Darkling

Theater

We toured the gardens for over an hour, and then I urged Ashtoreth to bed. She chuckled, informing me that Nyxians didn't sleep like most; taking a shorter nap at midnight and noon rather than a full block of time. She still looked tired to me so I escorted her back to their apartments, so she could sit and rest at least.

Deimos slipped in ahead while Mithra hung back. Ashtoreth took my hands in hers and drew me to face her outside the doors.

"This has been a most wonderful night, Darkling, thank you."

I smiled. "You're welcome. It was no trouble."

"Will I see you again tonight?"

"As many times as you want."

Her smile faded a little as her eyes searched mine, a solemnity entering her tone. "Darkling, I know that you are...trained, to please me. Paid for it. But if there is ever anything you simply hate doing, please let me know. I would hate to be the source of any discomfort for you."

I swallowed.

Ashtoreth's grip tightened for a moment on mine, sincerity on her face and concern in her eyes. "Can you do that for me, please? Even if all you can manage is to shake your head, I would like to know if you don't want to do something."

"I- I can do that, for you, Your Imperial Majesty."

Her smile widened again. "Thank you. And thank you again, for the lovely night. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night."

"I'll try."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Deimos came back to the doors, apparently satisfied with the safety of the rooms, so Ashtoreth slipped inside. Deimos gave me a smile and a nod as Mithra inclined his head to me, and then they were closed behind the doors and out of sight.

I bit back a sigh. Then turned to face Mistress and her interrogations. I went over it all again in my mind as I drifted down the corridors. There was nothing substantial. Bits and pieces of their culture. I doubted I would need to tell her of the face off between Ashtoreth and the king. She wouldn't care that Ashtoreth had enjoyed the gardens.

Fear turned my mouth dry when I found Mistress waiting outside her office for me. She sharply gestured inside and I hurried to get in. Her hand closed over my shoulder and shoved me down into the chair before her desk before she sat herself. I carefully took in deep, measured breaths and struggled not to squirm beneath her hard gaze.

"Tell me everything."

Swallowing, my voice squeaked as it came out. "The General suspects they are being spied on."

"Do they suspect you?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so. The Empress expressed that she wished to see me again and her lieutenants don't seem to be wary of letting me close. Mithra seems to believe there isn't anything that can be used against them even if they are being spied on." My mouth snapped shut, teeth clicking, and I prayed Mistress wouldn't press on that. I didn't want to tell her what he had said about using their families against them. The likelihood that anyone could get to their families seemed slim, but even the bluff could make them falter. The possibility, even with no proof, might shake them.

And I couldn't bear the thought of innocents being harmed because of me.

"Well if she wants to see you again you must have done something right," Mistress mused. "And everyone has a weakness. The Nyxian's are no exception." She waved a hand for me to continue. "Come on, I haven't got all morning. Don't leave out a single detail."