Page 56 of Over the Emerald Valley
“What?”
“Kiss me again. In case this all goes to shit, and we don’t get another chance.” Saying the words out loud made the risk seem even more painfully real.
Solon took him by the waist, pulled him close, and pressed their mouths together. “I will get you out of here, plucky. And I shall see to the safety of every friend you have as well.”
Temaj leaned into his chest, took a breath, and tried to believe his words would come true, but he had a bad feeling stirring in his gut.
CHAPTER19
Solon
As night fell,Solon’s spirits rose. He hadn’t expected a battle on this mission—still wasn’t sure what the cards held—but they were ready to fight if it came to that.
He’d modified Temaj’s plan to maximize its potential. The guards they thought could be converted with information would be tackled by conversation. And the guards most suspected of being loyal to the viceroy? They would be distracted in other, morephysicalways. It was a good plan and would go a long way to evening their odds.
If all went well, Abasi and his cronies would be captured and detained without anyone getting hurt. Solon could appoint Irsu as viceroy in his place until a more permanent solution could be found. And in a few days’ time, those who wanted to would set sail for Thebes and an audience with the pharaoh. Solon would plead their case, the harem would be freed, and he and Temaj could return to his home in Memphis.
Retirement didn’t sound so bad with someone to share it with. That was, if Temaj chose to come with him, but he was getting ahead of himself.
First the mission, then planning the future.
Solon, Neku, Jontil, and Temaj were gathered in the closest public hall to Abasi’s chambers, waiting for the viceroy to emerge. A converted palace guard stood not far away as their lookout.
Temaj and Neku played a game ofSenetso as not to appear suspicious. Solon was only half paying attention to them. Then Temaj gasped.
“Skies, but you have luck on your side, Neku. What can I do to convince you to remove your blockade so I can escape to the House of the Happiness?”
Solon recognized that tone of voice, and without even a glance to confirm it, he knew Temaj would be fluttering his long lashes and pouting his bottom lip.
Neku gave a hearty chuckle. “Why, you can lose, my friend. That’s your only option here.”
“Or…” Temaj purred.
Solon watched from the side of his eye as Temaj ran his foot up Neku’s calf. It was like flirting was so deeply ingrained he couldn’t not do it. Little did he know he was barking up the wrong tree. Neku only bedded women.
But his first officer surprised him by blushing. Apparently, no one was safe from Temaj’s extensive charms.
“Leave him be, plucky. He’s beating you fair and square.”
“But I hate to lose.” Temaj rose. “You take my spot. Give him the trouncing he deserves.”
Solon sat across from Neku.
“I see why you like him,” said his friend with a smile. “Very captivating, this one.”
Temaj preened at Solon’s side.
Everything felt surreal—the teasing, the board game, the company. All of it was out of place when his every nerve prickled and his muscles were coiled for a fight. Temaj might hate to lose, but Solon would wager he hated it even more himself. Tonight, he’d add another victory to his record and do the pharaoh proud.
Solon rolled a four, which was no use, and forfeited his turn.
“I said trounce him, Solon.” Temaj leaned against his shoulder. “Not continue to lose.”
“Apologies, but even I can’t control the dice.”
Neku was about to roll when the guard signaled.
Energy bristled the hairs on Solon’s arms and neck. They abandoned Senet and ducked into the nearby alcove. Who the winner would have been would remain a mystery to time.
