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Excerpt: In Which Alev Breaks the Rules for Noctora - The City of Light

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This excerpt was shared in answer to an ask that was sent to me on tumblr, and which I have since lost. The ask was:

Q: Share a scene where a truth or secret is revealed.

Here’s a scene from The City of Light that fits the bill.image 

Noctora’s brows shot up. “Don’t worry?” she asked incredulously. “How can I not be worried? That blasted Sissan diplomat is on his way home as we speak! He’ll probably tell everyone about the stupid, inexperienced girl they’ve put on the throne back at the City of Light.”

“Calm down,” Alev said gently. “Our relations with the Sissans have always been shaky, to say the least. That diplomat knew you were young and inexperienced. He knew you were still learning how to fulfil your role. He said all of those things to humiliate you.”

Tears threatened to spill out. “Well, he succeeded, didn’t he?” she muttered, taking a seat on a nearby divan. “I’m sure the whole of Sissa knows of my ineptitude by now.” Tomorrow, the vultures would start circling.

“The diplomat remains in Valgus.”

“What?” Noctora glanced up at him, surprised. “What do you mean?”

“I rode out to stop him,” Alev admitted quietly, throwing a cautious glance towards her dressing, where Bianca was waiting for her. “I was able to… persuade him to return.”

“You left Valgus?” She could hardly believe her ears. Alev - perfect, strict, professional Alev Lasair - had broken the rules? And not just any rule - the rule.

  • Alev and Noctora are such a power duo, especially when Noctora grows into her role as Queen.

    >> City of Light WIP page here.
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