Free Naughty Bits 2 by Megan Hart, Saskia Walker, Charlotte Featherstone, Portia Da Costa, Cathryn Fox, Lilli Feisty, Elliot Mabeuse, Jenesi Ash Page B

eyes widened in surprise as the smoke began to billow forth from the brazier in thick, intoxicating clouds. Illana gasped, as well, putting her fingers to her mouth in shock, but Tia just stood there gazing at the statue as the rich clouds of sweet and aromatic smoke surrounded her.
    â€œMy Lady, I apologize for my sister’s lack of manners. It is inexcusable, but the girl is nervous, so great is her zeal….”
    Illana turned to Kheneb, her eyes glowing.
    â€œIf it is acceptable to Tia,” Illana said, “the Great Lady and I would be happy to have her serve as a novice in this, her new home in Egypt. Never have I seen such an auspicious omen. I no longer have any doubts. There is nothing more we need discuss.”
    But in truth there was more to discuss, all of it tedious, about Tia’s service, and Kheneb and Illana retired to a room beside the goddess’s image to confer over wine and dates while Tia, uninterested in these particulars, wandered about the garden, studying the image of Astarte from varying angles. She had no doubt that this would be her new home, and the details of her service mattered little to her. There was something between the goddess and herself, something very personal that she had never felt with her native gods. She loved them, of course, but she loved them as a child loved a parent. Astarte waslike the older sister she’d never had. Astarte was someone she could open her heart to, someone she could converse with, not just beseech.
    And converse she did. The garden was lovely, but the figure of Astarte drew her back into the flickering oil lamps of the sanctuary, and she stood in front of the image for a long while, watching the play of light on her features. A goddess of love and war. How could that be?
    Tia noticed something now about the goddess’s face. Perhaps it was the light, but within that enigmatic smile there was strength and wisdom and a patience of spirit that affected her greatly. The gods of Egypt were beyond time. They rode upon it like a boat on the Nile, barely touching it. But Astarte seemed to be of this world, swimming in the same water as Tia swam in. There were things she had to teach that Tia was suddenly very eager to learn.
    Kheneb came out of the temple with Illana at last, laughing and shaking his head. It had obviously gone well and, as an unusually pragmatic type of priest, it always surprised her brother when things went smoothly. He was of course a believer, but still, when the gods actually seemed to step in and take a hand in the affairs of men, he always looked baffled.
    Now that the business was concluded, he was very solicitous, and touched Tia fondly as she walked him to the gate, caressing her back and gazing into her eyes, clearly looking for any hidden signs of fear or reservation.
    â€œI will visit you the day after tomorrow, darling sister,” he said. “Lady Illana and I have discussed it thoroughly, and she assures me that you are under no obligation to do anything you don’t want to do. So if at anytime there is ever anything you’re not comfortable with…”
    â€œBrother, I am fine. This is where I want to be. I know things will be fine.”
    Kheneb nodded, his eyes down. “Lady Illana seems eminently worthy and pure in sentiment, but still…”
    â€œMy dear brother. You worry entirely too much. I’m no longer a child.”
    Kheneb’s eyes flicked up at her, and he nodded his head in understanding. He embraced her without a word, but when he turned from her he hid his emotions in a sudden irritability with his guards. “On your feet, you worthless toads! You’ve been drinking beer, I can smell it! Farewell for now, little sister. Lady Illana, a thousand thanks. The blessings of all the gods upon you both!”
    Illana had been standing back between the gatehouses, giving them their privacy, but now she stepped forward. “And the blessing of all the gods and