As we strode down the corridor, the panels became wooden screens with delicate latticework to let in the light. Through the screens, we glimpsed rooms with low couches, lush fabrics, and lanterns made of colored glass. In those rooms, tall, keyhole windows drew in jasmine-scented air. Gauzy white curtains billowed in the breeze, the color stark against all the jewel-toned carpets and cushions.
“It's lovely.” The King's gaze bounced from floor to wall to ceiling. “So much color.”
“The first king chose the pink marble himself.” I motioned to the floor. “He thought the veins of gold within it made it look like sunshine coming through sunrise clouds, and walking across it felt like striding across the sky.”
Jucai took my hand. “Your love for your home is clear.”
I looked down at our clasped hands and then at the courtiers passing by. They grinned and inclined their heads to me. Grinning back, I squeezed Jucai's hand.
“This is appropriate for displaying our relationship?” Jucai asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Although we should refrain from such displays in front of the King.”
“Why?”
“You'll need to speak to him about serious matters. Affection would not be appropriate in such a setting.”
“Ah, I see. Very well.”
I led our group to a staircase that seemed to rise from the floor, its steps made of the same pink marble. At the landing, I took us up the left flight of stairs, toward the public rooms of the royal wing. At the top, we went through a corridor and then around a corner into an airy hallway. To our left was a low wooden railing topped with latticework panels that formed arched windows. They framed a view of an inner courtyard with a central octagonal fountain surrounded by potted plants.
The meeting room was through the arched doors at the end of the hallway. I knocked softly before opening the left door. After a careful peek inside, I opened the door fully and waved in the King of Ilshi.
King Saric of Zaru sat in a grand chair at the head of a massive table topped in onyx. Iron lanterns with panes of colored glass hung from the vaulted white ceiling, shedding stained light on the men and women seated at the table with the King. His advisers included two Dragons, a Brujai man, an Eljaffna woman, Prince Racmar, and Duke Daha, the Prince's Raltven mate.
Before Daha saved Zaru from the dead, most of Erimbar scorned Raltven for being criminals and assassins. Now, because of Daha, opinions had changed. That being said, most of the city’s Raltven had left with the Brujai sorceress who had beenraising the dead and fighting her own kind on behalf of the Raltven. They lived underground now, in a cave protected by the sorceress. But some had returned to Erimbar, and others had never left. Life was harder for them for a while after we discovered they were in league with the sorceress. But after Daha saved us and mated our prince, reason prevailed. King Saric had addressed the city himself on behalf of Raltven. Now, Erimbar was at peace, and it was mostly because of the bravery of Duke Daha.
The necromancer nodded at me and then studied my companions. Ever watchful, that one. I was glad the King had him on his council, and the Prince had him as his mate.
Against the walls stood several Dragon knights—the King's and the Prince's guards. They watched the Sea Dragons even more intensely than Daha. I didn't blame them, not after the attack on a Zaruian ship. King Jucai's guards, however, didn't like the attention and narrowed their eyes at the Land Dragon guards.
King Saric stood up. “Lord Nadar, you've returned sooner than expected. And you've brought guests.”
“Your Majesty.” I bowed to him and then to Prince Racmar. “Your Highness.” Then, I bowed to Duke Daha. “Your Grace.” I held my hand out toward the Sea King. “I'm honored to introduce you to King Jucai of the Ilshi Sea. Your Majesty, may I present King Saric of Zaru, his brother, Prince Racmar, and the Prince's mate, Duke Daha. These people are the King's advisers.” I waved at the Dragons. “Lady Denessa, Lord Valgo.” I motioned at the Brujai man. “Lord Karu.” Then I inclined my head to the Eljaffna woman. “And Lady Sesha.”
King Saric approached King Jucai during my speech and shook his hand. “Welcome to Zaru, Your Majesty. Please have a seat. Would you care for some refreshment?” As he escorted King Jucai down the room, he waved at a chair beside his, opposite Prince Racmar's, and then at the silver trays on the table, holding Zaruian sweets, pastries, and mint tea.
The chair the King indicated was occupied by Lord Valgo, but he and Lady Denessa moved down the table without protest, leaving two chairs open. I inclined my head to them in thanks. As advisers, they outranked me and didn't have to make room for me. But they were friends of mine.
“Thank you for your warm welcome, Your Majesty.” Jucai inclined his head. “In light of current events, it's very generous.” He sat down as his guards took up posts along the wall behind him.
“Yes, the nasty business of the trade ship attack.” King Saric resumed his seat. “I do not convict people without clear evidence, especially not a king. We have gathered here to discuss how we should address the matter. Your timing is excellent.”
As they spoke, I made a little plate of food and poured a cup of tea. I set them in front of Jucai, then poured myself a cup and sat beside him. When I glanced down the table, I found Daha watching me. I nodded to him and sipped my tea, content to let the kings converse for now.
“I am most genuine in my desire for a friendship between our kingdoms,” Jucai said. “I hope our kingdoms can prosper through trade. Attacking your ships would not help my cause. Frankly, it's a cowardly move that I would never approve of.”
Jucai slid his hand onto my thigh despite my warning. At least it was under the table. Hopefully, King Saric wouldn't notice.
King Saric smiled. “I'm relieved to hear you say that. Your very presence speaks of your innocence. In light of that, your input on this matter would be most welcome.”
“Your diplomat intends to investigate the matter.” Jucai removed his hand from my thigh to place it on my shoulder. “I have faith in him.”
My cheeks warmed, and my eyes twitched as everyone at the table, including my king, followed the motion of Jucai's hand and surmised where it had been.
After clearing my throat, I said to King Saric, “ Of course, I meant to ask your approval first, Your Majesty. As your diplomat to Ilshi, I feel that this is my responsibility. I hoped to speak with the survivors and search the ship.”
The King glanced at Jucai's hand, still on my shoulder. “I have a Claw on the case. He has helped me before and proven to be skilled at his job. But I'm sure he wouldn't mind more help. Head down to the docks. The ship is called the Blue Heron. Claw Mahdred should be there now.”
