The LEVELER King ✔

BOOK 2: CHAPTER 10

10

Indel's body burned.

Another groomer brought more sticky roots to rub along his arms.

Hunched over, Indel brushed them back. "Do not touch me!"

It had been cycles since he'd felt such discomfort. He'd thought the very worst was the day he'd met Nala, but today rivaled even then.

Every part of him ached. There was no moisture. He considered he should return to the lagoon below them lest he continue to writhe in pain.

The next hand to touch him did so with force.

Indel nearly flopped over. He sat up, his long black hair hanging in his face.

Bowl with more sticky root in hand, Nala knelt before him. She said not a word, only wore a pleasant expression as she took a good portion and smeared it along Indel's body.

Indel sneezed and twitched. It rattled him for a moment. He sneezed again, and again until Nala caught hold of his face and said, "My sweet king, I apologize."

Mouth agape, Indel stared at her. "So I am no longer your Mana? I do not really care. You shouldn't have come back. You should leave."

Nala gave no answer. She continued with her task and Indel let her.

Without saying another word, Nala brushed the robe from Indel's shoulders and rubbed the mashed roots from his face down to his loins and legs.

Indel lost his venom with each stroke but bitterness remained by the end of it. If not for Nala, he wouldn't even need the moisture. Nala's departure shouldn't have upset him this much.

For the rest of the day, Indel found it difficult to explain Nala's behavior. When the queen arrived to discuss their agreement, Nala bowed to her along with the other Summoners and lower-stage Levelers.

As the day progressed and it was time to eat and start in another pitiful attempt at mating, Nala disappeared in with the other servants. Indel had his misgivings. He didn't even feel pride when Citel complimented Nala's new agreeable disposition.

The meal was one of Nala's specialties and Indel was filled with wonder when he saw it.

Even Sessel looked smug.

It was that reason alone why Indel grabbed Nala by the arm and brought her outside the spacious room and into the narrow hall.

He opened Nala's robe, ignoring the Summoner's protest, and turned her around. No new lash marks. Other than the coarse skin where the others had healed, he could see nothing more.

Nala caught hold of Indel's hands and turned in his hold.

"What is it, my king?"

The words sounded even and true; Indel hated them all the same.

"Call me Mana," he demanded.

Nala stared at him and shook her head. "I cannot do that. Tonight your queen will call you that."

It was proper conduct. What Nala said was the proper way but Indel worried.

"I do not understand what has happened. In the morn you set to leave. You did leave."

Nala's surprised expression faded to one of sorrow. "I did leave. I thought to leave, Ma...my king. I wanted to leave because I did not understand. But I know now, I understand it. I am your favored."

"You were...yes," Indel agreed, staying on guard.

Smiling solemnly, Nala said again. "I am your favored. And tonight I will show you what gentleness I can. My task is important."