The Claimed - Niako
Title: The Claimed: A Clash of Copper and Gold
Book Genre: Fantasy (subgenre manxman romance)
Author: spelunkadunk
Character Name: Niako (circa chapter 7)
Nominated by: RowanCarver
About the story:
Prince Toom has never questioned the safety and power of his family - until he meets Niako, the cunning, arrogant, and unnervingly beautiful son of the enemy Rakim chief. In Rakim, Toom discovers heinous traditions beyond his imagination, such as Claiming enemies as personal slaves.
When Toom returns to Rakim ten years later, Niako proves more enigmatic than ever, and Toom grapples with conflicting feelings and an unsettling attraction. With the throne and his own family at stake, Toom attempts to seduce Niako to unveil Rakim's plots. Niako reveals little but offers foreboding advice: flee Rakim and never return.
As political machinations and cruel appetites overtake the land, Toom must work together with Niako to save the nation. To protect those he loves. And to survive.
Note: Thanks to vertigo_moon for the great cover.
Hi there. Can I call you Niako?
I'm not sure it matters much what you call me. Call a donkey a horse, and it's still just a donkey. Call Toom a prince, and he's still... well, he'll always be Toom.
Alright. Well, welcome and thanks for agreeing to talk to us today.
It sounds almost as though you think I had a choice.
I like to think so. Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey?
I'll have a chalice of prak. No, no, just leave the bottle here. Thank you.
One bottle coming up. Tell me a little about yourself?
Good Goddess, what did you do to this prak? It tastes of cat piss, though it lacks the strength. Please, no excuses about the suffering economy. I frequent a tavern covered in rodent feces, and their prak is not this watered down. Seven hells, even Toom could handle this.
Oh, what was that? Something about myself? Well, I'm terribly pleasant, as I'm sure you've gathered.
I'm beginning to get a picture. Where do you live?
A few years ago, I moved out of the palace into the slums. Don't give me that pitying look — I chose it. And no, I don't care about the people in the slums. But if you knew the people in the palace, you would understand.
I'll take your word for it. Do you have any jobs or hobbies?
My father gives me enough gold that I have no need for a job. I am not sure I would call it a hobby, but I do enjoy picking fights.
Each to their own. What are some of your likes and dislikes?
I dislike my family — except for my sister, Trebalda, but I will probably never see her again. I also dislike unwelcome visitors, which includes... basically everyone. And I don't like fish. Or water. Tight clothing. Insincere smiles. Sincere smiles.
I do like strong prak. Preferably without the cat piss connotation, but I will take what I can get. Alright, I think that covers it.
What is that look? You are waiting for me to say something about Prince Toom? I am not going to say I like him, so you can stop holding your breath. He just interests me — that is all. I have never met someone with such resolute morals and so little common sense.
No judgement here. Let's try something different. What is your greatest fear?
I am really going to require some stronger prak if you plan to ask questions like this. I still would not answer them, but I would at least find them more amusing.
Okay, how about this. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Nothing, really. I am not particularly happy, but I have the life I deserve.
Are you happy we know your story?
What makes you think you know my story? I am fairly certain that even if a book were written about me, the writer would use someone else's point of view. My side of the story would only be a short, patronizing extra like a bonus chapter.
So help us understand more about you then. What's a day in your life like?
I start most days by training against woefully inadequate opponents. Then I wander the streets, listen in on any interesting conversations, pick fights, and drink prak.
Do you have an event or people in your past who affect you today?
Though I sometimes still read books, I can't seem to find many that keep my interest anymore. My mind tends to wander back to what happened ten years ago...
You want to know what happened? Just ask Toom. He'll either give you the truth or a lie so obvious he might as well have told the truth.
Do you have a secret?
Yes.
Oh, you want to hear what the secret is? And you really think I would tell it to you? That's cute.
Is it that you are in love?
In love? What a ridiculous question. I never have been, and I never will be. Love is a useless and dangerous attachment, and I find it far better to meet my needs at the Coupling.
Got it. Do you have siblings?
One sister and one brother. My sister is the person who I admire most. My brother is the person — if person is the right word — who I fear becoming.
Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
If you are about to tell me I am the best sword fighter and the most attractive man in Rakim, you may save your breath and be on your way. I have heard it all before, and I already know.
However, do feel free to leave your gifts by the door.
Noted. Can we look forward to reading more of your story?
As long as I live, for better or for worse, someone will probably keep writing about me, so you might as well read it.
I hope you live to a ripe old age. Thanks for speaking to me today Niako.
To read Niako's story, click on the link in the comment here ---->
Now it's your turn to ask Niako.
Add your question as an inline comment here. Don't forget to tag spelunkadunk so they can get the questions to him. ----->
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