Witch Fall(9)

Memories boiled up inside Lilette, completely engulfing her with the scent of burning. The choking smoke that had filled her lungs until she couldn’t breathe. Her mother’s fingers digging into her arm. Shouts and swords and blood. Running, running—always running.

Then, the city had been a burning ember against the raging night sky. Lightning had cast everything in bone-white relief, giving it the appearance of a graveyard of blood and stone. Now the city thrived with color and life. Buildings with wide porches and turned-up roofs had been rebuilt, more beautiful and grand than before.

Rinnish had grown around the circular bay, the wealthiest section on a round isthmus. On a gentle mountain at the very heart of that grandeur, the palatial compound lorded over the city. From this angle, all Lilette could see were the imposing ramparts built of yellow bricks and capped with a walkway and towers. She didn’t need to see the palace to know there was a wide porch on every level, that the walls were painted in red and gold, that the copper roof had developed a turquoise patina.

She’d lived there during the weeks of her parents’ ambassadorship. She knew the compound, knew the garden behind it nearly by heart. Just as she knew all the grandeur and beauty only served to hide the rot buried deep within.

She started from her contemplation of the city when Chen swore violently. He and Han were speaking with a man she’d never seen before.

Chen shot her an unreadable glance. Unease stirred within her. The other man bowed to Chen before leaving the ship at a trot. Chen worked his jaw before gesturing to Han. Lilette eased closer to hear what they said.

“Take her to Father’s harem. Keep it quiet.”

Han’s brow wrinkled. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Chen’s gaze flicked to her. “Father regularly adds to his harem. No one will suspect anything. Still, keep her out of sight.” He gave a sharp command for the elite and they marched off the ship.

Lilette worked hard to keep her elation from showing. With Chen and the elite gone, she’d only have to escape Han. “Who are you hiding me from?”

Han motioned to her robe. “Take it off.”

Han’s eyes didn’t miss her palming her brooch and comb, but he didn’t say anything as she shrugged out of the robe. She sighed in relief as she shed the extra layers of clothing. It was the beginning of the hot season and the robe had been stifling. She was left standing in nothing but her sleeveless tunic, which was just as beautiful. It had panels of an island surrounded by stormy seas. No dragons.

Han handed the robe to the woman who’d helped her dress—Lilette hadn’t even noticed her waiting beside the hatch, her eyes downcast. “The plan has changed. Give me the plain one.”

Lilette groaned as another robe was brought out, this one with a hood. As the woman wrapped it around her, Lilette studied Han. He had none of the refined beauty of his brother. His features were stronger, his body all muscle, his scar pale against his dark golden skin.

“Are you done staring?” he asked coldly as he pulled the hood over her pale hair.

She slipped the comb and brooch into the pocket of her new robes. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”

Han shifted to watch Chen disappear into the city. “Count yourself lucky.” He glanced around warily. “Stay close to me.”

He took her arm and walked beside her. Both actions were considered highly inappropriate—she was not his to touch, and a woman should always walk four steps behind a man.

Han guided her down the gangplank and onto the dock. They bypassed the causeway, stepped into the mud, and made their way past derelict buildings. The pungent smell coming from them was a mixture of something sour and something dead. Used to the fresh-ocean-and-jungle smell of her home, Lilette covered her nose with her sleeve and took shallow breaths.

Men emerged from the shadowy doorways, their gazes fixed on her. She instinctively shrunk back. “We’re not safe here,” she hissed at Han.

“We’re safer here than most places in the city,” he said without shifting his gaze from the men.

As if feeling his eyes on them, the men looked at Han. As one they paused before slinking back the way they’d come. Lilette glanced at Han and understood why. Those men reeked of danger and shadows, but Han wore death like men wore armor.

Deciding now was not the time to escape, she moved a little closer to him. They passed a building that was clearly supposed to look glamorous, but instead looked like flashy refuse. A few scantily clad women called out lewd suggestions to Han. Lilette gaped at their audacity, which made the women cackle merrily. She faced forward and tried to ignore their leering insults. “How much longer?”