He’d missed his ship anyway. What was one night in a cell if it meant escaping with his life? Across from him, Erich caught the flash of golden eyes watching him. One of the corrupted, here? The Neolyrian curfew was meant to keep the corrupted from roaming the streets at night and protect the citizens. But the guards had hardly given him a second glance, but what happened after weeks of being locked in a cage? Eventually, they’d realize Erich wasn’t entirely human. With his knees drawn up to his chest, he looked small and vulnerable, and for a moment, Erich considered reaching out to offer what, comfort? Those were empty words, and he was hopefully leaving by morning; attempting kindness was pointless. Besides those few corrupted that remained knew survival was easiest alone.
Between the cold, the stench, and a cramp in his leg, sleep evaded him. Gray streams of light poured in through the grime-covered window looking into his cell. The Wind Maiden would be casting off, along with his few meager possessions and the geld he’d spent on an expensive cabin. Best not to think about that. He could make more geld, and clothes and objects weren’t worth much to him. Better to worry about getting out of this prison cell and hope Ivar was the current ambassador.
A pair of guards in crisp gray and blue uniforms marched down the hall, stopping in front of his cell.One of them thrust a key into the lock, and the door creaked as it swung open. All eyes turned to the open door, but no one moved; even Erich held his breath, waiting.
“You!” the guard barked, pointing at Erich. “Warden, wants to speak with ya.”
Guards flanked him front and back as soon as he exited the cell before slamming the door closed behind him. Prisoners pressed against the bars, howling and jeering at him as he passed. Erich avoided looking at them, keeping his head high.
Beyond the prison cells was a wide, flat prison yard, where guards milled about. A few curious glances were cast his way as he and his escorts mounted the wooden staircase leading to an office. Inside, a man with snow-white hair wrote in small, neat rows upon a piece of parchment, and when Erich entered, his shrewd gaze flicked up, assessing him.
“Your majesty, a pleasure to meet you,” he said, though his tone said otherwise. In fact, he seemed annoyed to be meeting with Erich. “I’m Warden Oswald. Take a seat.” He jutted his chin toward the straight-backed wooden chair across from his desk.
“I believe I requested to send a message to the Sundland ambassador. Is there a reason I’ve been summoned to your office?” Erich said, using an imperious tone that made him hate himself.
Warden Oswald steepled his fingers and studied Erich for a beat.
“It is my job as warden to keep dangerous elements out of the city. All those who are found out past curfew must spend a night in our cells, per the empress’ decree.”
“Understandable. I myself, being new to the city, got lost and couldn’t make it back in time, an honest mistake to make.”
“I’ve looked at your arrest documents.” He tapped a paper on his desk. “It says you were caught purchasing stardust.”
“Another mistake, I’m afraid. I thought your government would be more organized than this.”
“Indeed.” He pursed his lips, as if he were biting back saying more.
“Have you contacted the ambassador then?” Erich asked.
“I have, and he has vouched for your identity. But there is still the matter of paying the fines for your arrest…”
Erich’s nostril flared. A bribe, then. There couldn’t be another explanation as to why he would be here.
“How much?”
A slow smile spread across Warden Oswald’s face. “A hundred geld, and I burn this document.” He picked up the paper, holding it over the flame of a candle.
“Done.”
The malfeasance made his stomach turn, as it reminded him too much of home and the corruption he’d run from. Their business concluded, guards escorted Erich out of the prison yard and out the prison gates to where Ivar paced, mangling his velvet hat.
“Your majesty!” Ivar shouted as he rushed over to greet him.
“Hello, Ivar,” Erich replied.
Ivar’s eyes flicked from the prison yard to Erich, a question in his gaze, but he shook his head, apparently deciding against asking. That’s what he’d liked about Ivar; he didn’t ask unnecessary questions. “Come, your majesty. I’ve a carriage awaiting us to take you back to the embassy.”
Sweeping his arm out in front of him, Ivar guided Erich down the narrow alleyway away from the prison yard.
“Forgive the walk; the carriage didn’t fit in the alleyway. I cannot understand how these people live like this, stacked on top of one another.” Ivar tutted.
Erich spotted the carriage and driver at the end of the alleyway, but he had no intention of going with Ivar back to the embassy. He’d try to convince Erich to return to Sundland. Reaching for his dagger, his hand came up empty. He’d nearly forgotten they’d taken his weapons and coin purse.
“Do you have my things?”
Sighing, Ivar handed him his dagger and signet ring. “Thank the Trinity you held onto it after all this time. Had I not seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it was you. Have you heard the rumor you’re dead?”
“Good.”
