Page 47 of A Sky of Emerald Stars

It looked like it pained Navin to speak the next words. “The bounty that Luo has placed on you.”

“No.” My cheeks flamed, and my heart thundered as the realization dawned on me. “I will not let you sell me to him. I will let that fucking monster drag me under the sand before—”

“It’s a trade to get something of ours back. Rasil promises to let you go from here—”

“To sell me to another!” I shouted.

Navin shook his head. “We just need it back,” he pleaded.

“What back?” It’s not like I was going to entertain this lunacy, but I wanted to see what was so important that he’d betray me.

He ignored me. “Then I can help get you out of the palace. You don’t have to stay in Rikesh, just help us get what we want and we can both run away.”

“Together?” I laughed bitterly. “You can’t be serious.”

“Back to Olmdere,” Navin said. “You can go back to your court. You will be safe. Just help us with this ruse.”

“Just help you steal from theKing of Valtaby pretending to be his brother’s fucking bride!” My voice scratched until I was as raspy as Navin. “How dare you say this to me like I have any choice!”

“You do,” he said.

“And what choices are those?” I scoffed. “Die here, die in the desert, or help you steal from a king and die in his palace. And even if I manage to escape, what court will be left to return to? If I make enemies with Luo, he will help Nero destroy the Golden Court.” Navin was silent and I let out a low growl. “Those are not choices at all. Those are just different kinds of death sentences.”

“Fine,” Navin said, dropping the bundle of fabric onto the sand at his feet. He turned and walked away, whistling the tune that opened my door. “I’ll be in the library if you want answers.”

After staring at the open door for what felt like hours, hungry and thirsty, I decided I was a stubborn fool if I didn’t walk through it. I hastily changed into the plum gown that Navin had brought. It was a light gauzy fabric, held together by golden clips at the shoulders and hips, and gathered with ribbons at the waist. I guessed the garment was some sort of musician’s performance outfit, judging by the little musical notes embroidered down the plunging neckline. It was far too feminine for me and rather ridiculous looking on my warrior’s body, but at least it wasn’t a grungy stained shirt.

At least it wasn’tNavin’sshirt.

As I walked up the steps, the grand tiled hallway appeared again, but this time I turned toward the oasis instead of the desert and those many pale hands of the samsavet. I shuddered again, thinking of how it so easily pulled me into the sand. How many more monsters lurked beneath the desert surface, waiting to attack?

The roof opened up above me, the center of the building open to the sky. Seven tiled tunnels spilled into the oasis, each with its own unique tiled pattern and intricate swirling designs. Tall palm trees shaded the winding garden paths of cool river stones. Water trickled below my feet, stretching out to the many tropical fruit trees and shrubs. A well painted in sage green and oceanblue sat in the very center of thick greenery. A golden bucket hung from above the well and I paused to admire it. Clearly this well was something important, more of a statue than designed for practical use.

From each of the seven walls, a stream of water fell into a collection bowl that spilled over into the gardens. Rainbow-feathered birds twittered as they flew from tree to tree. Hummingbirds and butterflies pollinated the flowers and danced around the plants ripe with fruit, all moving as if in a choreographed dance. This place was amazing—clearly a dying wish teeming with magic. It had probably saved many lives from the scorching desert. I wanted to pause longer and take it all in, but the scratch of my dry throat overwhelmed me.

I rushed over to the nearest bowl, drinking from the falling water and splashing it over my face. I scrubbed the back of my neck and my bare arms, washing away the grit. My toes wriggled in the cool water spilling over the sides. I leaned my head back into the spray, uncaring as my dress got wet, too. The thin fabric would dry quickly in this heat. An impressive amount of sand washed from my hair as I untied my two braids and finger-combed out the many snarls. It felt incredible finally washing away the sand and sweat, finally feeling cool and clean.

As I wrung my hair out, I looked up to find Navin leaning against the far archway, barely visible through the trees.

He pushed off the wall and slowly curved around the outer path toward me. “If you wanted soap and bathing oils, you could just ask,” he said mildly.

“I want my freedom.”

“Not quite the same, and you know it.”

He paused as he turned the corner, taking in the full sight of me, from my dripping hair spilling down my dress to the wet fabric hugging my curves and leaving nothing to the imagination.

“Then I will be clear: I want nothing from my captors,” I said, wishing desperately I had my knives right then. Nothingmade me feel more naked than being without my weapons. I supposed my teeth would have to do.

His expression darkened. “I am not your captor.”

“Are you not?” My eyebrows lifted as I cut him a sarcastic look. “Are you saying I can walk out of here right now and not be drowned in the sand by the samsavet?” The muscle in his cheek flickered. “Exactly.Youare my captor, Navin Mourad, whether you like it or not.”

“This was never my plan,” he said, taking another step toward me, his beseeching hands reaching out as I retreated, keeping the distance between us. I couldn’t have him near, hated how his closeness always seemed to muddle my good sense. “I never intended to bring you here, only to take you to Rikesh just as we planned with Calla. I truly thought you could form an alliance with Valta and return to Olmdere without ever knowing about this place.” He took another step. “But, Sadie, we can do all of that still.”

“Except for the part about me offering myself to a prince in exchange for something that your band of humans wants. Something you won’t even tell me what it is,” I snarled. “You think once I’m in the clutches of the Onyx Wolves I’ll be able to escape?”

“I will help you escape.”

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