She lifted her gaze and saw Cinder wasn’t the only one who seemed to miss her. Her chest tightened, reviving the old feelings she could never forget when she was around him. “I never thanked you for saving my life.”
The cynical mask fell back into place, and his green eyes flashed. “It seems you were too busy with other matters to do that.”
And just like that, anger replaced any warm feelings she might have had for Dev. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”
His one-note laugh answered her as he moved beside her and leaned against the railing, staring out to see. “You’re a grown woman, and you’re entitled to make your own decisions.”
“Then stop talking to me like I’m some willful child who’s making a mistake with my life.”
His eyes flickered over her body from head to toe and back again, making her aware of the haphazard way her dress was laced and the fact she hadn’t bothered to comb her hair this morning. Then his expression hardened. “You’re the one who said it, not me.”
For the first time since she’d given herself to Kell, she knew shame. Her loose, tangled hair whipped her face as though it was berating her actions. A lump formed in her throat. She faced the sea, refusing to let Dev see the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Have I made a mistake?
A pair of arms felt like it was wrapping around her in a hug, but when she looking down, she saw nothing. “Never let a man make you feel like you are less than you are,” Loku said.
“And what am I?” A list of the unsavory names she’d been called before filled her mind.
The invisible arms squeezed around her once more. “Just short of a goddess. You’ll see. I’ll teach you how to become invincible to his insults. No man can ever make you feel bad about yourself unless you first let him.”
The god’s decree steeled her confidence. She held her head up higher and tucked her wayward hair behind her ears. She wouldn’t let Dev make her feel bad about being a woman and enjoying the pleasure she experienced in Kell’s arms.
“That’s the idea, my little Soulbearer. Don’t let Dev make you feel ashamed for coming again and again—”
A blush flooded her cheeks. “I get the idea, Loku. But I don’t need to rub it into his face, either.”
“But wouldn’t it be fun?”
Before she could contemplate it, Dev said, “Do you see those gulls ahead?”
She followed his finger toward a flock of birds circling in the breeze. “Yes.”
“That means we’re close to land. We should be in Gravaria by tomorrow.”
Her stomach flopped. She hadn’t expected to be in the foreign land so soon. “And then?”
“And then we go to the Mage’s Conclave.” He pushed back from the railing. “You should know Kell won’t be able to follow us there, so enjoy your time with him while you can.”
Her fingers gripped the railing. What kind of place was this Mage’s Conclave?
“It’s a house of torture,” Loku whispered.
Splinters dug under her nails. “Is it?”
Loku snorted with laughter. “You are so gullible.”
“But is what Dev saying true?”
“I’m afraid so. Perhaps you should go back to bed and ride Kell once more for good measure.”
A sliver of wood snapped off the railing into her fist. “Containing you grows more tempting with each second.”
The chaos god’s merriment did little to ease her worry. Kell’s previous reputation had been one of taking a woman to bed and then moving on to the next conquest when he was finished with her. She’d given into his seduction and shared his bed. Once she was separated from him, would he forget about her and find someone new?
Chapter 10
Dev jumped out of the rowboat as soon it dug into the silt. The stars glittered overhead, and the world was quiet in the dead of night. The scent of jasmine perfumed the humid air. He gathered the sand in his hands. Magic flowed through the earth, reviving his spirit. It had been over a year since he’d left Gravaria, and now he was home.
A shadow moved toward him from the tree line. Dev remained crouched, his fingers easing toward his sword. “Who’s there?”
“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Fane stepped into the sphere of light emanating from the lone lantern hanging off the bow. He offered his hand. “Glad you’ve finally returned.”
Dev took it and stood, clasping his friend’s shoulder. “Not more than I am. Winter in Ranello qualifies as torture.”
Fane threw his head back and laughed. The light caught on lines that crinkled around his eyes, reminding him of how humans aged faster than elves. “But you’ve survived, old man, and you’ve managed to bring back a new Soulbearer.”
“Just barely.” He placed a few feet between him and waves lapping on the shore, studying the few lights that flickered across the bay in Hebera. “You received my last letter, I assume.”
Fane nodded, and Dev thanked Lady Luck he’d mastered the spell to send messages to those far away. Hopefully, his friend already had a solution in store for his problem.
“I did, although I almost didn’t believe what you’d described. A hand made of water?”
“Capable of pulling her overboard.” A metallic taste filled his mouth. “I was lucky to have been on the deck when it appeared. If I had come up a fraction of a moment later, I would’ve lost her.”
Fane propped his foot up on a large piece of driftwood. “It sounds like she’s made a powerful enemy. Most mages are only that skilled in one element.”
“And she’d been attacked by both earth and water spells.” He glanced over his shoulder at the ship bobbing off in the distance. Everything appeared peaceful. “I need to get her inside the Mage’s Conclave as quickly as possible before she falls under another attack.”
“I tried to plead your case to the Empress, but she refused to listen. In fact, she ordered me to escort you both to her palace.”
Dev ground his teeth together to keep the insult poised on the tip of his tongue. If he dared speak it, Fane would be obligated to arrest him. The knight was bound to the law. “Then we must do as the Empress wills.”
“It will only extend your journey by a day or two. What harm could come from that?”
“You don’t know Trouble.”
***
Relief washed over Arden when she stepped onto the deck and found the ship had pulled alongside a long pier. No rowboats to ride and risk falling out of. No rough rides that would revive her nausea.
But beyond the pier lay a new world that both intrigued and terrified her. The sun was barely up, and the wharves bustled with activity. The humidity intensified the scents of exotic spices and putrid fish. People clad in bright colors wove in and out of traffic along the street that ran along the shore, their accented voices forming a melodic hum in the distance.
Kell came alongside her. “I never could have imagined such a place.”
“Me neither.” Why hadn’t Dev told her more about Gravaria? At least then, she could have prepared herself for it better and not looked like a child with her mouth agape when they landed. “I wonder if all the Empire is like this.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Kell took her hand and led her down the gangplank.
Cinder bolted past them, heading straight for Dev and another man. Dev’s companion knelt to pet the fire wolf and stood as they drew nearer. Flecks of grey adorned his reddish-blond hair and beard. Despite the heat that threatened to build as the day went on, he still kept a dark blue cloak around his shoulders. He gave them a curt bow. “Welcome to Gravaria, Arden Soulbearer.”
It was only the second time she’d ever heard someone call her that, but she already liked it better than her blood name. She’d been cast aside from the Lesstymine family, and now it was time to form a new identity for herself.
“Thank you…” She looked to Dev to complete the introductions.
“Sir Fane Macnus,” the man finished. Although his
smile seemed welcoming, his gaze fixed on her as though he were trying to pick her apart.
“Raise your shields before he gains access to your mind,” Loku whispered.
She did as the god told her, and Fane’s smile dimmed. Ire coursed through her. “Does everyone in Gravaria greet strangers by trying to pry into their thoughts?”
Fane’s face went blank, and Dev stepped forward. “Keep your temper under control, Trouble. It’s his duty to make sure you’re not here to threaten the Empire in any way.”
“Ha!” Loku’s irritation mingled with hers. “More like he’s trying to assess how much control I have over you. Be wary of Fane, my little Soulbearer. He’s too closely aligned with Nelos.”
“Who’s Nelos?”
“The god of law, my sworn enemy and a person with a major stick up his ass when it comes to rules.”
“Let me guess—you’ve pissed off this Nelos person somehow, and I’m going to be punished for it.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
She looked up to see all three men staring at her. She swallowed hard. “I’m no threat to this place and I’d appreciate it if Fane asked permission next time he tried to read my mind.”
“Point made, Soulbearer.” Fane turned to Kell, no doubt placing him under the same scrutiny as he did her. Too bad she couldn’t teach Kell to raise shields over his mind. “Who is your companion?”
Arden raised a brow at Dev. As much as her protector enjoyed launching barbs at Kell, she was surprised he didn’t take the chance to inform his friend about their royal guest.
“I’m Kell.”
Now it was Fane’s turn to raise a brow. “The Third Prince of Ranello?” When Kell nodded, Fane leaned in toward Dev. “A bit of warning would’ve been appreciated.”
“Why do you think I kept it a secret?”
“I never know what you’re goal is, you crazy elf, but it usually involves making me look like a fool.” Fane bowed even lower to Kell. “Welcome to Gravaria, Your Highness. Dev had informed me that you played a role in saving the Soulbearer’s life by convincing your father to pardon her use of magic, but I didn’t think you’d be accompanying her here. I assume you’ve come with an entourage that will require proper accommodations.”
Kell tugged at his jerkin before running his palms over it to smooth it out again. “Um, no, it’s just me.”
Dev’s face remained expressionless, but she could tell how much he enjoyed watching the prince squirm from the light in his eyes. “He’s here as a diplomatic envoy.”
Fane’s forehead furrowed. “Alone?”
“Yes.” The corners of Dev’s mouth rose as he continued toward the street. “You might say it was a spontaneous decision.”
“One I intend to make the most of.” Kell squeezed her hand. “My father has been slow to come to terms with my desire to form an alliance with your empire, but it’s up to me to take the first step.”
The tense line of Fane’s shoulders told her that not everyone would welcome the news of Kell’s arrival. “I will notify the Empress of your intentions. In the meantime, I’ll arrange to have soldiers escort us—”
“No, really, that’s not necessary.” Kell released her hand to catch up to Fane. “I’d prefer not to draw any attention to my presence here.”
“This is highly irregular.” More lines appeared on Fane’s face. “I would feel much better if I reassure myself of your true intentions.”
“He means he’ll feel better once he mind-rapes Kell.”
Loku’s crude analysis shook her from her daze. She ran toward Kell and took his hand again. “You have nothing to hide, Kell, but if you feel like he’s gone too far, I can protect you.”
Kell squirmed under the hot mid-morning sun, a bead of sweat rolling down from his temple along his cheek. Then he nodded. “As Arden said, I have nothing to hide.”
A wave of magic assaulted her, and she threw up her shields once again. Kell had given Fane permission to confirm his reason for being here, but she never granted him access to her mind. The knight’s gaze remained focused on the prince. Kell’s palm slickened with sweat against hers, his breath quickening.
She extended her shield over him. “I think that’s enough.”
Fane blinked a few times. “Very interesting.” He fell into step alongside Dev. “I’ll procure another horse for us, and we should be on the road shortly.
He led them to a stable where three horses stood ready and began arranging for a fourth.
While they waited, she stood under an awning and stared at the bustling market with awe. The women were scandalously clad in simple strips of vivid fabric tied around their breasts and flowing skirts. The men shared the love of bright colors, their tunics and billowing pants forming garish combinations. The music of their accents varied from harsh to melodic, and although she normally hated crowds, there seemed to be something welcoming about this place.
Beyond the people lay the wares of their stalls. Silks shimmered in the sun like precious jewels. Apples twice the size of her fist beckoned her to bite into their glossy ruby skins. Spices tickled her nose and made her mouth water, rivaled only by the sweet perfume of the flowers that overflowed from the hanging baskets along the street.
“Have you ever imagined such a place?” she asked Kell.
“Never in my wildest dreams.” His eyes remained wide as he watched the traffic of the market. “Just look at the size of those eggs. And I have no idea what that yellow fruit is, but the fragrance alone has me dying to try it.”
Dev chuckled behind them and held out a coin. “Why don’t you try it?”
Kell took it and stepped out from the stables. Immediately, the people of the market turned to gawk at him. His olive complexion and dark clothes proclaimed him as an outsider. Their voices lowered into conspiratorial whispers. It was a reaction she knew all too well, the one that followed her everywhere she went in Ranello. Only now, she wasn’t the freak—Kell was.
He didn’t become aware of the stir he caused until he reached the stall. As he inspected the fruit, his eyes shifted back and forth to the crowd. Finally, he chose a piece and paid for it. “And I thought being before the Court was rough,” he said when he returned.
“You’ll get used to it after a while.” She took the fruit from him, staying clear of the spiky points that dotted its surface, and inhaled the sugary scent that rose from the skin. “This will be a treat, I’m sure. Thank you for getting it.”
Despite both the heat and her reassurances, Kell pulled the hood of his cloak low over his head.
Fane came out of the stables leading another horse. “Shall we leave now?”
The city was smaller than Boznac, and they quickly found themselves on a road flanked by tall grasses. When she peered closer past the wide blades, she glimpsed a ribbed stalk in the center of each tuft. “What crop is this?”
“Sweetcane,” Fane replied. “It’s crushed to extract the sap and cooked down to make a variety of foods and drinks.”
The fields gave way to dense forests with flowering vines encircling massive trees. In some places, the leaves completely blocked out the sun, offering cool relief from the heat. Arden had shed her cloak miles back, but Kell still kept his on, his face hidden by his hood. He’d remained silent so far, but at last he said, “What is it about this place?”
Dev glanced back at them. “What do you mean?”
“Everything is so different here. The air, the plants, the animals. Even Thallus retains some familiarity to home. How can Gravaria be so different when it’s not that far from Ranello?”
“It’s because magic is allowed to flow freely here. It’s part of the land and the people.” A wistful smile played on Dev’s lips, making him appear young and carefree for a moment. Then his voice hardened. “When we cured the blight, we decided to use our magic to renew the Empire instead of taking Ranello’s course and smothering it completely.”
Kell leaned forward. “Are you suggesting that if Ranello
hadn’t banned magic, it would look like this?”
“Perhaps. But now we’ll never know.”
Kell sat back in the saddle, his eyes downcast. “Just another reason why I need to overturn that decree,” he said so softly, she almost didn’t hear it.
“Just remember, Kell, that with the good magic can bring, it can also bring harm.” She shivered as she remembered the death and destruction Sulaino caused. “We’ve both seen what can happen if men use magic for evil.”
“True.” They hit a sunny patch as he looked up, and his eyes squinted from the intensity of it. “But I’m beginning to see all too clearly how our ban on magic has left us vulnerable.”
The sun hung low in the sky when the forest parted to reveal a collection of large huts made from dark wood in the center of a clearing. Fane stopped his horse and dismounted. “We’ll stay here tonight.”
As primitive as the dwelling looked on the outside, the inside rivaled the royal palace in Trivinus. An intricately carved wooden screen separated the kitchen space from the large, solid wood dining table. The same vine and flower motif flowed up the banister to the second floor, and everything gleamed under the glow of the lamps hanging from the ceiling. The scent of lemon oil mixed with the spicy peppers that seasoned whatever dish the cook was preparing.
The woman who greeted them had hair as red as a sunset and pale blue eyes. Although she wore the same flowing skirt made of lightweight material as the woman in the city, her top was a bit more modest, exposing only the tops of her shoulders rather than her stomach. Her gaze lingered on Kell, her mouth curling up in an inviting smile.
Arden’s muscles tensed from the barmaid’s silent flirtation. She laced her fingers through Kell’s, making it very clear to the other woman that he’d already been claimed.
Loku snickered. “Jealous?”
“Hardly. Just making sure she knows her place.”
That amused the chaos god even more. “You’ve come a long way from the lowly barmaid you were when I met you.”
His comment rattled her more than she cared to admit. Had she changed so much in such a short time?
A Soul For Chaos (The Soulbearer Trilogy) Page 7
