The King s Pleasure
Copyright© 2004 by Carlos Malenkov The temple courtesan frowned and shook her head emphatically. "No, sire, that modality of pleasure is only permitted to the High King." Goriander smiled. "But who is to know? And of course there is the matter of a suitable reward for unfolding thy treasures fully unto me." A small gleaming ingot lay in the open palm of his hand. She hesitated, then nodded. "Come," she said. "You are a trader in certain rarities then?" "Yes, my fair Astara,...