Emperor's Edge Republic by Lindsay Buroker Page A

been replaced. I heard that, with the change of government, a lot of old complaints about enforcer corruption, negligence, and cronyism came to light for the first time.” Her jaw tightened. “I wish I could say none of that existed, but I wasn’t surprised when Starcrest assigned some civilian specialists to run inquisitions and it turned up... much. In the last few weeks, numerous promotions have been offered to those with solid records. Apparently my association with Lokdon ended up being a bright point on mine.” Her expression changed to one of bemusement.
    “Guess she made an impression on the president.”
    “Yes. So... if I want a lieutenant’s position back home... it’s mine.” Evrial lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes for the first time that night. Was she holding her breath? Cursed ancestors, was this what she wanted? A dream fulfilled? And she wanted him to come be a part of it. That was good, but, smashed and dented ore carts, the country ?
    “I must offer you my congratulations, certainly,” Maldynado said, trying to buy time, “but... couldn’t you get that promotion here? You’ve been working in the NoDoc District all winter. I’d thought... well, I guess I thought you wanted to stay in the city.”
    Evrial’s earnest expression faltered, her gaze dropping to his chest. “There aren’t any lieutenant’s positions opening up here. I’d have to wait for someone to get promoted or to retire.”
    “Or to get eaten by that plant,” Maldynado said cheerfully. “That might start happening soon. I hear that thing’s getting bigger and bigger every day. It’s bound to start chomping on enforcers soon, and then there’ll be all sorts of positions available.”
    She met his eyes again, but this time with irritation. “Be serious, Maldynado. If you aren’t willing to move for me, say so. I won’t be happy about it, but I’ll understand. You’re not doing anything with your life, and this is a big opportunity for me, but... Never mind. It’s not as if I expected this—us—to last.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean? We’ve been having a nice time this winter.”
    “Yes, but you keep muttering, ‘I wonder when the boss’ll be back.’ ‘Have to stay in shape in case the boss comes back soon.’ ‘I bet the boss will have some great new adventures planned when she gets back.’”
    “That doesn’t mean I want us to... not be an us any more.”
    “How do you think it makes me feel when your tide rises and falls for another woman?” Evrial dropped her spoon and pushed her chair back with an audible scrape.
    “It doesn’t,” Maldynado protested. “And Amaranthe is hardly a woman, not like that . It’s just that... emperor’s warts, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself right now, all right?” And that curse didn’t work any more, blast it. The whole world was upside down and confusing as a hedge maze right now.
    “Why don’t you try getting a job like everyone else?” Evrial grabbed her jacket and headed for the door.
    “I don’t want to be like everyone else. I want a statue.” Maldynado frowned at himself; he hadn’t meant to say that. It sounded ludicrous. It always had. But it had always been a joke. Hadn’t it? Why couldn’t he let it go?
    “Oh, grow up, Maldynado.” Evrial stomped out and slammed the door.
    He sat down hard in his chair and shoveled a spoonful of soup into his mouth. He curled his lip at a brown soggy thing he bit down on. “Guess Lady Stoatcrest was wrong. This recipe doesn’t tantalize and delight the female palate at all.”
    The joke fell on a silent room. He pushed the bowl away. Evrial’s words echoed in his head. Grow up. You’re not doing anything with your life.
    She wasn’t wrong, was she? Hadn’t he just been thinking that he needed to find meaningful employment? Maybe if he got... a job, a good job that required him to stay in the city, she would be willing to stay too. He didn’t want to ignore her dream,