me to explain myself to you. Jaymes…” I pause to ensure I have her attention. “…if you do not obey, I will see to it your brother suffers the consequences alongside you.”

She remains silent. Her thoughts are walled off. And her amber eyes fail to give away any sign of emotion. Ellia is certainly molding this one out of her own cast. Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out if it is a soldier or an explosive. She’s undeserving of either. Although her talent is remarkable, I chose incorrectly. And now she is a pawn in my game of balance.

It’s a pity Ellia cut out her tongue. She is quite a young beauty, but a lady without a tongue of her own is rather dull. That lisp just isn’t as eloquent as the confident voice she arrived with.

“Please nod if you understand what I’m saying.” I’ll avoid having her speak if I can.

Jaymes gives the smallest portion of a head movement that most wouldn’t recognize as a nod, but she does as requested. Bare minimum. Fear only works on those that allow it. She is not one of them. Not anymore.

“I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but your brother, Stone, is here, Jaymes. He is here, and he is making a feeble attempt at spying on you. And me.”She remains still. So, she knew. Or has Ellia’s training taken her this far? “Spying isn’t the right word. A spy is typically used for deceit and betrayal. That is not what he’s doing. He is…he’s seeking knowledge. He’s studying us.”

Jaymes’s eyes give away some information. She is excited by this. She’s happy her brother is looking for her. I can use this.

“But like I said, it is a very feeble attempt. As if it’s an obligation. He’s made a life of his own in this city and has nearly all but forgotten you. He met a girl.” I pause for a reaction. Nothing. “In fact, I know her very well. We have a history together. She’s a lovely young girl. Her name is Astor.”

There it is. Jaymes remains still, but the agitation is noticeable. She clenches her jaw and grinds her teeth.

“Do you recall her?” She does. There’s a stretch of season between them, but they’ve acquainted. And she isn’t fond of her. At least that is my interpretation from what Astor has mentioned. “Stone is happy. He seems to have forgotten about all his troubles while with her. They even plan to share a leisurely evening at the Ironball match. He seems to have found a new life. He almost seems…happy.”

“So, it’s true then? Astor is another one of your pawns. A spy.”

A faint curl forms on my lips. “It is all just a game, isn’t it? I would agree. And I must admit, I’m growing rather tired of it.” But you’re not worthy of replacing me. Your brother, perhaps.

A sudden knocking infiltrates my chamber. I need to utilize the guard. The interruptions are intolerable.

“Come in,” I command.

“Sir.” The Shadow intrudes, opening the door wide enough for her to squeeze through, but she comes no farther than one step into the room. Her brow raises subtly as she sees who I’m entertaining. “Am I interrupting?”

“Yes. You are. You are interrupting, Ellia. What is it?”

“My apologies, sir. I will come back,” Ellia says.

I know she isn’t sorry, but she’s rather good at acting the part.

“Please do so,” I reply with a dry anger in my tone. I wasn’t always so fixated on etiquette and perfection. It is a lifetime of tolerating subpar behavior from all those around me that has driven me to this. I wish I could surround myself with only those who would make me a better person, but at this point, the idea is, I hate to think it, impossible. Maybe it’s me. Maybe it’s them, but I lean toward the latter. “Ellia, wait.”

Just as the door is about to click shut, it pauses and creaks open. Ellia pokes her head through, standing in the doorway without fully entering my chamber. “Yes, sir?” she replies dutifully.

“Ellia, I have a task for you. One you might find rather entertaining.” I put my hand up to gesture for her to come in and wait while I finish with Jaymes. She enters the room, shuts the door behind her, and waits attentively right beside the door.

“Jaymes, remember what I said about Stone. As you know, I’m capable of some intolerable acts myself, so do as you’re instructed and we’ll get through this ridiculous game we’re engaged in, in which we are all pawns.” I stand. Jaymes follows suit without me having to command it. I feel a bit of gratitude toward her. “And, Jaymes, you are my next move. You can find me tomorrow evening in your usual spot.” I gesture to the sun patio outside my chamber. “Now, please see yourself out.” And I point to the exit. When the door clicks behind her, Ellia approaches.

The following day, I wait at the entrance of my lesson chamber as the students fill in. As each student approaches from down the corridor—once they realize they are within my line of vision—a smile fades and they walk tall with hands by