"I had never considered that, Great Sio." Gay hesitated and then continued. "The reasoning is sound. Trade is the life blood of Prowd."
"Very well, let it be so. But do not try to leave without paying the guard tax. Your bodies will not like the consequences."
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
Another of the merchants asked, "Will you allow others of us to pay the guard tax after selling our merchandise, Great Sio? That would make it much more desirable to trade with Prowd."
"What say you, Gaysha?"
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
"You will pay the entry fee regardless of whether or not you intend to enter Prowd again. Consider yourself lucky that I do not confiscate your goods and send you naked from my city.”
“As you command, Great Sio,” responded the merchant and he bowed low. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
Gaysha turned to the chieftain. “Great Sio, this is a common ruse. Western caravans circle to the north and enter Prowd from the east, thus avoiding the guard payment that was created to pay soldiers for protection. This man believes you to be unaware of the ruse." #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
“We must have missed the taxer,” the merchant answered in a stuttering manner. “With all the recent changes…” He sputtered to a halt.
“You circled to the northeast, did you not?”
Beads of sweat broke out on the merchant’s face. “We lost our way.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
“What say you, Gaysha?” the Great Sio asked. “Shall we help these poor merchants?”
“May I ask a question of this man?”
“Ask.”
Gaysha directed her attention to the merchant. “Did you pay the guard fee when you entered the land of Prowd?”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
“Sit here, Gaysha.” The Great Sio pointed to the edge of the dais. Gaysha rose and sat on the dais, twisting her body slightly so she could keep her eyes on the Great Sio. “This trader is having problems with bandits from the hills. Listen to him.” #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
“Come.”
Obediently Gaysha approached the Great Sio, kneeled at the edge of the dais, and bent her head to the tile. The merchant who had been speaking scowled at the girl, until he noticed the Great Sio glaring at him, and then he paled and backpedaled away.
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
Trying to control her trembling fingers, Gay fumbled with the prong and her leggings, and then she padded down the palace hallways. When she reached the arched entrance to the throne room she paused, took a breath, and fixed a smile on her face. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
Her heart pounding, Gay followed Bliss to the chieftain’s bedchamber which had formerly been her father’s. That night she was treated to pleasures she had never imagined, and the next morning she woke, her body sore but satisfied. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
The chieftain distracted himself from the thought of the Xavin by teaching Gaysha all the ways the Qrim liked to kiss. The lessons were exciting, and she was eager to learn more, for before the coming of the Qrim the royal women of Prowd had been cloistered. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
He fell into a brooding silence.
Gay waited until his frown eased, and then she asked, “Who are the Xavin, Great Sio?”
His frown returned, and he sighed. “They are a numerous people far to the north. My people did not pass this way by choice, Gaysha." #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
Later they lay on his cloak beside the brook and listened to the murmur of the water.
“May I speak, Great Sio?” she asked.
“From this day forward, you may speak whenever you wish. Within reason, just as any of my people speak within reason.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
He did not tolerate disobedience, but as long as the Prowd people remembered that, Gay thought they could learn to like their tall, black haired ruler. She was beginning to like him. When they drew close, he pulled her to him and kissed her. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
Gay felt at ease, and she laughed with her chieftain. She was enjoying the day, and she was looking forward to the ride back, so she could see more from the sky. Her chieftain did not seem as threatening as before, and she could judge his moods easier. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
He stripped his clothes off, and together they entered the water which was warmed from the hot sun.
The barbarian’s fierce demeanor eased, and he laughed often and threw water her way. Gay felt at ease, and she laughed with her chieftain. She was enjoying the day. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
A bird was saddled, and the Qrim chieftain mounted. It was Gay’s first encounter with the huge black birds, and she was terrified by their loud hisses, sharp beaks, and savage looking talons. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
“I suppose it is difficult to stop acting as a princess.”
Hot fear rose in her body, and moisture gathered in her eyes.
“Never mind. Your actions and words were correct. Perhaps you were a better princess than I had thought. Come here.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
Gaysha sucked in a startled anxious breath.
“What do you want, Sastra?”
“Why I wished to see your wonderfulness, and perhaps to steal a tidbit from your kitchen. I have heard that the Prowds make sweet cocoa pastries.”
“Then find the kitchen." #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #fantasy #newadult
“So, Sastra. You have managed to find your way to the city. How many did you stop to ask for directions? Did you use the sniffing hounds?”
Sastra grinned at him insolently. “I merely followed the smell of vanity. You reek of it.”
The Great Sio’s frown deepened.
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
When she had related her tale the Great Sio drew her apart and questioned her, point by point, about what Foolart had said.
Gaysha answered truthfully, but when she finished, she begged, “He is a fool, Great Sio, but an honest fool. Please don’t kill him.” #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
“Should I remain here? I can’t leave the palace, but I’m supposed to report what I heard in the marketplace.”
“Is it important?”
“It is by his order.”
Bliss emitted a huff. “Oh, very well. I will accompany you. I hope you are not bringing trouble on me.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
Bliss frowned. “You cannot speak to the Great Sio whenever you have a mind to.”
“It is by his order that I do so.”
The older girl’s expression eased. “He is at the stables examining the Prowd horses.”
Gay’s face scrunched in thought. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #fantasy #newadult
Fo took a menacing step toward the girl, but he paused when he saw that her companions had returned for her.
“Are you coming, Gaysha,” one asked, glaring at Fo.
“Yes.” The girls moved away, and then Gay said sadly, “I’m sorry, but I must return to the palace.” #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain
“Do not count on me to help those who conspire in this stupid endeavor. I know what is real and what is the dream of children.”
“Would you betray us?” Fo asked angrily.
“I’ve already told you. I will report your words as soon as I return to the palace.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #fantasy
“The title of the man who conquered Prowd in less than a day. You would do well to remember that day.”
Fo scowled. “It was a fluke, a stroke of luck. If we organize, we can throw the barbarians out of the city and send them on their way.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
“Don’t call me that, Foolart. My name is Gaysha, and I am a servant of the Great Sio. I warn you, I will tell him anything you say.”
“You won’t tell him,” Foolart replied confidently. “You care for your people, and you will not allow harm to come to them.”
#whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #fantasy
And then as the Great Sio had predicted, she was approached by someone she knew. It was the young man who had been chained. He had been freed, and when he saw Gaysha in the marketplace, he turned in her direction. Gay did not see him at first. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult #fantasy
Gay soon became aware of how much more she was enjoying this excursion. Arguments broke out among the girls as to which direction they should go and to which stalls they should visit, but the arguments were good natured and contributed to the fun. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
Attending market while in the company of a gaggle of girls close to her own age was different. No one gawked at her except to make sure the girls did not try to steal a grape or two. It felt much freer not to have the constant attention of the vendors. #whatsinmyshorts #theqrimchieftain #newadult
