and the sound of their wings lending him peace as he felt his body relax. He had been in Tuli's residence for two days now and the prince had not summoned him. He shrugged. H

g a long gown that hugged her full figure, her brown eyes glittering with playfulness and health, her full lips, painted black to compliment her

ing to scowl a rock into submission, eh?" She said and laughed. He chuckl

aren't you?" She asked, fr

ng of me, something terrible, something I might not want to do and truth is, after tasting this life, I'd probably do

asually observing the flowers, not even pretending that he'd seen them. Zamu frowned, inhaling deeply and walked to him, clenching his fists to give him some sort of anchor for what he was about to say. The man exuded an air of superiority and confidence that made everythi

obably wondering what I require from you, no?" He asked and Zamu gaped at him, surprised, taken aback by the fact that the man had read him so thoroughly.

a pattern, a repetition. Now, you ask what I require? It's simple. I would like to train you to guard me." He said and smiled, clearly

ecent offer, is it not?" He asked

nothing else." She

if he serves well, I can petition father to extend his lifespan. My father will be infuriated at me for claiming a

ou....forever?" He asked and Tuli w

r fancy. You are different now, important. You have to embrace it. Also, you'll have more free t

ked and he raised his e

me?" She asked and Tuli sh

tter henceforth. But tell me. Is there anything special

in fear and weakness. I want to be strong, powerful." She said and

rotect me forever like I'm some fragile

amu. "So, what do you say, frie

of his labors in the Shandar mines, of his mother and the stench and poverty. He looke

to be your bodyguard." He said. Tuli no

Ah, it's not flattery. I mean it." He said and turned to leave. He sto

a baggy, brown trousers that was pulled down low just above his crotch, revealing a flawless, lean body with a birthmark in the shape of a snake biting it's

improving. None of your guards spotted me." He said an

asual arrogance in the posture of the young man, the relaxed pose that hid a warrior's speed a

" He asked. The man turned on Tul

d and Zamu felt all his awe replaced b

ster, Ah....Razu, I think? Sorry if I got it wrong." He said and gave an apologeti

her?" He asked and Zamu hissed. Mmuo

would ask about you? You know that I could take your sister and nothin

s such, very important. Now, cool your tongue." He said and Tuli frowned, turning to look at Zamu with a surprise that was quickly masked.

uerades and formless priests have broken through. Elek has taken the lowland pass and is there with fifty thousand men. Father will su

ifferent. Do not fret, brother. Have you recovered?" He asked and raised an eyebrow. Their father's punishments alw

ourself for battle." He said and a