On the Deep Waters

Chapter Two

"...and we certainly owe House Laine our time after everything they did for us," Alicia said. She hadn't eaten much due to how much she was talking. It seemed like there was a lot going on. "Though I think..." She glanced towards the door and lowered her voice. "...I think that Adrianna is trying to make me talk to their son."

"Ohhh, which son?" Nimah said immediately. "The eldest, the middle one, or the youngest? I heard the oldest one is..." She sat up straight and put on her best everything is serious and I'm no fun at all face. "You know what I mean?"

Alicia burst into giggles; Bo looked amused, but also like he was trying to hide being amused to avoid being rude. Solomon shrugged. "I didn't even know the Laines had three sons," he admitted.

"I didn't either," Kit said.

"They do. Phelan, Allistair, and Brom. Brom is the one she wants me to speak to," Alicia explained. "I've spoken to him before, though it's been a while."

"What's he like?" Nimah asked.

"Nothing like the rest of them, I remember that. He's very..." She glanced at Bo. "Passionate?"

"Opinionated is the word I'd use," Bo said. "Not in a bad way, but he's..."

"Got a big personality."

"Again, not a bad thing."

"Yes, that's well and good," Nimah said, "but..."

Solomon groaned quietly. "Sudani."

"Is he handsome?"

Solomon elbowed her roughly; she shoved him back. "It's an important question!" Nimah protested.

"It's all right," Alicia said quickly. She did look a bit embarrassed, though. "He's, ah...he's all right?"

Nimah had the feeling Alicia meant all right in the way of someone who hadn't found many people handsome and still wasn't sure how to feel about it. That was fine; it took some getting used to. Still, she couldn't resist teasing. "Oh no, just all right?"

"Nimah, leave her alone," Solomon said, pushing her again. "Ignore her. So, if the Laines are in town, is everyone else?"

"More or less."

"Including your aunt?"

Alicia grimaced. "Yes, including my aunt. It's been a bit...awkward really. For everyone, not just for me."

That was understating it. Lady Reardon had agreed to the peace, but Nimah imagined that things must have been uncomfortable. They must have been even more uncomfortable with the rest of the leaders of the various kingdoms around. So many of them had turned their backs on her, including Alicia's own damn grandfather. And yet now everyone had to be polite and pretend to get along. That was why Nimah wasn't cut out to be a noble or diplomat. She couldn't handle the two-faced nature of it all.

"Just stare them down and let them simmer in their shame," Solomon said. Nimah burst out laughing at the comment. The others looked just as amused. "I'm serious. They know damn well what they did. Sorry..."

"It's all right. I think I'm going to do that, actually. And hope that everyone remembers I know some dragons."

That would certainly be a friendly reminder, should anyone want to cross her again. Before Nimah could wonder how they might react to that, she saw Kit's hands moving. It took her a second to translate, but she was fairly certain he'd asked, "Do you think Eve is okay?"

"She's probably doing better in the Wilds than she would out here," Solomon replied. "No offense meant to the princess, of course. I know you would've done what you could for her if she stayed."