Gnoll Girlfriend (special preview)

Ismay smirks at me. “I know you have a meeting with Nadeem,” she says, “but afterwards, I’d like you to meet me in my private office.” She places her hand on my arm, gently squeezing and rubbing. “I have some matters that I would like to discuss with you alone.”

My heart is hammering and my throat goes tight. Looking at her, slightly afraid and a touch aroused, I feel myself slipping into her control. “Of course, my lady,” I answer breathlessly.

Ismay smirks, walking out of the throne room with her usual confidant stride. I meet with Nadeem and am pleased to hold the new princess. I may not be able to get to hold my newest nephew or niece, but the princess will make due.

After discussing trades and various plans with Nadeem, I make my way to Ismay’s office. Her quarters are being used as an asylum for her brother, so she’s taken over an unused chamber as her office. Inside the walls are dark purple and the carpet is wine red. The scent of cinnamon hangs heavy in air.

Red lanterns hang from the ceiling as smoke billows out from them. At her desk, Ismay is throwing papers at a very confused looking girl. She looks up, sees me and hisses at the girl who quickly dashes out of the office, clutching scrolls and bound bricks of paper.

Ismay stands up from her desk, opening the globe beside her desk to reveal an array of liquor bottles. She decants one, filling a round glass with an amber liquid. 

“Thank you for coming, Bailin,” she then smirks. “I hope you don’t mind me dismissing the pleasantries.” She offers me the glass.

“Not at all,” I say, taking the drink. 

Ismay sits on her desk, crossing her legs. “Have a seat,” she says, motioning to one of the purple chairs. 

She takes a long drink as I sit down then sighs. “Ok, down to business,” she sets her cup aside and looks down at me. “Do you have children, Bailin?” She asks.

I glance up at her, feeling my guts churn slightly. “Dali, my niece, she’s like a daughter to me.”

“Not what i asked,” Ismay sneers. “No wife? No kids?” She then chuckles. “Do you have a secret husband perhaps?”

“I am not skilled enough to have a secret husband,” I throw back at her. “As for wife, I had one once, she died though.”

Ismay tilts her head. “How did she die?”

“She got sick,” I answer. “And her religion forbid her to take the treatment that could cure her. She wanted to die pure.”