When she finally arrived before the dais, she dropped to a kneel and bowed her head.
“So, this is our famed jewel thief.” The king’s voice was rich, and not as harsh as Colette had expected. “A daughter of Sartya, raised in Ichorna, and back now stealing from our nobles. Fascinating. I have heard your story from my Captain of the Guard, but I’d like to hear it from you, Colette.”
Colette kept her head lowered and began. She told the king of her experience as a guard in Ichorna, of her parents who had kept a love of Sartya’s culture alive in her, of her grandmother who needed help that Colette felt responsible and honored to give. She told him of the difficulties she had faced finding work, and the circumstances that led to her first robbery. She shared the stories of the people she had helped with the spoils of her crimes. The king listened to it all without interrupting.
When she finally stopped, silence fell across the hall, and she dared a glance up to take in her surroundings.
The king was considering her, leaning forward with his elbows resting casually on his knees. Their eyes connected for a moment, and Colette knew she should lower her gaze; but she didn’t.
“Colette Tazar, you have committed many crimes in Zhava City.” Colette braced herself for the worst. He would sentenceher to life in prison. Her grandmother would be alone in her old age. She wouldn’t ever see Mav again.
“But, it seems you have set about fixing my city in a way that I did not. Despite your time away from us, you are a true daughter of Sartya, with a giving heart and cunning determination. My Captain tells me I should bring you into the fold. In exchange for your solemn vow to stop your thieving, you will be offered a position here at the palace. You will work with our Master of Coin to ensure the interests ofallresidents of Zhava City are represented. Do you accept?”
Colette could not believe what she was hearing. Not only would she be pardoned, but she would be given the opportunity to truly help people. She glanced over to Mav, who was trying to look stoic; she nodded at Colette, eyes sparkling.
“Yes, my king, I accept your generous terms. It will be my honor to serve Sartya in this way. I will see it done.”
“Very good, Colette Tazar of Sartya. Rise now, and strive every day to do right by the people of Zhava City. I will endeavor to do the same.”
*
“I told you it would work out,” Mav said with a laugh as she pulled Colette into her arms that evening.
“You did, but you know I have to worry about everything secretly.” Colette laughed, burying her face into the fur of Mav’s chest.
“My lovely thief, a thief no more. I am glad the king gave you a job right away; you would have gotten into trouble otherwise, I have no doubt.”
“Hey! That’s no way to speak to your mate,Captain,”Colette said with a laugh.
“She’s right, you definitely would have gotten into some nonsense, Coco,” Colette’s grandmother said from across theroom. Mav tried to hold back her laugh as Colette gave her a good-natured glare.
“I’ll gladly swear off nonsense forever if it means I get to be with you, my beautiful, courageous, brilliant mate.” Colette went up on her toes to pull Mav into a kiss.
“I love you,” Mav said quietly.
“I love you, too. So much that I promise never to hold a dagger to your throat again,” Colette said with a smirk.
“What if I ask you to?” Mav answered, her voice barely a whisper in Colette’s ear.
“Only if you ask very nicely.”
Epilogue
“You’ve been busy, Isee,” Mav said as she stepped up behind Colette. Mav loved coming home after a long day to find Colette already there. The delicious treats Colette often made were not a downside either. Apparently Ichornians were very fond of their pastries, and Colette had learned how to make a truly decadent chocolate croissant while she had lived there.
A tray of the flaky rectangles sat on the kitchen countertop, still warm. Mav picked one up from the tray and took a bite, the buttery layers pulling a moan from her. Colette watched her like a hawk for a moment before handing her a small glass of dark purple juice. “The sweetness of the joulum goes nicely with the bitter chocolate,” Colette said with a wink.
“Where’s Talisa?” Mav asked, hoping desperately that some alone time with her mate was in the cards for tonight.
“Her friend Mona came to take her out to dinner for the evening,” Colette answered, biting into a pastry of her own.
“Mm, that isexcellentnews,” Mav said through her mouthful.
“I had an idea, actually. I visited a new shop today and bought a little something I thought we could try?” Colette’s eyes gleamed with mischief.
“Oh? You know I’ll try anything with you, my love.”
“I’m so glad. I think you’ll rather enjoy this particular surprise. Why don’t you go get comfortable on the bed and I’ll join you in a moment?”
