“Don’t look at me with such suspicion,” he said. “I’ve done nothing but take you to Syrus like we agreed.”
Her breaths began to calm, and she dared to look away from him. They stood on a cobblestone walkway on a quiet street. Sleeping storefronts lined one side while a stone wall rose waist high on the other. A soft breeze blew across her cheeks, carrying with it more of that smothering heat.
It wasn’t an unnatural kind.
It was merely the temperature of her surroundings.
The Southern Islands were known for their balmy climates, even in the winter. Which must mean they truly were in Syrus. She hazarded a glance at Darius again, but he kept his distance, posture straight, hands clasped at his waist.
“Welcome to my hellish domain,” he said. “Please, look around. See what a dark and miserable prison I’ve subjected my citizens to.”
His mocking tone grated on her nerves, but she studied her surroundings. They were dark indeed, but that was only because it was evening. The Southern Islands were a few hours behind Khero, so it was sometime before midnight. As for miserable, there was nothing to suggest an ounce of misery. Strains of conversation and laughter floated on the air, while light streamed from homes, terraces, and nearby buildings.
She stepped closer to the stone wall and found a sloping, layered hillside beyond it, edged with streets like the one they stood on, and tall blocky buildings made from colorful stucco. It was too dark to see the hues clearly, but she caught hints of orange, tan, blue, and pink. Some of the rooftops were flat while others boasted terracotta shingles. She even spotted an ornate domed building far below.
The bottom of the hill cut off in a steep cliff, where the first rows of houses appeared to be carved straight from the stone. Beneath that stretched an endless sea dancing with starlight and the lamps of fishing boats.
Gods, she hated to admit it, but her enemy’s island kingdom was beautiful.
She did her best to mask her awe as she faced Darius again.
“Come along,” he said, starting off down the street.
“To where?”
“I want to give you a closer look at my people.”
“Meaning…”
He paused and glanced over his shoulder at her. “We’re going to a public house. Having a few drinks.”
She pulled her head back. “A public house?”
“What, surprised a king would deign to interact with his own people? Don’t think too highly of me. My people haven’t seen me looking this healthy before. No one will recognize me as their beloved monarch. To them, I’ll be just an old soldier out for a drink.”
Annoyance prickled her skin. “I wasn’t thinking about you at all. I was more concerned with the fact that I’m dressed in a night robe.”
He wrinkled his nose as he studied her, as if he hadn’t truly looked at her until now. “Worry not. You’ll do. People from all around come to Syrus, either to visit or take up residence. I offer my citizens a way of life not often found elsewhere—but you’ll see for yourself. The point is there are no standards of fashion here, with so many outside influences. No one will look twice at your clothes.”
With that, he proceeded again.
Gritting her teeth, she followed him. She was barefoot too, but the streets were surprisingly clean, and the cobblestones were well-maintained. Besides, being barefoot outside wasn’t an oddity for her. The Forest People valued physical connections with nature and relished any opportunity to set their shoeless soles on soil.
As they navigated the narrow, winding street that lined the sloping cliff, Cora cast her attention up the hill this time, taking in the ever-climbing incline. More rows of buildings stretched above her, and at the very top stood a bell tower beside a crenellated wall. Behind that rose an enormous white dome. The entire structure was illuminated with lanterns, making it a beacon of beauty. She wondered if that was Darius’ palace.
She looked from the bell tower above to the sea below and determined they were only midway up the hill. She couldn’t imagine how breathtaking the view might be from the top. As much as she craved such a sight, she was grateful they kept to the outer street that ran horizontally across the hill and not one of the streets that led to the higher levels. She was in no mood for a hike.
Sounds of raucous laughter and the clink of plates and glasses grew louder, as did the frequency of light streaming from the windows. Crowds filled the streets ahead, either from groups of men chatting or couples dining at the small tables set beside the wall. Cora hadn’t had many experiences in cities, as she’d often stayed behind with the commune when the Forest People had gone to trade in nearby villages. To see so many figures gathered around so late at night, so animated, so energetic…it was a bit overwhelming.
That reminded her to reconnect with the elements and strengthen her mental shields. She wanted to keep a close read on Darius’ energy, but that could wait until they’d settled in at their destination.
She wove through the crowded sidewalk. He was right about no one noticing him as their king. In fact, the people barely noticed either of them. Finally, Darius paused outside a building of pink stucco. More sounds of chatter and laughter echoed from behind the heavy wooden door, above which hung a sign.
The Dragon’s Arms Public House.
“Here we are.” Darius pushed open the door and strode inside.
Cora followed, anxiety fraying the edges of her mental wards. The pub was packed with patrons filling nearly every table in the room. Ale and smoke infused the air, making the dimly lit room seem even darker. The walls were a cream plaster, recessed with small alcoves that held decorative bottles or oil lamps. The red tile floor was sticky beneath her bare feet.
