Nastya, the white-skinned Drow of House Baenre, changed into lightweight, close-fitting white dragonhide armor lined with mithral. She slipped her long, shapely legs, clad in black stockings, into over-the-knee leather boots and strapped on her paired Sword Daggers. After a moment's hesitation, she also slung the Sun-Moon Blades Shar had bestowed upon her—Yasha and Sange—across her back. Finally, she gave Kyoka a few instructions.
Nastya also said goodbye to Big Dragon Aegir, who had already begun rolling around on the beds while choosing his room, and Fairy Princess Buer, who sat demurely on the sofa, sipping yerba mate and eating pastries. Then she left.
The moment she stepped outside, the playful smile she habitually wore went cold.
Taking over Lady Julia's identity had been a decision Nastya and the Mind Flayer known as the Monarch had reached together. At this point in time, the identity of a Baldurian noblewoman would grant her access to considerable information and prove crucial in many matters.
Damn it! If only I really were like Lady Julia, knowing nothing and living in my own little world!
Nastya's face darkened as Dark Elf Sister thought bitterly.
Replacing Lady Julia had also been her own idea. She had originally hoped that exchanging identities would let her and Aaron escape Lolth's scrutiny as much as possible.
Yes, Lolth, the Spider Queen. Her greedy, twisted gaze remained fixed on Nastya. Demonic whispers from her webs in the Abyss constantly told Nastya that she wanted more, that she craved more.
The Spider Queen wanted the next volume of Salian's Nine Books.
The Spider Queen wanted the Golden Law Aaron possessed.
As a Drow sworn to Lolth, she was obligated to offer everything she had to her goddess. A daughter of House Baenre was taught from childhood that everything she possessed