The LEVELER King ✔

BOOK 2: CHAPTER 7

Nala covered her mouth, but not soon enough. Indel stared down at her, surprised. That noise. That sound resembled that of someone injured. It was a cry, a sudden wail of panic.

The Summoner cast one weary glance at Sessel then twisted free from Indel with so much composure he nearly believed her.

"I—I'd love to tarry with the queen a bit longer, Mana."

Indel observed her then glanced at Sessel to see the helpful smile.

Finally, Indel tested his theory. He nodded in agreement. "Very well."

Nala's entire posture drooped. The woeful expression creased into her face resembled that of a vera fox about to be slaughtered.

"Thank you, Mana," Nala breathed out and walked on.

Indel watched her go. Sessel did as well.

Finally, Sessel smiled and said, "In the morrors, Daga."

When the aging Leveler finally turned to leave, Indel's annoyance compounded into hate. He marched after them, second claw bare, unsure of what he'd do.

The scene unfolding before him stole some of his power.

Nala sat at the Summoner Queen's side, eyes cast low, as the queen smoothed out Nala hair.

"Come. We will drink and become friends," Citel insisted.

The guarded posture Nala wore wasn't entirely unlike her, but it was distressing.

Sessel saw Indel's return and stood in protest. "Daga. You mustn't be here—"

Indel raised his left hand to silence her. Nala picked her head up. The relief that flooded through her was unreal.

Citel was equally pleased to see him. "My lord, you've returned. Will you join—?"

"No. Please carry on."

Eventually, Indel sat with his back against the wall, feet crossed at the ankle claws, observing them.

Sessel left then returned with Nala's favorite meal. And although the surly Summoner acknowledged no one, Sessel sung her praises.

"And she's the only one who could convince him to bring sloths into the roost, despite the stench. I suppose she and they have something in common."

There was hearty laughter all around. Nala shrunk down but Indel failed to understand why. Here, Sessel was preening about her. Surely she could appreciate the aging Leveler's efforts.

Sessel talked non-stop, apologizing again and again for Indel's stage three state.

They returned to eating, however, much to the delight of the Summoner Queen.

Sitting on the floor, in a semi-circle away from Indel, they dined on the second meal. Indel, feeling no discomfort when he sat on the floor in his first stage, now, due to his stage-three body, found the stone below rather rough.

Although he enjoyed Nala's company, he decided he would be firmer in forcing the Summoner to take on a lower—safer—stage. The madness had to stop.

Especially now as Indel sat, the king in his third stage, in the presence of the Summoner Queen and her people who were all dressed tastefully in robes, in their second.

Sessel, too humiliated to even look the queen in the eye all night, worked hard with the needed preparations.

Indel hadn't met eyes with Nala for some time. He put his hand on the spot by his right often, waiting for Nala to lick her wounds and come; it was more than permissible for her to sit beside him now with the main eating had finished. Two days without physical contact was unlike her but Indel didn't dare invite her now on his own. Not in front of his guests who treated her so well.