Blood of My Brother

Untitled Part 5

Genevieve had barely finished with the clasp on Jocelyn's new coat. The seal suede had been dyed blue and the interior was lined with black wolf. The fluffy plumes spilled out the top and bottom of the knee length garment.

The blonde hair blue eyed girl was every bit human, yet she behaved so much like a Joutone cub. She feared nothing and no one despite all her peers being nearly twice her size already. Of course with her father being the most feared warrior on all the islands, there was not much to worry about.

Genie pulled her cloak on. The vivid red stood out in the chilly morning mist. It hid most of her shapely frame, but not her height. She was taller than every human on the island. Most women were. Her height coupled with her rank made her nearly unapproachable to most humans. She was simply intimidating, even without effort.

When her seamstress said a human merchant wanted to meet with her, the draw was just too irresistible. It was easy to disguise a meeting like this with a visit to her old friend and most trusted merchant. She found Avarr outside the door, just as expected. He was already standing guard, both to ward off any clients while his queen was in there and to listen for any harm or risk should this meeting turn bad.

She peeled off her cloak just inside the door, revealing her regal black pelt. She was the color of a panther and incredibly beautiful. Her perky nose and pouty lips stood out but not as much as her obsidian eyes. Of course a warrior like Mavis would have a trophy to outweigh them all. At her feet a beautiful human girl who could not be more than five.

As soon as the little sprite escaped her coat she dashed for the seamstress; was scooped up for a snuggle and plopped down for a snack from the healthy spread on the table.

Genie was already off put by the preacher's choice in guard. "Your hired escort is not welcomed here. You could not find a man to accompany you to the festivities?"

Jean stood and bowed, his hand out stretched waiting patiently for her to offer her own. Although hesitant at first she did oblige him, and the moment the balding pastor planted a kiss on her hand she sat; now intrigued by his charm and etiquette.

"Please, forgive me Madam Highness. I understand you are of the mindset that female warriors are unbecoming. While I do not agree nor disagree with your position on the matter, Chey has already proven herself to be far more valuable than the wage I have paid her."

Genie scoffed, "You think she is here for wage? You are being played for a fool." She then snapped at Chey, "Does my husband know you are here?"

"He welcomed me himself at the beach. He is toying with you, is he not?" Chey abandoned the wall and leaned on the table, dropping her lip seductively as her eyes raked Genie's curvy form, "Should you ever want to teach him a lesson I will be yours to command." Genie growled a deadly warning to which Chey backed off and resumed her post boosting a smug grin.

This was going downhill fast and Beatrice wanted those scrolls. She reached for the queen's hand. "Genevieve, the preacher has come to ask you a favor. I beg you grant him your ear. He has blessed my business, and it is already flourishing in the wake of his presence. He wants to share in his wisdom, and bless the humans."

The only time her human villagers seem to be called upon is when their expertise is needed. The majority of them felt used and undervalued at best. It was Genie's goal since taking the thrown to blend the cultures and make all of her subjects comfortable in their homes.

It wasn't that her own daughter was human, it was that she was from a clan where humans worshipped the Joutone, revered them even. "What is it you wish to do?"