Witch Fall(11)

“The woman in the howdah, did she see you?” Han asked.

So that’s what the palanquin was called.

In the small space between cart and wall, Lilette watched the creature lumber past in an oddly swaying gait. She let out all her breath. “I don’t know.”

He cursed, soft and low. “Why did you run?”

She went limp and boneless, feeling like all hope had been bled out of her. “How could I not?”

Han’s gaze went hard. “Do you think my life so valuable that my father wouldn’t kill me for losing you?”

Her eyes heavy with tears she refused to let fall, she met his gaze. “You don’t care if Chen forces me to be one of his concubines. Why should I care if the emperor kills you?”

Han worked his jaw before pulling a knife from an ankle sheath. She braced herself, but he only cut the bottom of his silk tunic and proceeded to bind her wrists. Her hands immediately went numb. She refused to let the discomfort show.

He made no apology, nor did he loosen the bands. “Don’t try that again.” He took hold of her arm, stepped to the end of the alley, and peered out.

Lilette eased forward and watched the creature’s hind parts and a branch of a tail grow smaller. “What was that?”

Han’s expression was grim. “An elephant.”

She wet her lips. “Is it dangerous?”

“A bull elephant is. That one is female. They’re fairly passive.”

“Then why are you afraid of it?”

Han eyed her, his expression unreadable. “It’s not the elephant that’s the problem—it’s the woman riding it. And it’s not me who should be afraid.”

“I never stopped being afraid,” she whispered.

He let out a frustrated growl. “Being one of his concubines is an honor. He is your heir.”

“He is my shackles.” Lilette considered running again.

Han’s grip tightened on her. “Don’t. When you can’t win, you retreat.”

She looked into his eyes that were so dark they were almost black. “I have no retreat.”

“Then you take your surrender like a man.”

Lilette gave him a level stare. “But I’m a woman.” And we only let you think we’ve surrendered before we gut you, she added silently.

He grunted. “I’ll bind your feet and carry you over my shoulder if I have to.” With his hand locked around her arm, Han tugged her forward. “Come on.” He looked around as if gathering his bearings before starting down another alley. She had to trot to keep up with him.

The road slanted upward. They left the crowded, noisy streets below and passed numerous walled compounds with winged entrances and imposing gates, behind which she caught glimpses of grand houses and gardens. The tantalizing scent of food and growing things wafted toward her.

She was strong and healthy from hours spent working with Fa on their fishing boat, but she was still breathing hard when the enormous gates of the palace came into view. Instead of heading for them, Han pulled her into a noodle house. He gave a familiar nod to the owner and started up the stairs. At the top, they crossed the room to a veranda covered with tables and chairs. Jade columns supported the roof. Han wove among the scattering of people eating a late midday meal. A few shot Lilette curious glances—she was obviously not of their race and her hands were bound, but none moved to interfere. Not when her captor was an elite, and she was just another worthless woman.

Along one side, they came to an enclosure with wines along one wall, ceramic pots of herbs along another, and a large brazier filled with teapots—it was some kind of drink station. The servant at the brazier nodded to Han as if they knew each other.

Han produced his knife and cut the bindings around Lilette’s wrists. “Don’t let her past you,” he said to the man, who raised an eyebrow before his gaze settled on her.

Han stepped onto the railing, gripped the edge of the roof, and hauled himself up. She leaned over the railing and gaped up at him. He extended his hand. “I need to see what’s going on past the gates, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

She glanced back at the server for help. He only moved to block the exit, his arms over his chest. Not seeing another option, she hoisted herself up to stand on the rail. Han gripped her wrist and pulled her up beside him. One hand on the slanting clay tiles, he climbed to the roof ridge. “Watch yourself.”

Trying to ignore the two-story drop, Lilette crawled after him on hands and feet, the grit from the roof tiles sticking to her damp palms. Han crouched behind the roof ridge, which was carved to resemble a scroll, and peered at whatever lay beyond. After hesitating a moment, she eased up beside him. The ramparts loomed before her, a whole two stories taller than the building she sat upon. The gates faced south, toward the ocean. As she watched, they opened to admit the elephant and the elite, giving her a partial view of what lay beyond.