Fifty-One Dianna

“How do you say go fuck yourself in Fivvern?” I asked, flipping another page.

Samkiel had stacked so many books on his desk that I swore my eyes would bleed before I read them all.

He chuckled, casting a glance at me. “Why must you only crave the bad words?”

I shrugged. “They come in handy far more than others.”

“Perhaps.” He leaned over another book and turned the page before sliding it toward me. “This would be helpful.”

I groaned, slamming my head to the desk and the eight books surrounding me. “That’s fine, add another. I barely learned the guard’s language, and now you want me to memorize eight more?”

Samkiel snorted as I raised my head, placing my chin on my hands. “Technically, those are just volumes; there are about twenty-five languages in each.”

I glared at him. “I truly hate you.”

He smiled. “I promise it will get easier. We just need repetition, and you’ll have it mastered.”

“Easy for you to say.” I sat up. “You studied for like a million years.”

“Hey.” He scoffed, leaning back in his chair.

I folded my arms and shrugged. “It’s true. You’re old.”

“So are you.”

“Pfft.” I waved my hand. “Not as ancient as you are.”

Samkiel narrowed his eyes at me, running his tongue along the inside of his cheek. “Okay.”

That was my only warning before he jumped out of his seat and charged me. My eyes widened, and my chair went flying as I lunged to my feet. With a squeal, I ran to the other side of the table. Samkiel planted his hands on the tabletop across from me, watching me with a predator’s gaze. He feinted to the right and then took off to the left. My laugh filled the small study as he chased me around the table. I darted past him and charged for the door, but he caught me around the waist and lifted me into the air. I kicked out right as the door opened, and I hit Orym square in the face.

“Ow!” he grunted, holding his nose.

Samkiel sat me on my feet at once, and I placed my hand over my mouth. “Oops.”

Orym glared at me, cupping his nose before he glanced at Samkiel.

“We were just learning new languages.”

“Uh-huh,” Orym said, dropping his hand.

“Are you all right?” Samkiel asked.

Orym nodded. “Yes,” he said, taking another step into the room.

Samkiel and I looked at each other as Orym walked by us. Samkiel grinned and reached for me again, but I sidestepped and shook my head. He pouted a bit, but we both turned toward Orym.

“Sorry to interrupt your learning, but I just received word about something you may be interested in.”

“What is it?” Samkiel asked.

Orym pulled a small piece of parchment from his pocket, unfolding it before handing it to Samkiel.

“It’s an invitation?” I asked, peering over Samkiel’s arm.

Orym nodded. “Veruka could only sneak one. There seems to be a trade going down on the southeast side of the realms. A few big league players are involved, but whatever they are shipping and selling is causing quite a stir.”

“All right. It will take us at least a day to reach there, and that’s by cover of the night,” Samkiel said, reading through the invitation again.

Orym nodded. “I can get us attire for it and a small area to stay in until then. The meeting is in three days.”

“Perfect.” Samkiel folded the paper and handed it back. “That’s two more days for Dianna to perfect her Silmaun.”

I groaned, and my shoulders slumped. Orym laughed.