The answer is clear, but gods, I really want to char his flesh.
“I don’t belong to you,” I say slowly.
He grins, clearly pleased when I fold my arms. “My little love, you are wearing a collar. Your flesh-eating lover knows he can’t steal you away again. Don’t you realize that is why he hasn’t come to rescue you yet?”
I tighten my fists and clamp my mouth shut. Explaining what I feel would only put him on alert for Teo, or my plans of escape. The best course of action is to look hopeless.
It works.
“Now, I need to take you back to the cottage. Are you finished flexing your magic?” Rholker asks.
I let out a long breath, loosening my grip on the light. “Yes.”
“That’s it. Why don’t you keep the book? Think of it as a present,” Rholker says, turning to my chains he’s wrapped around an armrest.
I clutch the tome to my chest, but don’t answer as I stand.
Rholker finishes unchaining me just as Regent Uvog walks in.
The heavily scarred giant is larger than I remember, and his dark hair hangs around his scowling face. The sound of swamp insects fills my ears.
“My King,” Lord Uvog says, not even sparing me a glance.
“What now?” Rholker says, turning away from me.
My eyes go back to the book. I take a deep breath.
“Shaman King Braareg is demanding that he be admitted to speak with you at last,” Uvog says. “I tried to restrain him, but he threatened to leave.”
“So you ambush me in the library?” Rholker says, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Heavy thuds of a weighty creature echo through the library.
The Shaman King comes into view, all moss, vines, and hand sewn leather. He has been put into proper clothing, but his green skin is a stark contrast to the pale, fleshy pinks of the giants.
“High King Rholker, you brought us here, promising an alliance your father long denied us. Do not insult us by keeping my people locked up in rooms. We are not?—”
I don’t wait for the next words, I snatch the small book Rholker was writing in off the table while they speak. Stuffing it into the folds of my dress, I wait a beat before looking up to see if anyone caught me.
Rholker holds up a hand. “We can discuss this in anappropriate place. Perhaps the throne room? I need to take this human to her cage.”
Uvog and Rhokler are absorbed in conversation about the swamp ogres’ king, but when I look up, I see Braareg isn’t looking at the giants, he’s looking at me.
My heart skips a beat, but he tilts his head down, and then my vision is invaded by a swamp. It’s a wholly unique power, one I’ve never encountered.
All images cease, and Braareg returns his attention to Rholker, who continues to speak to Uvog.
“Very well, Giant King. But do not keep me waiting if you wish for my support,” Braareg interrupts.
“Understood. Estela, come.” Rholker tugs on my leash.
“My King?—”
“Later, Uvog.”
Regent Uvog gives me a sneering look, but says nothing more as Rholker pulls me past.
My thumb spreads across the top of Rholker’s Journal. I wish I could read it tonight, but I’ll have to wait until Teo can translate it for me.
