“You were, what, eighteen at the time?”
“Just turned seventeen.”
“And still growing…”
“Just ask.”
“Your horses. The keymoats. The size of the gryfalcons that are so honey obsessed. Do you think the honey-”
“Contributed to my height? Perhaps. I was always going to be tall. In truth, I thought I had stopped growing. But after the attack, I grew another half foot or so.”
“That’s amazing. You could create armies of giants with a dose of honey.”
“No. Animals on a steady diet of it are affected, yes. Especially over generations. And whilst our healers have noted small medicinal amounts help the very young and elderly recover faster from illness, as far as we’ve been able to tell, consumption by humans has no discernible impact.”
“You’re saying you’re an anomaly? That having it applied directly to your wounds whilst still of a growing age was the reason? So technically, it could still be useful?”
“Our scholars and healers have run tests. When our youths injure themselves, we’ve applied honey to the wounds to seal them. With no noticeable results. Our Master Healer posits that perhaps the injuries aren’t deep or grievance enough. Not something we wish to emulate.”
“To be honest, that makes me feel a little relieved.”
“Relieved?”
“I had images of me informing my father and him instructing me to take a battalion or two to fetch honey. Now that I’ve seen the adult gryfalcons, I have no wish to renew their acquaintance.”
“Oh, the birds would have been the least of your worries. Encroaching upon Gloomenthrall lands, poaching our honey, we wouldn’t take that lightly.”
“I hear tell of a vicious Beast in those parts. Do you think they would be unleashed upon me for my impertinence?”
“Without doubt.”
“And how exactly would this Beast go about punishing me for my transgressions?”
“Give me a few more minutes and I promise you a comprehensive demonstration.”
“You know, I rarely get to do this.”
“Well, for an amateur, you’re naturally gifted then. I have no complaints.” Alia felt the rumble of Talac’s laughter throughout her entire body. It was amazingly nice to be snuggled up against him.
“That’s not what I meant… but thank you. No, I meant I don’t know if I’ve ever been with someone who knew I was both Talac and Zariffe and didn’t care.”
“Same for me. Alia, the Beast. It’s proven almost impossible to find a man who can reconcile that I’m both, and not be in some way intimidated, or secretly plotting to control me and through me, lord over the Lair.”
“Do you ever tire of the role? Think about stepping aside for the next Beast to reign?”
“Occasionally. But I’m not sure I’d be capable of remaining at the Lair and not ruling. And I doubt the next Beast would want me looking over her shoulder constantly.”
“What have previous Beasts done in the past?”
“Married and settled down elsewhere. Become travelling tinkers. Captained merchant vessels. Explored the outer realms, teaching sword play to the children of the wealthy to support themselves.”
“Those are rather narrow choices.”
“Yes. Being a woman, one who is used to being in charge, does not translate to a lot of career opportunities. I’d like to keep busy and be useful. Perhaps I could travel, visit all my female kin, checking in with them personally, ensuring their husbands and his family are treating them fairly. What about you?”
“Me?”
“The Prince thing eventually will become the King thing. Are you ready for that? Do you even want that?”
