Our Lady of the Islands Read Free

suited Sian, being well past the age when sleeping like piled pups in the townhouse’s small daybed would leave her refreshed at dawn. And though the place was no storefront, clients and associates did happen by with some frequency when she was in town; it was just easier, and more professional, for her to rise alone there.
    When he returned from the alley, Reikos nuzzled the back of Sian’s neck, planting a few small kisses on the tender skin there. “When shall we dine again?”
    “How long are you in port this time?” Sian scraped the soup-bowl into the covered scrap container, lest she encourage the islands’ large roaches, and set it aside for return to the tavern. A bright green gecko climbed the wall behind the sideboard, ever alert for mosquitoes.
    “A fortnight, perhaps; until I can turn over my cargo. I have you down for one case of kiesh , at the very least.”
    “I thank you.” Sian thought a moment. “I need to go to Little Loom Eyot tomorrow, but business will bring me back to Viel within three or four days.”
    “I look forward to it.” He kissed her again, pulling her close. “Such a brief respite this was from the desolation of my days. Will you not come with me this time?”
    Sian smiled, turning around in his arms to face him. “My dear, your shipboard bed is even smaller than mine.”
    “No, not just tonight. Sail with me when I leave. I will show you the world!”
    “And what will all your other women think when I show up?”
    “There will be no one but you, Sian.”
    Laughing, she said, “Now that is going a bit far, even for you.” She gave him a gentle push. “Go on, get back to Fair Passage . I shall see you in a few days.”
    Reikos let go of her and took up his jacket and satchel. “I hope your husband knows what a lucky man he is.”
    Sian looked up at him, a little surprised. “Of course he does. As I know how lucky I am. Comfort, and freedom, and interesting work — I have it all.”
    “Yes, you do.” Reikos gazed at her. “He truly does not mind your … independence?”
    “We have long since passed the time of caring about such things. Our arrangement is clear: he runs the manufactory, and I manage the business in town. Our free time is our own.” She frowned at her lover. “As I believe I have explained to you.”
    “Yes, you have.” Then he grinned, the mischievous glint returned. “May your dreams be filled with delightful adventures involving dashing sea captains.”
    “You sleep well too.” She walked him down to the front door, then kissed him farewell as he slipped quietly into the night.
    She watched his trim form retreat down Meander Way, then bolted the door.

    Sian spent a productive morning visiting a new dye-seller on Three Cats, buying several sacks each of ochre and indigo and putting in an order for some rare carmine at a decent price. At least some businesses were still thriving. After closing up the townhouse, Sian walked through Viel’s crowded streets to the public dock, looking around for Pino, finally spotting him near the end of the wharf, waving madly at her. She and Arouf had hired the young man just a few years back, but he was proving to be a very dedicated worker, cheerfully filling in anywhere the firm of Monde & Kattë required — from hauling supplies to the storehouse, to general repair and maintenance, to fetching whatever Sian acquired in town, as well as ferrying her back and forth between home and Alizar Main.
    Resting her feet on the dye-sacks piled in the bottom of the boat, she let herself daydream during the hour-long passage across the smooth waters of Alizar Bay to their private island — perhaps she had had less sleep than she’d realized — only noticing their approach when the boat bumped against the dock at Little Loom Eyot. “Thank you, Pino,” Sian said, alighting. Unencumbered, as usual. No matter that she managed fine in town; Pino would never let her carry her own bags when he was there.
    “Happy to have