Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 64359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“Of course. Anything you wish is our command.”
“Anything?”
“Anything,” Aristo confirms.
I always had a bad feeling around Emrys, as if there was some terrible fate I could not possibly escape while in his presence. Something about him was almost wired into my mental state from the outset. My mind knew him and did not like or trust him. I don’t have the same feeling around Aristo and the rest of the vamps. It’s not that they’re not also terribly beautiful and wildly dangerous. It’s that they’ve become very obsequious, and that goes a long way toward settling my nerves.
“We have been preparing this place for Emrys,” Aristo says, leading me into the biggest and most ornate dwelling. There is a slightly anxious note to his tone, as if he is hoping for both my approval and Emrys’.
This building has been oriented so that it has a view of a lovely vista of volcanoes and rocks and things. They’ve furnished it with items I suspect must have been carted across space for this very purpose. A red and black carpet covers much of the flagstone style floor. There are multiple chaise-style benches and couches, beds, chairs, and tapestries hung on the walls. It is cozy, for a murderous little den.
There is a bedroom, of course, with a large bed covered in red silken sheets and very little else. It is warm on the planet, so we won’t need much in the way of blankets, I suppose. I am very grateful to have a comfortable place to stay, and to be fed. I know I can’t risk staying too long, but after the sparse furnishings of the scythkin shuttle, I’m in a mood to be pampered a little.
I am glad that Emrys already communicated the existence of a human mate, for my needs are easily met and even exceeded. Before I know it, I have floated about for a bit in a volcanic stone tub fed by hot springs channeled from the natural terrain, washed myself very thoroughly, and emerged from the bath to be wrapped in the embrace of a very fluffy towel.
“This is the life,” I mutter to myself as I pad through what is intended to be Emrys’ house. He has never set foot here, of course. If he had I would be like a mouse sensing the presence of a cat. For now, though, the place is very pleasantly Emrys free.
“What would you like to eat?” Aristo is hovering in the vestibule. He seems anxious to serve me.
“Something tasty and sweet. Nothing with meat,” I clarify. I hate the idea of accidentally consuming any of the unfortunate creatures cruelly slaughtered by these monsters.
“Very good.” He offers me a little bow. “I will be back in a moment. Please make yourself comfortable.”
I do make myself comfortable.
I make myself very comfortable.
A few hours later, I am lying on a very soft couch, popping chocolate bonbons into my mouth. I never used to know what a bonbon was, but now I know it is a chocolate sphere filled with any number of delicious sweet substances. There is a tray of at least a hundred in front of me, and I have picked my way through them.
“My queen, would you like your snacks refreshed? Can we bring you any entertainment? Or would you like to sleep? I can order the builders to cease construction so you can nap in peace?”
Aristo is back, hovering and brimming with eagerness to serve me. When they are not surging with predatory intent, they can be quite charming. I find myself actually relaxed in his presence. He is so very keen to make me happy, which is not something I’m used to.
I could get used to this — but of course I can’t afford to get used to it. It’s one thing to have Goldilocks-ed Emrys’ encampment, but it would be something else entirely to be caught in the bed. I want him to get to the ‘who has been sitting in my chair, who has been eating my porridge’ part and no further.
“I think I’d like something to wear,” I say.
“Of course. We already have all our tailors working on potential outfits. You will have your choice of several, and if you do not care for them, you will have your pick of as many as is necessary to satiate you.”
It is an interesting choice of words, satiate. Then again, valkers are a species dominated by various kinds of hungers. They are always trying to fill some part of themselves with some part of something else.
“Thank you very much.”
I decide I’ll stay long enough to get a little rest, some good nutrition, and a new set of clothes. I might also be able to pick up some information that will help me avoid getting caught once I get out of here. I’m thinking of leaving the scythkin ship behind and taking one belonging to them. I like to think that adding insult to injury is one of my finest talents.