[Good thing that people on the Near Shore don't notice gods and shinki. Otherwise, all those around them would gawk at the sheer weirdness of a huge man casually carrying a full-sized war scythe over his shoulder. Not the usual insert your favourite grim-dark fantasy reference Grim Reaper scythe.

The actual battle-ready one.

Iskandar has allowed himself to fall a little behind from the pair in front of him. Ada is not the greatest conversationalist while in the vessel form. In fact, she doesn't speak then at all. Still, he won't call her back until they find a place to sit for a moment. Roads are steep and the air is thin in this city. These are not perfect conditions for an older lady to go for a walk.
Unfortunately, that leaves Iskandar alone with his own demons and they are extremely lousy company.

He risks another look at Eirene.

They look so perfect together. Be quiet, mother, I didn't ask for your opinion.

Love is not scarcity. He knows this. He said it himself countless times. Above all else, Iskandar wants Waver to be happy. He doesn't need to be his only source of happiness. He's just one man, he can't be everything to him. Even if he tried. He's already his king, his friend and his lover. They both need other people in their life too.

But his woman?
There's something about her. Something Iskandar can't identify. Something that makes his blood curdle. He hasn't been this jealous very often. Still, he hates every single time it happens.

Iskandar shakes his head. This is ridiculous. They're both finally are free to do what they want, be themselves, to have time to cherish each others company. He should be happy. It is entirely valid and reasonable that she's here. Waver needs a shinki. There's nothing to be jealous about.

It's real mercy that they have work to do. Anything to take his mind of this stupid thing. He speeds up to catch up to Waver.]

I would prefer the place where I organise meetings to discuss blood sacrifices to be as secluded as possible. The topic could raise a few eyebrows.