The Knight and the Necromancer: Book One: The Capital

"If you want to kiss a stranger," whispered Roland, "it's a good idea to ask first."

Sair blinked at him. His long lashes brushed his glasses. "Doesn't that rather spoil the moment?" he whispered back.

"It spoils it more if you frighten him," said Roland. He put his other hand gently against Sair's chin and the barest contact made him jump. "Especially if it seems like he's not accustomed to being touched."

Sair blinked again, this time more slowly. Roland's thumb smoothed the stubble of his jaw. "I don't mean to be so stupid," breathed Sair.

"You're not stupid," murmured Roland. "May I kiss you?"

"Yes."

"Exams this week?"

The stranger turned slowly. His large, dark eyes seemed even larger behind silver-rimmed spectacles. His gaze had a formidable intensity that belied his size, clothes, and grooming. Roland understood suddenly why he was sitting alone.

Then the man blinked. He gave a quick, shy smile that briefly transformed his intimidating face into something softer, younger, more curious. The smile only lasted an instant, but it was such a startling change that Roland immediately wanted to see it again.

The man looked down at his drink. "Something like that."

Sairis had seen plenty of knights. Even dressed in unremarkable clothes, there was something about the way they moved—confident as only predators can be. This one looked like he'd stepped out of a tapestry—golden hair that curled at the ends, sun-kissed skin. His broad shoulders stretched the fabric of the cheap shirt and waistcoat he'd elected to wear on his pleasure outing.

Sairis found himself wondering what kisses were supposed to feel like. Was it normal to feel that, by opening your mouth a quarter inch, you'd somehow opened your soul? Did it always feel like your stomach was melting? Did it normally make the skin of your entire body feel like a stuttering heartbeat?

He didn't know.

He wanted to.

Power comes from phase transition, Sairis. Just like any form of energy. You can turn a log into ash and use the heat to cook your dinner. You don't need magic to do that. There is no greater transition than the one from life into death.