Secrets Bound By Sand

by T. A. White

  "I'm not surprised," Ryu said. "Although I admit to being startled at the amount of interest he's taken in you lately."

  Ryu's gaze was probing as he waited for her to fill in the blanks. Tate pressed her lips together as she held his gaze stubbornly.

  Ryu shook his head, wry frustration in his expression. "You've answered your own question. We couldn’t transport the guardians’ advocate without doing the same for the Order. You're the Emperor's mediator, appointed as a neutral party to act in the empire's best interest. You can't give even the hint of preferential treatment to any of the parties involved."

  Made sense, except Ryu hadn't known Vale was coming.

  "And you somehow magically knew the guardian would be with me?"

  His grin was full of wicked delight.

  "Damn it, you're still having me watched," she said in sudden realization, fury taking root.

  There wasn't an ounce of repentance in his expression. "I'm surprised it's taken you this long to notice."

  Tate fought the urge to stomp her foot like a child, though it was close. Of anyone she'd ever met, Ryu had the ability to drive her up the wall and inspire twin urges of violence and desire.

  "For how long?" she hissed.

  His shrug was nonchalant as he studied her with an enigmatic gaze. "Who said I ever stopped?"

  She made a low, angry sound as she glared at him, trying to sear his flesh from his bones.

  Ilith perked up, winding her way up Tate's body until she encircled Tate's neck like an unwieldy collar. Ilith fluttered her wings before settling, a warm weight against Tate's skin.

  Dragon man, she whispered across Tate's mind.

  Ryu's smile widened and he reached out, touching the Ilith tattoo with a gentle caress. Both Tate and her dragon shivered at the sensation.

  Tate slapped his hand away, ignoring Ilith's mournful cry. He's overstepping.

  Ilith sighed unhappily but settled down, letting Tate handle this.

  "I want the spying to stop," she told Ryu firmly. It was the only way to be with him. Otherwise he'd try to walk right over her.

  "Of course," he murmured with a slight bow of his head.

  Tate didn't move despite having won the round. Her eyes narrowed. That was too easy. What was he up to?

  When he didn't say anything else, Tate moved past him.

  His words stopped her. "But only because I'll be here to keep an eye on you myself."

  She whirled to face him, her teeth bared in an expression reminiscent of Night's. "I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself. I've been doing it longer than you've been alive."

  Ryu reached out and touched a spot between her breasts. The mournful, traumatized look in his eyes froze her in place.

  He unerringly traced the scar hidden beneath her clothes, a reminder of just how close to death she'd come recently.

  "And yet you've come closer to death more times than any other I have in my employ," he said softly, his words harsh with repressed emotion.

  Tate didn't speak as his hand dropped to his side, the expression on his face locking her in place. His eyes were haunted, grief ravaging his features. It was an unfiltered glimpse into the man who had taunted and teased her since almost the first time they'd met.

  It rocked her to her core. She didn't know how or when she had become so important to him, or if it was her status as dragon-ridden that made her so attractive, but she couldn’t find it in her to ignore the depth of fear in his expression or dismiss it with casual words to lighten the mood.

  Tate and Ryu became aware of Jost approaching at the same time. Ryu's face shut down, his guard slamming up as he visibly withdrew, his expression once more arranged in its familiar teasing lines.

  "Everyone is aboard except for two. As soon as they arrive, we'll weigh anchor and set out," Jost informed them.

  "Good, the sooner we're away the better," Ryu said.

  Jost watched Tate carefully as Dewdrop joined them. "Is it true you stole the Emperor's crown?"

  Dewdrop choked on what he was about to say, his head whipping toward Tate. "Is he serious?"

  Tate shifted uncomfortably before glaring at Ryu. "So much for keeping that a secret."

  He lifted an eyebrow at her, the faintest touch of amusement twisting his mouth. "It’s not my fault your antics have already begun making the rounds."

  "Especially when the Emperor is the one to brag about it," Jost observed.

  Tate's lip curled and her left eye developed a twitch.

  Dewdrop let out a low whistle. "You've been holding out on me. If the Luciuses hear about this, they'll be furious they let someone with your potential get away. They've been trying to steal from the Emperor's treasury for years."

  The Luciuses were two Night Lords who shared the same name to fool their enemies. They were part of the criminal underbelly of Aurelia and ruled with iron fists. Dewdrop had once served in their circle before throwing his lot in with Tate.

  "Indeed, little pickpocket," Blade said, appearing behind Dewdrop. "My masters were most put out when they heard this news."

  "What are you doing here?" Tate asked, startled.

  Lithe and tall, Blade moved with the confidence of a master assassin. He could be friend or enemy, depending on the circumstances.

  He was half Kairi and shared many of their characteristics. His eyes were a pure black except for the faintest rim of blue around the edges announcing the presence of noble blood, while his blue-black hair was cut so close to the skull it was a faint shadow. The only thing missing were scales in a distinct pattern common in the Kairi around his hairline.

  "Lyre, thank you for coming," Ryu said, interrupting. "Were you able to retrieve the package?"

  Blade gave a small nod. "The lady wasn't happy, but when I mentioned your name, she at least stopped fighting."

  Tate peered around him to catch a glimpse of the lady in question. Roslyn glared grumpily around the ship, her hair mussed from its usual smooth style, her clothes rumpled as if they'd been hastily donned.

  "Why does Roslyn look like she just got out of bed?" Tate asked.

  "Because she did," Blade said.

  “Who goes to bed this early? The sun’s not even fully set,” Dewdrop murmured in a baffled voice beside her.

  Roslyn, noticing his attention, marched toward them, anger and fury in every line of her body.

  "This is unacceptable," she told Tate, her face displaying more emotion than the normally reserved woman ever allowed to slip.

  "Ah," Tate said, not knowing what to say or what was even going on.

  "You cannot send this criminal to roust me from my home whenever you feel like it." Roslyn pointed a shaking finger at Blade, her eyes flashing dangerously.

  Ryu flicked a glance at Blade. “Was that really necessary? I asked you to get her here; not alienate or kidnap her.”

  “Necessary? No. Fun—yes,” Blade said, his lip curling in lazy amusement. “The lady has been told repeatedly her home security is woefully inadequate. Perhaps this time she will listen.”

  Roslyn pushed forward, thrusting her chin out. “I’ve told you the modifications you want me to make cost more money than I have right now.”

  “Did you not complete several years of study at the Academy? A place renowned for teaching its students the most advanced of magic principles?” Blade returned in a calm voice. “Your professors said you possessed a rare understanding for magic theory. You could easily make the devices I recommended.”

  “I’ve never done anything like that before. It would take a lot of skill, practice and time to get it right,” Roslyn said through gritted teeth.

  “And until you fix the problem, evenings such as this will continue to occur.” Blade’s smile was sharp and lethal.

  Roslyn made a sound very like a growl, her glare hot enough to scald as the two of them engaged in a short stare off.

  "Lady Fisher was not responsible for your summoning, I was," Ryu interrupted with a charming smile.

  Rosly
n transferred her glare from Blade to Ryu, her expression unthawed. "Is it your habit to pull people from their homes without even the smallest of courtesies?"

  Ryu's smile grew stiff as Tate pressed her lips together to hide her smile. Wasn't expecting that response, was he? It seemed Roslyn wasn't in the mood to let a pretty face charm her. Good.

  "My apologies, lady. That wasn’t my intent. It seems my messenger was a little more enthusiastic than I anticipated," Ryu said with forced politeness. He inclined his head at Roslyn in apology. "Lady Fisher has been requested specifically by the Silva for her skills as a mediator and the Emperor has asked me to assist."

  Roslyn's expression shifted from ire to careful watchfulness. With head tilted, she considered Ryu, her forehead slightly furrowed.

  Seeing he had her attention, Ryu turned up the charm. "I know your father had many dealings with the Silva and assumed you might have unique skills that could assist us. If I was wrong, I apologize."

  Oh, he was smart. Prick her vanity and pride, making it so she couldn't refuse without losing face.

  Dewdrop leaned close to Tate, his gaze locked in fascination on Ryu as he said in a voice only meant for her ears. "I now have a better understanding of why you call him the silver-tongued devil."

  Tate snorted. This was nothing. She'd seen him conduct much subtler manipulations. He must be pressed for time.

  "I know what you're doing," Roslyn said.

  Ryu gave her questioning look, his expression all innocence.

  Roslyn faced Tate. "You exceeded everyone's expectations with your actions as a witness in the last mediation, but that will be nothing compared to this. You're going into the heart of Silva territory. They'll expect more out of you and the price of failure will be high."

  A snort came from their right. Prefect Ward folded his arms over his chest as he didn't bother hiding his derision.

  Roslyn turned a cool gaze on him, every inch the lady of an ancient house.

  "The Silva are little more than savages. Knowledge of etiquette will do you little good with them. Their idea of diplomacy is ripping out their enemies’ throats." Ward’s attention went to where Night sprawled in the rigging above them, the bearcat's nails massaging the wood beam he draped across.

  Tate blinked. She hadn’t seen the bearcat climb the mast. Dewdrop’s muffled exclamation next to her indicated he hadn’t either.

  Ward's expression turned to one of distaste. "They're little better than animals."

  Diorite James's expression was impenetrable as he listened.

  James was high up in the Black Order. Until recently he had been an observer of the Dragon Corps, determining if they were a danger to society and the empire. Since the Order's complicity in the deaths of hundreds of children and their plot against the empire had been brought to light, they'd lost a lot of standing. Not enough for Tate's taste, but enough that Diorite James no longer held the prestige he once had.

  "Such a view will likely lead to your deaths," Roslyn said simply. "The Silva give the appearance of being unruly and fueled by their wildness, but it is a facade. There are ironclad rules to their society. The leaders of their clans are unquestioned and considered the highest form of law. For that reason, they have to be above reproach."

  Tate finally understood why Ryu had ordered Roslyn’s presence. Her observation was incredibly astute and fit with what Tate knew of the Silva.

  On the surface, Roslyn was the better choice for mediator in almost all ways. She had prior experience with the Silva that outstripped Tate's, as well as an extensive education in their society and social mores. Throw in the fact she had grown up in the current world and was knowledgeable of both small and large political issues, and you had someone who could have been handpicked for this position.

  Except Tate was soulbound to a dragon and Roslyn was not.

  "I'll ask the question Ryu should have asked before he had you dragged here," Tate said, ignoring the two from the Black Order for now. "Will you help us? I'm not sure of my chances of success. Someone with your unique expertise would be a valuable resource."

  Roslyn considered her.

  Tate knew what she would see. Tate was average height, maybe a touch taller than most women.

  Her body was lean, hard muscle corded over her limbs. Her features weren't what she'd describe as beautiful, but they were striking. Bright green eyes contrasted with lightly freckled skin. The strong planes of her bones made her hard to forget. Her coloring was also memorable with copper-colored hair that waved around her face. Wearing garments similar to Ryu’s, she knew she didn’t carry the same presence as Roslyn.

  Roslyn held a more traditional beauty to which Tate knew she couldn’t compare. Here on this ship, appearances didn’t matter. You were judged by what you could do and contribute rather than the looks you were born with.

  Truthfully, their roles should have been reversed. Roslyn, the noble lady on a mission from the Emperor; Tate, the faithful servant. They weren’t, and Roslyn would have to be alright with that.

  Roslyn looked away and pressed her lips together. “I have no clothes suitable for such a trip. You need someone who will make a good impression as your advisor.”

  “I’ve already taken care of that,” Blade said, pointing to where a trunk was being lifted over the side of the ship.

  Roslyn stiffened as her face flushed with outrage.

  “Oh boy,” Dewdrop said, taking a step back. “Mistake. Big mistake.”

  In that moment, Tate wished she could do the same.

  Roslyn advanced several steps on Blade, her hands curling into tiny fists at her side. Tate could sympathize with her, having lived through Ryu’s presumptuous behavior on more than one occasion.

  Even Ryu winced slightly as Roslyn seemed to expand with rage. Only Blade seemed unconcerned.

  They faced each other for several tense seconds before Roslyn’s attention swung to Tate and she snapped. "I would be honored to serve as your advisor."

  Tate didn’t say anything, simply nodded. It seemed like the best course for now.

  She was impressed with Roslyn’s restraint. She wasn’t sure she would have been as composed if Ryu had taken the same liberties with her.

  “Nobles are really different than the rest of us,” Dewdrop observed as Roslyn stalked off.

  “You’re telling me,” Tate agreed.

  Tate would have tried to deck him, Night observed with a wide yawn from his place in the rigging.

  Vale watched the proceedings with an expressionless face, his only belongings in a small sack by his feet. He and the others moved away when one of the crew approached them to show them to their bunks.

  “I trust this was enough to guarantee me passage,” Blade said, once Roslyn was far enough away.

  Ryu held out his hand and the two clasped forearms. “Yes, we’ll give you a ride as far as Auburn. You can separate from us there.”

  Blade grunted an agreement before walking away with a loose-limbed gait.

  "You and the lady will bunk together," Jost told Tate before she could ask what that was about. "You'll take over Danny and Ripley's cabin for the time being."

  It was on the tip of Tate's tongue to argue. Danny and Ripley were among the few friends on Jost's crew Tate had. She didn't like the idea of uprooting them.

  She hesitated, glancing at Roslyn’s stiff back where she stood facing Aurelia, pretending not to notice Blade as he neared.

  Tate might be fine sleeping on the deck every night—she'd done it many times before—but Roslyn had not.

  The other woman might not be as picky as some of the noble ladies Tate had known, but that didn't mean she'd be amenable to sleeping so exposed to the elements.

  Tate gave Jost a nod.

  "Your other two companions can either sleep with the boys or out here," Jost said, shooting a look at Night and Dewdrop.

  Neither argued.

  Jost shook his head as he glanced at Ryu. "This is going to be an interesting trip."


  "You were asking for a challenge," Ryu responded.

  Jost's expression turned sour. "A challenge, not a Saviors’ be damned debacle."

  Tate snickered, his words echoing her feelings perfectly. She and Ryu watched as Jost stalked off, his first mate shouting orders as the crew prepared the ship for departure.

  Ryu sighed and shook his head. "I'd like to argue, but I have a feeling he isn't far off."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The sound of retching next to Tate made her sigh.

  She glanced over from her perch on the ship's railing overlooking the water. She'd swung her feet over it and threaded them through the rungs to keep her balance as the ship sliced through the waves.

  She handed Dewdrop a cup of water when he finally lifted his head. "Is this really your first time on a ship? I thought the Avertine were travelers."

  He rinsed and spit, his face pale and colorless. Seasickness had set in mere hours after they'd left port, and he'd been dealing with it ever since.

  He rested his cheek on the railing, his knuckles white as he fought down another bout of nausea. "My people tend to stick to land. The ocean is for fish and the Kairi. There's plenty of roaming to do on the continent."

  Tate made a noncommittal noise, raising her face to the sun as she basked in its warmth.

  "Why did you come then?"

  "I didn't know it'd be like this." He put his back to the railing before sliding down to sitting. "How much longer before I get my sea legs?"

  She shrugged. "No idea. I was never seasick."

  Nor had she seen anyone struck as severely as Dewdrop. He'd lost weight in the seven days since they'd set sail. Most of his time had been spent leaning over the railing.

  Night had long since abandoned him, stating his sensitive nose couldn't take the smell.

  "Tate, you were a bit of a rarity. Most people have a few days of transition before they develop their sea legs." Trent came up from behind them and set his arms on the railing next to Tate. He glanced sympathetically at Dewdrop. "Most feel better within the first two weeks. Although, I've never seen someone throw up as much as you have either."

  Dewdrop dropped his head into his folded arms and let out a moan. Tate winced. At this rate, she was slightly worried he'd die of malnutrition or starvation before they reached their destination.