"Aw, Kya. Our little Red has become too grown up to play with us." With asoft grunt Kya fell into the space beside me. Her soft curly brown hair bouncing as she did so. The sun-kissed freckles on her skin seemed to be glowing, paired with a cherry blush that kissed her cheeks.
"No. I just don't want one of your big behinds to land on me. Although, Mor, I wouldn't mind if yours did." He winked.
Kya and I gave each other a quick glance and grabbed the heavy pillows behind us, throwing it with such force, it knockedRed out of the chair he sat on. He rose up startled. His chestnut hair sticking out of place as he raised his hands in defence.
Kya silently giggled, her thoughts drifted to my mind."He still needs to learn manners."
"No, I don't," Red mumbled as he patted his hair down.
Kya lost her voice on the same day she and Red lost their parents. They had no other family or inheritance. It was the most unfortunate situation to land them in the hands of Madamde Trix'spleasure house. The matron had taken a special liking to Kya, she looked as innocent as a doe. With the beauty of an angel and the submissive silence most men want. The matron had handed Kya to her best courtesans to train her until she was old enough. She had been old enough four years ago. I'd been paying the matron rather handsomely to keep the unwanted men away. Every bit of coin I had earned in the arena went towards Kya whenever I was back in Merlanis.
Well, not all coins. Unconsciously Red traced the light serpent brand on his wrist. The brand that every courtesan had in Madam de Trix's brothel to symbolise who they belonged to. The remainder of coins that I kept aside was for their freedom. One day, they're going to be free. Free to do whatever they want.
"Tell me, does Ezra still fawn over you?"Kya's voice erupted in my mind. The heat in my cheeks was prominent, but I playfully pushed her away.
"Of course not. Ezra is Ezra. He has his fair share of women," I spoke while plucking a green grape from the porcelain bowl that laid on the desk next to the bed.
"Of course he's just her friend. Ezra has the brain of a mule. You know what they say about fair haired boys. You should set your sights on me instead. I've been saving myself for you and only y—" The grape that was in my hand, landed into Red's mouth mid-speaking. He choked dramatically, heaving and sputtering.
"He says he's been saving himself, when in fact, he forgets to speak when any maiden approaches him."Kya laughed into my mind. I laughed with her. One would think, Kya was goddess blessed due to her telepathy. Her power to communicate to one through the mind, Kya did not share this information with the Matron or anyone else except for Red and I. There wouldn’t have been any other reason to keep it a secret except for the fact that goddess blessed folk are seen as freaks, shunned upon their very existence.
"If I had died you'd miss me, you would have wished you'd taken up my offer," he mumbled.
"Oh, I'm sure you'd be impeccable in bed." I rolled my eyes.
"I've been learning." His face reddened.
Kya reached for something behind her pillow. I had thought it would be something more lethal to throw at her brother but instead a golden parchment shone.
"Madam de Trix handed this out to everyone in the building. All the courtesans will be there for the show, Mor. We're finally going to see you do what you do best!"Kya squealed and waved the flyer in my face. I snatched it from her hand and read it.
THE GODDESS BLESSED ARENA
Behold Fala's arena warriors.
The finest gladiators of all myths come true!
Witness the aftermath of battles between warriors and dark creatures that haunt our forests.
After the breath-taking performance in Abdera, this performance is irrefutable to be missed.
From the best of courtesans to the best of high-quality wine from the west.
When the full moon of the month is at its peak, the show shall commence!
Formal News Letter on behalf of Councillor Kugelman of Celast
May the Lord of Merlanis prosper
The golden flyer served as an inner warning bell in my mind. Red and Kya looked at me sceptically. "Is something wrong Mor? I thought you'd be happy we'd be able to see you perform," he asked.
"The newsletters and invitations are usually green," I murmured.
"It's a special occasion. They mentioned a guest." Red smiled. I looked into Kya's eyes, who seemed uncertain of my change in mood.
"Of course I'm happy you guys will be there. It will be an honour to have you come watch." I smiled and brought Kya in for a hug. A loud crash suddenly came from downstairs. "Oi, boy! Come pick me up." Red sighed heavily and got up from his seat.
"This is the fourth time today, Mister Desmond! Slow down on those liquorice pints!"
