Goddess’s Choice Page 7

  “This is the pretext I am using.”

  Gulan went down to her knees to tie the straps of Annani’s sandals around her ankles. “You are ready, my lady.”

  “Thank you. Shall we go?”

  With quick hands, the girl twisted her own dark hair into a braid of sorts and pinned it to one side. “I am, my lady.”

  As always, Annani found Ekin at his study, poring over the large tablet he used for making schematic drawings.

  “What are you working on, Uncle?”

  Ekin straightened his back and smiled at her. “These are modifications to the irrigation system. I had a dream last night that gave me an idea how to improve it. You see…” He launched into a long explanation, pointing at this and that on his tablet.

  Annani smiled and nodded as if she understood what he was talking about, but the truth was that he had lost her after the second sentence. Ekin used too many technical terms that she was not familiar with, and he was talking too fast. The god was so smart, and his brain worked so fast, that people could not follow his explanations. Most of the time he did not bother, but for some reason, he always tried to explain the most difficult things to her.

  Perhaps he believed her to be smarter than she actually was.

  It was flattering, and Annani did not wish to change his good opinion of her, so most of the time she did her best to listen. Not today, though, she was too preoccupied and perturbed to pay attention.

  Nevertheless, Annani continued to nod and smile. Other than her and his son Toven, who was gone on one of his exploration expeditions, Ekin had no one else to share his exciting news with.

  No wonder her uncle’s social interactions were limited to bedding as many females as possible. That was the only way he could communicate with those not as smart as he.

  Naturally, Ekin had a different explanation for his philandering. He claimed that he was not mated because he had too much love in him to limit himself to one woman. He needed to spread it around and bring happiness to many.

  It sounded silly, but maybe there was some truth to it.

  After all, her father, who was utterly loyal and devoted to her mother, did not have as much love in him as his half-brother. Ahn lacked Ekin’s joy and charming personality. Perhaps he had just enough love in him to make one woman happy.

  She wondered which type her Khiann resembled more.

  Hopefully neither. Ahn was too serious and controlling, and Ekin could never be satisfied with only one woman. The god was mated to his science and in love with his inventions.

  But Ekin and Ahn were such polar opposites that perhaps Khiann could be a happy medium. Loyal, but not a stickler for the rules, devoted, but not staid, dedicated but still charming…

  “Annani!” Ekin snapped his fingers in front of her face. “Are you even paying attention?”

  “I am sorry, Uncle. But you lost me. This is too complicated for me.”

  Ekin shook his head. “You are a very smart young goddess, and if you put your mind to it, you could have understood everything I was explaining. But your head was somewhere else, was it not?”

  She lowered her head respectfully. “My apologies, Uncle. You are right. I was thinking of something else.”

  He lifted a brow and smiled. “Something or someone?”

  Annani felt herself blush. Even though Ekin was not on good terms with his son Mortdh, it was still hard for her to admit that she desired someone else. Except, that was the reason she was here, to ask the smartest god she knew for advice.

  “You guessed right, Uncle. There is a young god I fancy.” She looked down at her sandals, pretending to admire the intricate knots Gulan had made. “And he is not my intended.”

  Ekin patted her shoulder. “Come sit with me, child, and tell me what troubles you.”

  “Thank you.” She followed him to the comfortable divan he kept in his study and often took naps on.

  According to Ekin, some of his best ideas had come to him while sleeping on it.

  “Who is this lucky young god you like?”

  As Annani hesitated for a moment, Ekin’s wise eyes narrowed at her. “Do not be afraid to confide in me. If I had any say in it, Mortdh would never be allowed anywhere near you. You are pure sunshine and love, while he is consumed by darkness. I will do all I can to aid you.”

  Annani felt her shoulders sag in relief. “Thank you. I do need all the help I can get.” She took a deep breath. “His name is Khiann, son of Navohn.”

  “Ah, the merchant's son. Good choice.”

  “You really think so? You do not mind that he has chosen a different path than the one expected of gods?”

  Ekin laughed. “You forget who you are talking to, child. Am I sitting in a temple, while my devoted worshipers take care of all my needs?”

  “You have a point there. I never stopped to think that what you do is unusual too. But you are a creator, an inventor, and you make everyone’s life better. Humans, immortals, and gods are all grateful to you.”

  “That is true. But to some extent Navohn does it too. He brings goods from faraway lands, and that is making everyone’s lives better as well. I have known him for many years, and I have a lot of respect for him. It takes courage to choose a different path. If his son is anything like the father, then you have my blessing.”

  Having Ekin’s blessing was wonderful, but she needed more than that. “Do you think my father will give his blessing too?”

  The smile melted off Ekin’s face. “My brother is a stubborn god and set in his ways. Once he makes a decision, it is impossible to change his mind. Fates know I tried and failed numerous times.”

  That was extremely discouraging. If Ekin had been unsuccessful in swaying Ahn’s opinion or influencing his decisions, no one else could.

  “You are the smartest god I know. If you cannot help me, I do not know who can.”

  Ekin shook his head. “You have a much better chance than I do. After all, you are his daughter, and he loves you. Ahn has no love for me. But you will need to be very clever about it.”

  “Would you help me?”

  “Of course I will.” He squared his shoulders. “I am the champion of love.”

  Annani felt her heart grow lighter. “What should I do?”

  3

  Khiann

  “It is no use.” Khiann threw his sword on the floor and put his hands on his hips.

  To his great shame, Esag had bested him time and again, not because his squire had suddenly become a master swordsman, but because Khiann’s head was not in the practice session. It was somewhere up in the clouds.

  Annani’s kiss had destroyed him, it had changed him.

  It was unheard of for a god to lose to an immortal. Unless said god could think of nothing else but tasting a goddess’s sweet lips again.

  Every time Khiann thought about Annani sitting in his lap, her small body plastered against his, her soft hands roaming his back, he got uncomfortably hard—which apparently was not conducive to winning against a trained immortal opponent.

  Fates, he needed to see her again.

  Waiting for his father to come up with a plan was challenging, especially since he was consumed with worry.

  What if she was just as impatient as he?

  Annani did not possess his restraint. She would once again sneak out of the palace with only Gulan as her bodyguard and put herself and her maid in danger.

  She was such a tiny thing. What if she was attacked by bandits?

  They could put a knife to her throat and do despicable things to her. Even though Annani was a powerful goddess, she was also young and inexperienced. She would panic. A goddess’s only real defense was her ability to thrall her attackers, but thralling required concentration which would be impossible for her under duress.

  Gods trained for years to keep a cool head in dangerous situations. Their greater physical strength was good against two or three assailants, but thwarting an attack by more than that required massive mind manipulation. It was the
ir best weapon.

  “Khiann, what is going on in your head? Esag took a step back, collecting the practice sword while retreating. “You look like you are ready to tear somebody’s throat out.”

  Camel droppings. Khiann could feel his fangs scraping against his lower lip and venom dripping down his chin.

  “I have to see her.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “If I do not, she might come here again, and Fates only know what could happen to her on the way.”

  Esag frowned. “Who are you talking about?”

  Donkey dung. He had forgotten that Esag had not encountered Annani. His squire had seen Gulan and Tula, her little sister, whose visage Annani had shrouded herself in.

  “Tula. She might need more help with her school project.”

  Esag lifted a brow. “Worry for Tula got you so upset?”

  “I was thinking of how dangerous it can be for a little girl on the streets. She could get attacked by bandits, or taunted by older boys. It is not safe for her to travel across the city to see me.”

  “She will not come alone. Gulan will keep her safe.”

  Khiann waved a hand. “Gulan is not a warrior. She might be strong, but she has no fighting skills. If attacked by humans, she will panic and will not be able to thrall them. Other immortals would probably not threaten her physically, but they might intimidate her and her little sister.”

  “If you so wish, I can go get Tula and bring her over here. She will be safe with me.” Esag sounded eager to go.

  Khiann considered his options.

  Obviously, Esag’s enthusiasm had nothing to do with Tula and everything to do with Gulan. For some reason, the squire fancied Annani’s maid. Perhaps Khiann could use this to his advantage.

  On the other hand, he should not encourage Esag’s behavior. The squire was promised to another, and it was not fair for him to lead Gulan on.

  Nothing good would come of it.

  But then he was not sending him to flirt with the girl. He could even warn him not to do it.

  If Khiann played it right, he could use Tula to see Annani. “Gulan would not want Tula to go alone with you. She would want to accompany her little sister, but she is at the palace serving Annani. What you can do is go there and tell Gulan that I am willing to come to the palace and answer Tula’s questions. She can have someone bring her little sister. I am sure her lady would not mind if we use the gardens for our lessons.”

  Esag regarded him with narrowed eyes. “I find it odd that you care so much about Tula’s school project.”

  The lie came easily. “It is a matter of pride. The girl is going to tell her teacher that I am her source of information. Imagine how bad it will look for me if she does poorly on her assignment.”

  The story seemed to satisfy Esag. “I understand. Do you want me to go right now and tell Gulan that you want to see Tula today? Or would you prefer to arrange a meeting for tomorrow?”

  “You know me. I prefer to take care of things sooner than later. But it is up to her lady. I hope she allows it. I have to abide by her wishes.”

  His squire dipped his head in a perfunctory bow. “I shall be on my way.”

  “Thank you.”

  After Esag had left, Khiann washed up, put a fresh tunic on, and headed for his father’s office.

  “May I have a word with you?”

  “Certainly, come in.” Navohn beckoned him to enter.

  Khiann glanced at his father’s assistant. What he wanted to talk about was not for the immortal’s ears. “Perhaps I should come later.”

  Navohn waved a hand. “Azar and I are done for now. Come in and take a seat. There are several things I need to discuss with you.”

  The assistant got to his feet and bowed. “I shall count the barrels as you have instructed, master.”

  When the immortal left, Khiann took the chair he had vacated and put his elbows on his knees. “I wanted to ask if you’ve made progress with the matter we have discussed before.”

  Navohn smiled, then cast a soundproofing shroud around his office. “Yes, I did. It will cost me a great fortune, but then the happiness of my only son is worth it.” He winked. “As is the future of our people.”

  Khiann closed his eyes and took his first deep breath in two days. “Care to share it with me?”

  Navohn reached under the table and lifted a sealed pitcher of beer. “Bring two cups from the cupboard over there.” He pointed.

  When Khiann did as instructed, Navohn broke the seal on the pitcher and poured the brew into the two cups. “This is one of the best of Ninkasi’s brews.”

  “Does she still send you free samples?”

  “It is not really free. She is interested in exporting and wants me to help her promote her beers. I am taking quite a few barrels with me on this expedition.”

  “It is good business. Instead of going empty and returning with merchandise, you trade both ways.”

  “That is the idea.” He pointed at Khiann’s cup. “What do you think?”

  He took a sip. “It is very good. But then I like all of Ninkasi’s beers.”

  “It is excellent. I hope to make a good profit selling it.” He winked. “It will pay for some of the goods I have to part with to gain Ahn’s ear.”

  Khiann took another big gulp, then put the empty cup on the table. “So that is how you plan to do it? Dazzle Ahn with gifts?”

  Navohn shrugged. “It’s always worked before. I asked for an audience with Ahn this evening under the pretext of discussing the armed escort he had promised me. I will bring extravagant gifts as a show of gratitude for his help. And while we go back and forth, with him declining politely and me insisting on him accepting the gifts, I will broach the subject of the princess’s infatuation with you, and yours with her, and see how he reacts.”

  His father was a master negotiator. If anyone could pull it off, it was he. “I wish I could come with you and see you working your magic.”

  “I wish you could. But this conversation is best done between us, the two fathers.”

  “How are you going to accomplish a private meeting with Ahn? From what you have told me, Nai always sits with her mate, and as of late so does Annani.”

  “Not on the third day of the week, which happens to be today.” Navohn smirked. “That is when Nai has her own meetings with the palace staff, and I think it is safe to assume that Annani is required to attend with her mother.”

  4

  Annani

  “That was so clever of Khiann,” Annani sighed. “Can you go and get your sister?”

  Gulan, who a moment ago looked flustered after talking with Esag, switched modes from excited to worried. “This is not a good idea, my lady,” she whispered. “Are you going to wear Tula’s clothes again and sneak into the gardens to see Master Khiann? What if someone sees you kissing him while you are shrouding yourself in Tula’s image? Imagine the scandal.” The maid’s chest was heaving as she worked herself up into a frenzy. “Master Khiann can get into a lot of trouble for that. Tula is just a little girl. And what would people think of her?”

  “Relax, Gulan. Everything will be all right. Tell Esag that Master Khiann can come over later this evening to talk with Tula who indeed needs more help with her school project. Also, tell him that you are very grateful for his master’s generous offer of help.”

  Gulan groaned. “As you wish, my lady.” She bowed obediently.

  As her friend left the room, Annani allowed herself to drop the confident expression she had worn for Gulan’s benefit.

  The truth was that she was nervous.

  For some reason, seeing Khiann again filled her with trepidation. It was strange that when she had snuck out to see him, there had been none of that. There had been no second-guessing her decision, no hesitation.

  Thinking back, Annani realized that it had taken courage to proposition a god. And yet, she had thought nothing of it.

  But now that she was going to see Khiann again, the insecurities that had been absent b
efore were manifesting. Perhaps she was better at action than inaction, better at initiating than awaiting another’s move.

  Wiping her sweaty palms on the skirt of her dress, Annani walked over to the mirror and examined her reflection, trying to see herself through Khiann’s eyes.

  What did he find desirable about her?

  She cupped her small breasts and sighed, wishing she had large ones like Gulan’s. Males liked curves. Big-breasted females with flaring hips were considered desirable, while skinny short maidens not so much.

  Her face was beautiful, everyone said so, but was it enough to inspire lust in a grown man?

  Khiann had gotten hard while kissing her, but maybe it was an instinctive response, and maybe he would have reacted the same to any female sitting in his lap?

  Two days ago she had set out to seduce Khiann with her usual confidence and the belief that she was the most beautiful of goddesses. Her mission had been successful, and she had returned to the palace happy and confident.

  What had changed?

  Why the sudden doubts?

  The answer had been lurking in the back of her mind all along, but she had refused to acknowledge it until now.

  Khiann had required more convincing than she had expected.

  He had not fallen to his knees, grateful for her interest in him and her offer. That was the source of the unfamiliar insecurities and doubts.

  Winning the argument and convincing him to pursue her had felt like a victory at first, but later, when she had time to think and go over every word that had been uttered between them, Annani’s heart had lost some of its buoyancy.

  She should have known better than to expect unbridled passion and a declaration of eternal devotion. After all, Khiann had been successful in pretending not to notice her for years. And yet, in her secret maidenly fantasies, she had hoped he would not need any convincing whatsoever.

  She had hoped he would be so taken with her that he would be willing to sacrifice everything and go to war for her.

  Silly girl that she was.