Page 22 of Of Kings and Thieves
“Play your damn cards already!” Magnus shouted, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
I bit back a laugh, turning my attention to the game. But a part of me remained focused on Col, anticipation for what was to come making it difficult to concentrate.
After a few more hands, Magnus emerged victorious, his mood improving with each win. He puffed out his chest, looking inordinately pleased with himself. “None of that beginner’s luck nonsense this time.”
I cracked my knuckles, eager to wipe that smug look off his face and regain some of my lost coin. “Deal the next hand.”
“With pleasure.”
And so the game continued, each win and loss blurring into the next. As we played, the conversation shifted to Magnus and his impressive size. Unsurprisingly, he had giant blood coursing through his veins.
“Really?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Magnus grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth. “Aye. My grandfather was a full-blooded giant.”
“I’ve never seen a giant.” I looked at my cards and decided they weren’t good enough to win, but I might be able to bluff my way to a better hand. “And how exactly does that work?” I asked as a distraction. “You know, when a human and a giant... um, mate?”
The laughter that erupted around the campfire relieved the tension of competition that had gripped us moments earlier. Even Killian let out a chuckle as he shook his head.
Magnus, clearly enjoying himself, leaned forward, the muscles in his arm rippling. “Well, it’s quite simple, actually. It’s all about preparation—”
“Enough, Magnus!” Col cut him off, though amusement still danced in his hazel eyes. “I don’t think we need a detailed explanation. We’re here to play cards, not discuss your... exploits.”
It’s a valid question, I told Col.
I can’t bear to hear Magnus explain it again. He loves being asked that question.
I snorted with laughter.
“They aren’t my exploits,” Magnus was saying, “but my grandfather’s. He was a horny bastard, that’s for sure. Loved to fuck. Twenty children, and each one of them had a different mother, and more than a few different peoples in the mix. Humans, sirens, elves, and a dwarf if you can believe it, though I do think that’s a bit of a stretch, if you’ll pardon the expression.”
I leaned into Col for support, laughing as Magnus continued.
“Although I will say that he passed on a few quirks to me that I don’t mind exploiting when the opportunity arises, if you get my meaning. More than a few women have fainted when they’ve seen the sight of me in nothing but my skin. I’m rather… large, if I’m being modest.”
“For the love of the old gods and the new, please spare us your false modesty,” Killian blurted, finally responding.
“Yes, Magnus, shut up,” Col added. “That’s an order.”
At this point, I was laughing so hard my sides hurt, and too wrapped up in Magnus’s easy bragging to even be embarrassed. I only stopped when my head began throbbing.
You okay?
I gave Col a grateful smile. Just having too much fun.
Col’s answering smile sent warmth all the way through my body.
“Fine, fine,” Magnus conceded, feigning disappointment. “But perhaps another time, eh?”
As we continued our game, I started to feel like I belonged with them, surrounded by people who understood the struggles of being different. Magnus obviously stood out in a crowd, but I imagined since he looked like he could break a man’s spine with two fingers, few tried to challenge him. But it didn’t take much study to see he liked to joke as a way of deflecting most serious conversation.
We played long into the night, with everyone winning a few rounds and gold frequently exchanging hands. I made more than I lost, and didn’t hesitate to gloat about it.
Seems like I have more than a few talents, I said to Col when I took all his gold, giving him a wink.
More than a few, he said, his gaze lazy, indulgent, and full of heat. He leaned back and stretched his arms, his corded muscles bulging through his thin undershirt.
Proud of yourself, are you?
