Page 66 of King of Storms and Feathers

Leaf

“You fool,” the Sayeeda said, her nails digging into my scalp as she washed my hair with rough movements. “What were you thinking, destroying the king’s trust like that?”

Water splashed in the copper tub as I hugged my legs to my chest, my kneecaps sticking out like pale mountains rising from a sea of lavender and rose petals.

I willed tears away, refusing to let them spill onto my cheeks. I wasn’t afraid of what might happen to me, only burning mad at myself for getting caught. Just my luck that the hole at the bottom of Bonerust’s so-called Gin Gates led into a tavern courtyard frequented by unsavory types. They’d been raucously pleased to pluck me off the ground and deliver me into the meaty paws of their boss, the vile smithy.

“But I had to try, Ari. Please don’t be mad at me. I bet you’d have done the same thing if you were in my position, shackled like a criminal in a gilded prison. I know you would have.”

“Stupid girl, we are in the same position, only my bonds are invisible, forged by traditions, linked by tenets and rules, and hammered in place by the weight of my love for my people.”

I swiveled to face her. “But unlike you, I’ve made no such bargain. I was stolen from my life. He purchased me like I was nothing but cheap livestock for the slaughter.”

Water poured over my face as she rinsed my hair. “Smart folk learn to judge when to fight their circumstances and when they should shut up and make the best of them. Jumping out that window today was an ill-timed decision. Arrowyn was beginning to trust you.”

“Is he very angry?” I whispered, not really wanting to know the answer.

“Did you think he’d be happy he had to rescue you from another man’s clutches? Of course he’s mad! I’ve never seen him so enraged.” She pinched the edge of my jaw and shook my head in frustration. “Arrowyn may be ruthless, but fortunately for you, violence does not bring him the same pleasure as it did his father.”

I supposed the Sayeeda would know.

“Why didn’t you set the guards on me as soon as you realized I’d jumped? Surely you must hate me for taking away your reason to visit the king each night with his medicine.”

“By the gold, why would I?” She snorted. “I have enough duties to fill my days and nights. I’m glad you soothe Arrowyn’s nightmares. And contrary to what you think, I don’t want you to perish.” She dipped her chin, lowering her voice. “When you escape, you must have a solid plan, one made with allies who will ensure you won’t get caught.”

A strange emotion swam in her eyes. Perhaps I only saw what I longed to, but that look could be interpreted as a promise. Was the Sayeeda hinting she was the ally I badly needed?

“Come, get out of the bath before your skin wrinkles like an old man’s ball sack and Arrow has another reason to be angry with me.”

A towel wrapped around my body as I stepped from the tub, water pooling on the floor at my feet. Ari helped me dry off, then applied a pungent ointment to my scrapes and bruises.

I swallowed hard, then took a breath for courage. “How did he punish you for not calling the guards straight away?”

Ari sighed. “In three days’ time, my dearest friend was to make her yearly visit to Coridon, but… no longer.”

Guilt filled the hollow ache in my chest. “I’m so sorry, Ari.”

She spun me around and handed me the outfit of golden bandages that I despised, which, of course, was Arrow’s favorite.

“If there was even the slightest possibility that you would find your freedom, I would do it all over again. Get dressed. And hurry. The king will be here soon.”

Before she left, she locked my chain to the center of the pavilion, giving me a final piece of advice. “Pretend to be who he wants, Leaf. That is your first step forward on the path home.”

The warm night air brushed my skin and bright stars winked down from the black sky as I sat on the tiles and awaited my fate.

On the edge of the pavilion, one of the mysterious black and gold feathers that often appeared from nowhere danced in the breeze. I picked it up and trailed the soft tip along my cheek and mouth, inhaling the rich, musky scent, wondering what desert bird smelled so good.

Without warning, the elevator doors clanged open, and Arrow stepped into the sitting room. Silently, he glided like a forest panther toward my lofty prison. As he moved, he stripped off his molded leather armor, revealing the plate of gold feathers that rested against the muscles of his chest.

Feather glyphs floated over his skin as he tugged off his belt, then tossed it to the floor. Thankfully, he kept on the tight leathers that hugged his thighs and other interesting parts of the male anatomy.

For now.

As he walked over the footbridge, I scrambled to my feet, studying his movements. His limbs seemed too loose, his gait far too relaxed for a fury-filled fae, hell bent on revenge.

Wearing a smirk, he stopped about a foot in front of me. He swayed slightly as his hand whipped out and snatched the feather from my grasp, tucking it into his back pocket next to the smallest of his obsidian blades.

“Don’t look so worried, little Leaf,” he drawled. “I’m not going to murder you. Not tonight, anyway.”

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