Sky Lord by Rowan Erlking (that summer book .txt) 📕

Standing up, the Patriarch said, “So. You are saying to me that you two do not even belong on this world.”

Jonis smiled, his eyes intent on the leader of their nation’s face. “We are saying, Your Grace, that you are not the ruler of everything. That, Majestic High One, you are merely a small time ruler under the inscrutable eyes of those above, and we know it.”

The Patriarch’s mouth fell open.

“In fact, I’ve always known it,” Jonis said. He took off his military coat, and dropped it on the ground. “So you can keep your coat. I got what I came for.”

He put his arm around Tia’s waist.

“She is mine,” the Patriarch shouted, looking ready to leap from the behind the table. “We consummated our alliance that night you came barging in.”

“Oh, what a fib!” Jonis said almost laughing. He glanced at Tia. She was glaring at the Patriarch. “You did no such thing! She knocked you out as soon as I left. And in the morning you threatened to torture her for not giving in to you.”

The Patriarch blustered. “How dare you!”

Jonis just blinked at him. “What? Are you actually asking that?”

Tia laughed watching Jonis work his natural magic of charm.

The court’s magisters ran in, both tossing salt into the air and muttering spells around them. Tia stood still, knowing that as a partial demon she could go nowhere. But Jonis stepped from the salt circle and kicked it away with a dry look at the magisters. He extended a hand to Tia. She took it and stepped out also.

“Impossible!” the Patriarch murmured, staring at him. “You are a demon!”

“I am not,” Jonis said. He winked at the Patriarch. “My ancestor never intermarried with demons. That is my advantage.”

“But your powers, your extended memory….” the Patriarch hissed angrily. “I’ve seen you use them.”

Jonis grinned, showing his perfectly white teeth. “Yes, but they are not from demon blood.”

“All our people can do what we do,” Tia said.  “I am the one at the disadvantage.”

“But not with me around,” Jonis said, grinning at her.

“You cannot have her,” the Patriarch said in a lower voice. “She is mine.”

“Really? Well she is pregnant with my child, and that counts as a common law marriage,” Jonis replied. He picked up his sword, lifting it dangerously in front of him. “And Cordrils are fiercely protective of their mates.”

The Patriarch stared from Tia to Jonis. Tia was holding on to the hunter’s other hand, determined to stay with him. Her glare was set. Drawing in a breath, the Patriarch sat back down. “So be it.”

Jonis lowered his sword good-naturedly. He bowed to the Patriarch. “That will be all then.”

He clenched Tia’s arm and dragged her past the people to the right hand door. Everyone watched Jonis march out of the room as if he owned the place. Only Tia shook her head at him, following his steps as they entered into the side hall. Once out of sight, the crowd burst into gossip.

The Patriarch clenched his forehead as if he had a terrible headache.

“Jonis Macoy, you little liar,” Tia hissed at him as soon as they were down the hall. “We never did anything to make me pregnant. I had only kissed you.”

Jonis laughed, pulling her along. She knew his thoughts. They were heading towards the kitchen. Danslik air had clearly made him hungry. “Well, that can be rectified shortly. We can pick a room. I’m sure the Patriarch would oblige.”

She glared at him, but did not really mean it. “Don’t talk nonsense. You may push him around with all your posturing, but you don’t fool me. You don’t want to stay here any longer than I do.”

“Ah!” He smiled, reaching the kitchen door. “But necessity dictates that we fill our stomachs. Besides, don’t pretend you don’t want to make our marriage legal. I think a good ceremony in front of the Patriarch of Brein Amon would prevent any other attempts to keep you for himself. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Tia folded her arms. “And you don’t think he would try something after that? He is not to be trusted. I’ve seen what is in his head and what he is capable of.”

Jonis touched her hand. “Show me.”

Closing her eyes, she passed on the memory. Jonis’s expression changed from sly confidence to grim understanding.

“I see.” He turned and rushed over to call for a cook. “Get me a sandwich! I need one quick!”

Tia followed him in. The servants obeyed Jonis as if it were his home and not the Patriarch’s. They swiftly made two large sandwiches, wrapping them then handing them both to Jonis. Tucking them under his arm, he climbed onto a counter then opened the small window above it.

Extending a hand to Tia, he said, “Come on. A change of plans. How about we elope? I know a great mountain resort we can stay at for a while until the Patriarch gets over himself.”

Taking his hand, she knew he really meant it. “Alright then. You lead.”

He smiled at her. “Maybe we can really start a family. Have six or seven kids?”

Chuckling, Tia shook her head. “Only that many?”

The cooking staff just watched him help Tia out onto the roof. He climbed up, giving the staff his characteristic smile. When he had gone, they let out a breath of relief.

Rumors had it that the Cordril hunter had stolen an airplane, hauling a bag full of gold and laughing with a gifted Sky Child. That was only half true. He had paid for it. The owner pocketed the fist full of gold then later claimed the aircraft was stolen. The rest was entirely true.

And though the Patriarch did put a price on his head, he knew Jonis would return one day, and he only hoped it wasn’t too soon.

Publication Date: 02-21-2018

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