Eidolon

I would have been content to live my life as just Brishen,” he whispered into her hair.  “Who was loved by Ildiko.

Privilege,” she said gently, “gives the crown its shine.  Duty gives it its weight.

A damsel in complete distress was a burden to her protectors; one familiar with self defence, not as much.

There’s more.” “Of course there is,” Brishen said flatly. It had started badly; it turned worse and hinted at becoming ruinous.

I’m not desperate for a child, Ildiko. I’m desperate for my wife. That’s it. No matter what you believe, you aren’t lesser. Not to me. You are all.

He didn’t stop, didn’t linger to talk or greet those who called to him or begged him to wait. His steward tripped and stumbled to his knees when he saw him. Brishen paused long enough to lift the man back up by his tunic and asked the most important question any man had ever asked of another. “Where’s my wife?

I leave my heart and my kingdom in your capable hands, wife

Ildiko tried to embrace him and frowned when he stepped out of reach, still retaining his hold on her hand. “I’m filthy, wife, and need a bath of my own.” His nostrils flared, and his voice lowered to a more guttural timbre. “Lover of thorns, but you smell good enough to eat.” She arched an eyebrow and glanced at the platters on the table. “Considering our people’s respective histories, not to mention that wolf smile when you say such a thing, I’m not sure if I should be flattered or scream for help.

She tried to imagine him as an elder Kai man, with hair turned silvery white instead of its current sloe darkness. He’d still be as handsome and regal as he was now. She chuckled under her breath, amused at the idea that she once thought him hideous. One yellow eye peered up at her. “What amuses you, wife?” The question fell away to a moan as she rubbed his scalp. “I was just thinking you are far too handsome for your own good.” “It’s the scars,” he said. “They give me a certain air.

You’re a fine man, Brishen Khaskem.” “It’s hard work remaining worthy of you, Ildiko Khaskem.” “You’ve a velvet tongue.” “That’s what you said yesterday when I had my head between your—” She shushed him with a shocked laugh. “Stop that.

I’ll sleep long and hard when I’m dead.  You defy death by celebrating life.” It

Wouldn’t it have been better to conserve your strength and rest?” Ildiko mused after a moment. “I’ll sleep long and hard when I’m dead. You defy death by celebrating life.

Brishen tried to pull her close, but she danced out his reach. “You’ll muss my hair, and Sinhue will string you up by your guts if you ruin all her hard work. I’m terrified of even sneezing in case I do something to it and suffer the same death.” Brishen scowled, his expression both exasperated and puzzled. “Just wear a hat.” She refused to dignify the ridiculous suggestion with a reply. Men.

He’s enchanted with you, I think.” “He’s annoying,” Anhuset said on a growl. “And human.” As if nothing could be more repulsive. “I’m human.” Ildiko pressed her lips together to hold back her laughter at the glare she received. “You aren’t winking at me or staring at my arse every time I walk past.” “Oh ho, you noticed that, did you?” Ildiko chose not to mention that she’d caught Anhuset eyeing Serovek’s admittedly attractive backside more than a few times in return. Anhuset gave a disgusted snort. “Brishen with both eyes patched would notice. His Lordship isn’t exactly subtle.

Want to know when I first fell a little in love with you?” “When I didn’t faint from fright after meeting Secmis?” She’d come close, practically falling into Brishen’s arms when they escaped the throne room. “That was impressive. No cowering subject before her, but no.” He tugged the blanket over her shoulder where it had fallen away. “It was when you ate the scarpatine and declared it tasted nothing like chicken.” She sniffed. “Then you’re easily impressed. I don’t think I fell in love with you just because you choked down a potato. Granted, you didn’t have to engage it in battle before you ate it.” ‘You’re hard to please.” She thumped his chest above his sternum. “I am not.” “Ouch.” He rubbed the injured spot.

She sighed. “I can’t help it. I worry for you when you lead these patrols. I don’t sleep until you return." His features softened. “Then you don’t dream of me when I’m gone,

Hello, pretty hag,” he said. “Wolf,” she teased. “You look good enough to eat.” One of his eyebrows rose. “Why is it when I tell you that, you look ready to bolt for the door?” She braced her hands on her hips. “I do not,” she said, indignant. “At least not anymore.

I’m certain I taste like a boiled potato,” she declared. He

What if I told you, I’m a sliver of a breath away from hauling you behind that barricade.” He indicated a low wall away from the crowds with a thrust of his chin. His voice thickened. “Hitching your skirts and taking you against the timbers.” “I would tell you to remember to cover my mouth so I don’t embarrass us both by screeching your name from the pleasure of it.

I wish for you to grow old with me.

I’ve always been under the assumption that death is a one-time, encompassing event.” “Why would you ever think that?

I will stand beside you through all of this,' she said when she could finally speak. “And welcome you home with gladness when it’s over, and you return triumphant.

My dear, treacherous mother,” he breathed. “What have you done?

Ildiko scowled. “Why is it that ‘there is more’ always heralds something worse instead of something better?

His rancor doesn’t change the fact I had to close the breach no matter the cost.” Brishen gazed at the human who once saved his life and called him friend. “You understand I wouldn’t have altered anything had that been you instead of Megiddo?” Serovek chuckled and batted away a demon with the back of his hand. ‘I’d hope not. I didn’t much relish the idea of being skewered, resurrected and thrown on a sham horse so I can chase demons all over the place. You ruining the entire plan because you had a fit of the vapors about sacrificing me wouldn’t endear you to me.

Prince of night,” she said, and reached out to caress the air in front of him. “Welcome back.” His rigid stance eased a fraction, and he leaned toward her, yearning rippling in every slope and bend of muscle covered by leather and mail. A smile played across his mouth. “Woman of day,” he said, and the endearment held the worship of a supplicant before a beloved deity. “I’ve missed you.

I am not a warrior.” “You were when you needed to be.

Brishen stared at Megiddo, who stared back, unflinching. "If you do this, there will be no fame or glory. No wealth or status. Not even a guarantee you'll return home alive or whole. If we're lucky, we'll come back intact, to the loved ones we fought for." Megiddo's gaze never wavered. "Why else fight?