My heart swells, and I want her. Still.
But it doesn’t matter. In Rahway, we ran so the king’s guard wouldn’t recognize her. So I wouldn’t find out she was a princess.
I force myself to take my hands off her and step away. I really gotta stop touching her.
The room’s now open, and we peer inside. I don’t see any traps, but you can’t be too careful with someone like Mikail.
Step by creaky step, we make it all the way in—the room ain’t large. Bed, chair, dresser, nightstand, washroom.
The bed is made, and Mikail’s bag sits on top. It only takes a second to realize there’s no one here.
He’s gone.
Chapter Four
Mikail
City of Quu, Khitan
Fallador is more attractive than I remember, which is saying something. He’s about six inches shorter than I am, but just as solid. His posture and manner are regal and relaxed, but he’s sharp as a tack. He’s my age—maybe a month or two different. And neither of us should be alive.
Allegedly, we both died in the Festival of Blood nearly twenty years ago. Like me, Joon made him an orphan, but Fallador didn’t have to depend on the heart of a stranger. His royal connections hid him and spirited him away to Khitan, where he’s entertained the court ever since. Every realm adores former royalty—especially someone charming like him.
Most importantly, he’s been a source of information for me since I became a spy.
Fallador’s villa is halfway up Oligarch Mountain. The closer you are to the top, to the golden Palace of the Sky King, the higher your status.
Interesting, in a country of supposed equals.
We sit in his parlor. He placed tea and custard buns on a tray between us. Rain pours against the glass balcony doors, but it’s well-lit in here. Fallador occupies the couch; I’m across from him in one of the plush armchairs. His green eyes sparkle like the gilding around us. This country is obsessed with gold the same way Tamneki loves water features. People will do anything to emulate power.
“I didn’t expect you back so soon,” he says with a smile.
We’ve been in contact, but the last time I saw him in person was over a year ago. What he means is he never expects me to be alive. I’m surprised at times myself.
“En Gaya,” I say in our native tongue. It meansto the homeland.
He smiles. “En Gaya.”
We lift our porcelain cups and sip. It’s a good strong tea from the island. The smell reminds me of home. Everything about Fallador does. We speak in old Gayan when we are alone, which is a comfort I never remember how much I need.
“Not that I don’t love making small talk with you, but to what do I owe this pleasure?” he asks. “I assume you already know about the rather sudden regime change.”
I nod. “I’ve come as part of an envoy sent by King Joon to welcome the new queen regent.”
I try out my first ruse on him. It makes the most sense—to be here with Euyn as part of a diplomatic scheme to greet the new ruler of Khitan. The king of Khitan conveniently died a month ago, leaving Quilimar as the regent for their young son.
Fallador grins. “Except she already received Yusanian dignitaries last month.”
No dice.
“There’s no way to arrange for an audience?” I ask, leaning forward.
He mirrors me, ready to whisper a secret. His skin is also a warm brown like mine, in sharp contrast to the white of his shirt. When he gets closer to me, there’s a feeling of longing that hits my core. But Fallador and I have never been lovers. It’s the desire for home.
“There was an attempt on Quilimar’s life a week ago,” he says. “She sees no one now.”
I sit back and sigh. The timing is hardly a coincidence. But why? Why would Joon send us to fetch the ring, yet at the same time make it more difficult to get to Quilimar? The monarchs are always trying to eliminate each other, so assassination attempts are nothing new, but what is his ultimate goal? And how far does this plan extend? Is it possible there is another player involved? Or is that wishful thinking?
