Deathstalker 04 - Deathstalker Honor

bothering with glasses. The bartender looked distinctly scandalized at such cavalier treatment of a good brandy, but had the good sense and survival instincts to keep his mouth firmly shut. “One of the drawbacks to our Maze-improved bodies,”
    said Jack sadly, “is that it takes a hell of a lot of booze to make a dent in them. But facing this wondrous new Empire we helped to create is too awful a task to contemplate entirely sober.”
    “Right,” said Ruby. “Of course, it helps that we can afford the very best booze now. Can’t honestly say that it tastes that much better from the rotgut I used to drink, though.”
    “You have no palate,” said Jack.
    “Yes, I have,” said Ruby. “I speak perfectly clearly.” Hazel could see an argument starting and moved quickly to head it off. “So, what have you guys been doing while Owen and I were off chasing the bad guys? Keeping busy?”
    “Off and on,” said Jack Random. “Since I brokered the deal that defanged the aristocracy and brought about their surrender, everyone and his brother comes running to me every time an aristo steps out of line. Like there’s anything I can do about it, except pass their complaints on to Parliament. I have my own problems, trying to set up a new political system practically single-handed. People expect so much of me. My legend has been expanded by the rebellion to almost inhuman proportions. People were confused by the two Jack Randoms, so they’ve decided there must only have been one, and attributed everything to me. Along with a whole lot of complete fiction. No one sees me anymore, the real me—just the damned legend. They think I can do anything, solve any problem, and then have the nerve to get angry when I can’t.” He took a long swallow from his bottle. “Of course, my legend’s nothing compared to Ruby’s. I’ve known people to cross themselves when they see her coming.”
    “And quite right too,” said Ruby briskly. “Half the time I don’t even have to pay for things anymore. I just walk into a place, point at what I want, look a bit severe, and they fall over themselves rushing to give it to me as a gift. I’ll bet we won’t even have to pay for these drinks. Probably make the barman wet himself with a single look.”
    “I’ll take your word for it,” said Hazel hastily. She looked across to where Owen was talking with Constance Wolfe, and scowled. “Wonder what he’s doing with Pretty Miss Perfect? I don’t like him talking with other aristos. They’re a bad influence on him. And he’s always been easy to talk into things.”
    “You should know,” said Ruby. “What’s the matter, afraid they’ll woo him away from you?”
    Hazel snorted. “Not after everything we’ve been through together. There’s a bond between us that’s stronger than anything they could ever understand.” “Yeah,” said Ruby. “But have you bedded him yet?”
    “Mind your own business!”
    “Thought not.”
    “It would… mean too much to him,” said Hazel. “He’d take it too seriously. He’d start talking about relationships and trust and building a life together, and I’m not ready for that kind of shit.”
    “Can’t say I can see a time when you ever would be,” said Jack.
    “And you can shut up as well.”
    “Better get to it soon, girl,” said Ruby calmly. “Or someone else’ll have him. Wouldn’t mind a bash at him myself. Good build. Nice ass. And he’s got that innocent, little-boy-lost look that always sets my fingers itching.” “You keep your hands to yourself, Ruby Journey,” said Hazel firmly. “Anyone touches him but me, and I’ll put them in traction for a month.” “Yeah, but do you love the man or not?” Ruby insisted.
    “We have… an understanding.”
    “Understandings won’t keep you warm in the early hours of the morning. You’re just frightened of commitment, Hazel. Always have been.” “That’s good, coming from someone who’s never had a permanent relationship with anyone in her life!”
    “We’re not talking about me,” said Ruby calmly. “We’re talking about you. And Owen. He isn’t going to hang around forever, you know. The war brought you together, but that’s over. He’s the best thing that ever happened to you, Hazel d’Ark, and you’d be a damned fool to let him get away. Right, Jack?”
    “Don’t look at me,” he said. “I’m still trying to work out what our relationship is. Besides, I’ve been married seven times, under