With a great exhale, I shifted away from him, but his hold on me was firm. He touched my bare back with his fingers.
“I should have gotten here earlier,” he said, his jaw clenched.
I clutched his cloak, pulling the folds over my chest. “Am I to be hanged?”
“This is where they keep the highborn prisoners,” Edan said, avoiding the question. “It’s a little nicer than where you were earlier.”
The smell was still rank, but there was a small window that let in light.
I turned away from him. “What happened to Norbu?”
“He’s been taken away. His Majesty was displeased to hear his loyalty could be so easily bought.”
“So he’ll be executed.”
“That is the penalty for conspiring against the emperor.”
I lifted my gaze, but my words faltered. “Will I be executed?”
Edan’s voice was tight. “I’ve asked Khanujin to hear your testimony first.”
“What for?” I said. “Everyone knows I’m a girl.”
He didn’t reply.
Strange, how little fear I felt. I supposed the lashes helped. Or whatever enchantment Edan was casting over me as he touched my cheek.
“Will you stay?” I asked quietly.
Edan wiped the corners of my mouth with his handkerchief. “Until you fall asleep, yes.”
Tiredly, I laid my head against his chest. He didn’t move. Didn’t wrap his arms around me, or push me away. But his heartbeat quickened a notch.
“I’m sorry, Maia,” he whispered.
It might have meant more to me had I known that this was the first time Edan the Lord Enchanter had ever apologized to anyone.
• • •
When I awoke, it was morning. The guards outside were shouting at one another, and Edan was gone.
Gingerly, I touched my back. The skin was numb, the gashes already healing. Even the strips of linen around my chest had woven themselves together again.
Magic.
I swallowed hard, remembering Edan’s visit. Remembering what awaited me in a few short hours.
It was difficult to stand. My back ached, and fiery pain shot down my legs as I limped to the door and pressed my ear to the keyhole.
I heard sweeping and splashing.
“Hurry, you laggards!” someone yelled. “His Majesty is here.”
More sweeping. More splashing. Then silence.
Nervously, I raked my hands through my hair and backed into the corner. It was hard for me to imagine the emperor stepping into a dungeon.
But here he was, in front of my cell.
