The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

While I considered my response, however, his smile widened.

You can have me, he said.

I worried, for the briefest of instants, that I would find the thought tempting. I neednt have worried; all I felt was revulsion. Thank you, but no.

He ducked his eyes in a parody of polite embarrassment. I understand. Im just the human shell, and you want something more. I dont blame you. But And here he glanced up at me through his lashes. Never mind bully; what lurked in his face was evil, pure and plain. Here was the sadistic glee that had gloried in my terror that first night, all the more disturbing because this time it was sane. This version of Nahadoth gave truth to the priests warning tales and childrens fears of the dark.

And I did not like being alone in the room with him. Not one bit.

You do realize, he drawled, that you can never have him? Not that way. Your weak mortal mind and flesh would shatter like eggshells under the onslaught of his power. There wouldnt be enough left of you to send home to Darr.

I folded my arms and gazed pointedly at the corridor beyond Sciminas couch-throne. If she kept me waiting much longer I was going to leave.

Me, though Abruptly he was on his feet and across the room and entirely too close. Startled, I lost my pose of indifference and tried to face him and stumble back all at once. I was too slow; he caught me by the arms. I had not realized until then how very big he was, taller than me by more than a head and well-muscled. In his night form I barely noticed his body; now I was very, very aware of it, and all the danger that it posed.

He demonstrated this by spinning me around and pinning me again from behind. At this I struggled, but his fingers tightened on my arms until I cried out, my eyes watering from the pain. When I stopped struggling, his grip eased.

I can give you a taste of him, he whispered in my ear. His breath was hot on my neck; all over my body my skin crawled. I could ride you all day

Let go of me right now. I gritted the command through my teeth and prayed it would work.

His hands released me, but he did not move away. I danced away instead, and hated myself for it when I turned to face his smile. It was cold, that smile, which made the whole situation somehow worse. He wanted meI could see that plainly enough nowbut sex was the least of it. My fear and disgust pleased him, as had my pain when hed bruised my arms.

And worst of all, I saw him relish the moment when I realized he had not lied. I had forgotten: night was the time not just of seducers but rapists; not just passion but violence. This creature was my taste of the Nightlord. Bright Itempas help me if I were ever insane enough to want more.

Naha. Sciminas voice made me jump and spin. She stood beside the couch, one hand on her hip, smiling at me. How long had she been there, watching? Youre being rude to my guest. Im sorry, Cousin; I should have shortened his leash.

I was feeling anything but gracious. I havent the patience for these games, Scimina, I snapped, too angry and, yes, frightened to be tactful. State your business and lets be done.

Scimina lifted an eyebrow, amused by my rudeness. She smiled over at Nahadothno, Naha, I decided. The gods name did not fit this creature. He went to stand beside her, his back to me. She grazed the knuckles of one hand along his nearer arm and smiled. Made your heart race a bit, did he? Our Naha can have that effect on the inexperienced. Youre welcome to borrow him, by the way. As youve seen, hes nothing if not exciting.

I ignored thisbut I did not miss the way Naha looked at her, beyond her line of sight. She was a fool to take that thing into her bed.

And I was a fool to keep standing there. Good day, Scimina.

I thought you might be interested in a rumor I heard, Scimina said to my back. It concerns your homeland.

I paused, Ras Onchis warning suddenly ringing in my mind.

Your promotion has won your land new enemies, Cousin. Some of Darrs neighbors find you more threatening than even Relad or I. I suppose thats understandablewe were born to this, and have no antiquated ethnic loyalties.

I turned back, slowly. You are Amn.

But Amn superiority is accepted the world over; there is nothing surprising about us. You, however, are from a race that has never been more than savages, no matter how prettily we dress you.

I could not ask her outright about the war petition. But perhapsWhat are you saying? That someone may attack Darr simply because Ive been claimed by the Arameri?

No. Im saying someone may attack Darr because you still think like a Darren, though you now have access to Arameri power.

My order to my assigned nations, I realized. So that was the excuse she meant to use. I had forced them to resume trade with Darr. Of course it would be seen as favoritismand those who saw it as such would be completely right. How could I not help my people with my new power and wealth? What kind of woman would I be if I thought only of myself?