Adria gazed at the darkened bar before her, blue eyes darting from person to person in silent observation, and categorizing each face in her mind. George would have her ears and then some if she made a mistake. Then again, Adria never made a mistake… except for that one time, but that was long ago. From her place in a small alcove in the back, she glanced down at the empty, throne-like chair before her. Her king was late. Her eyes shot to the door of the Dancing Dove as it opened, and a scowl marred her usually placid features.
Entering the Inn was the Rogue followed by– her scowl deepened– two boys. What in the Trickster's name was he doing? They had a noble look to them. This was going to bring nothing but trouble, she was sure.
George called to Scholar for drinks as he and the lads made their way to the King's Table. Adria noticed the ease with which George slipped into his chair starkly contrasted with the awkwardness of the boys settling on the opposite side. Hazel eyes met blue as he motioned for her to join him.
She emerged from the shadows as if melting from the wall itself and the boys gave a start at her sudden appearance. The purple-eyed boy's eyes landed on the dagger at her hip, then traveled to her face, before staring unabashedly at her chest.
Adria's eyes snapped dangerously, "What? Ye never seen breasts before lad?"
The boy blushed a deep red and mumbled something incoherently while his companion chuckled and George roared with laughter.
Adria felt her irritation wash away as George grasped her waist and pulled her onto his lap. She settled herself with more wiggling than strictly necessary and was rewarded with a soft hiss and a twitch beneath her rear. She smirked to herself. Serves him right for being late, she thought.
"Adria," George started, "This is Alan and Gary, pages from the Palace".
She pierced them with an intense gaze. The purple-eyed boy, Alan, met her stare the longest. Finding them to her satisfaction she nodded. "'S always a pleasure t'meet His Grace of Naxen's son and his companion to be sure."
Gareth the Younger of Naxen sat up straighter. "You know my father?" he asked.
Adria smiled. "We make it a point t'know them that's in charge."
Gary looked at them appraisingly. He paused before saying, "We won't be stealing from the palace for you."
George glanced at Adria. "Now who said anythin' about thievery?"
"I'm sure the two of you are a couple the Lord Provost would dearly love to meet," Gary said, eyes narrowed.
Adria tilted her head, "Ease up there, lad. We've no int'rest in the jewels on that hill."
George nodded. "I've the Sight." He looked at Alan. "When I saw you not one year ago, it told me you were important. I've kept eyes on you, and I like what I've seen. I think we could be good friends, if ye'd go for it."
Alan responded, "I'd like that."
George made to rise so Adria removed herself from his lap. She melted back into the shadows as he ushered the boys to the door. As he made his way back to her, his eye locked on hers and remained unbroken. A tingling feeling made its way to Adria's stomach. The Rogue reached her and his eyes were darkened by something that made her tingles multiply ten-fold. He took her by the arm and led her out one of the secret passageways. The door shut behind them and he backed her into the wall of the empty hallway.
"That was a very naughty thing ye did back there, wasn't it, lass?" he whispered in her ear.
She was very glad his body was pressed against hers, otherwise her legs would have collapsed beneath her. The tingling that began in her stomach travelled to her nether regions. His breath tickled her earlobe and she gasped.
"What're ye going to do 'bout it?" she asked, breathlessly.
"This", he muttered as he claimed her lips in a soul-searing kiss.
A moan sounded from deep within her throat as George raised her legs to wrap them against his torso. He carried her to their room, still fiercely kissing her. Depositing her on the bed, he climbed on top of her, hands and mouth everywhere at once. Adria clawed at the bed sheets, desire coursing through her veins. Eyes met, sparks flew, and they lost themselves in each other.
When their passion was spent, they basked in the afterglow in each other's arms.
With her head resting against George's chest, Adria asked, "George, what are you planning? That boy… he's only eleven. You already have people in the palace."
George adjusted his position so he was facing her. "Change is in the air, love. I don't know what kind, or when it'll happen, but there it is—sure as I breathe. My Sight has never failed me yet, and that Alan is at the center of all this. For good or ill," he shrugged, "we want to be his friend."
Adria rubbed his arm. "I don't doubt your judgment. I never have. I just want t' live… and not have the hangman's noose hovering 'bove my head." She sighed and nodded. "I trust ye."
George kissed her forehead. "That's all I ask, lass."
"How touching," a voice from the corner of the room cooed.
Adria hastily covered herself as George whipped a dagger from beneath his pillow.
"My dear George, you are right," the glowing figure said. "Change is on the air—and it's going to turn the world on its ear."
George palmed the dagger and chuckled, "I s'pose that's why you're here then, is it? Such an environment is perfect for a trickster god."
Kyprioth smirked. "My sister has big plans for your purple-eyed friend."
From her place on the bed, Adria dryly commented, "I hope you're not planning t' sabotage anything. I don't much fancy being caught in a cosmic battle."
George rose from the bed as the Trickster adopted an innocent expression. "Who said anything about sabotage?" The god asked. "I'm just here for the ride!"
"Anything ye'd like to share with us about this ride?" George asked, arms folded.
Kyprioth sighed in mock despair, "Alas, no. I've been here far too long as it is." He disappeared, then re-materialized next to Adria. George growled as the god placed a lingering kiss on her cheek. "Adria, my dear, you are more beautiful every time I see you."
Adria swatted him away, "Bah, ye just enjoyed the show!"
Covering his heart, Kyprioth gasped, "You wound me!"
She smirked, "I'm sure ye'll recover."
With a tip of his head, Kyprioth uttered, "Until next time."
He disappeared.
George glared at the spot Kyprioth vacated as Adria wrapped the sheet around herself and padded towards him. Resting her head against his shoulder, Adria whispered, "He knows what's going t' happen."
The Rogue remained silent.
She pressed her lips to him. "Well, ye can be sure: life's not going t' be boring."
George sighed and wrapped his arms around her. "No, lass, it won't be."
(A/N): There you have it! Apologies for the delay- I'm still recovering from having my wisdom teeth out (something I should have had done years ago). Once again, I hope my writing is up to canon standards, and as always, constructive criticism is always appreciated.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything recognizable from the Song of the Lioness 'verse. That belongs to Tamora Pierce and Random House.