Clockwork Thief Box Set

by Katherine Bogle

  The waves outside must have calmed, as the ship stopped rocking, and Narra sighed with relief. She looked between the tiger and Avalon before approaching the desk. Still, Narra kept a good few feet to the left, the opposite side of Kaja.

  “I’ve had informants dispatched to look into where they’re keeping your sister in the palace,” Narra explained, though ‘informants’ was probably a stretch.

  Avalon dipped her chin. “Good. When do you think they’ll have information?”

  Narra looked up at the ceiling as she thought. Since she’d lost more than an entire day due to the Daughters, it would actually be about time for her to check in with Jin.

  “They might have information by now,” Narra said.

  Avalon sat up straighter, her eyes finally meeting Narra’s. “Truly?”

  Narra nodded.

  “Sea Goddess bless us,” Avalon breathed a relieved sigh.

  Narra raised an eyebrow. Sometimes she forgot Avalon was from an entirely different country.

  “Can we go tonight?” Avalon asked.

  “I don’t see why not.” Narra didn’t have anything else to do but look for her uncle. Since the Daughters were taking care of the soldiers, she’d let Marina sweat for a few days before approaching her again.

  “Excellent.” Avalon grinned. “Where shall I meet you?”

  “Nedan Inn,” she said. “Criminal District.”

  Avalon smirked. “I would expect no less.”

  Narra barely squashed the quirk of her lips in time to hide her smile. Still, from the way Avalon’s eyes dipped to look at Narra’s lips, the pirate might have caught the look anyway.

  “Until then,” Narra said.

  “Until then,” Avalon agreed.

  N arra descended the plank back onto the dock, which was far steadier this time. She glanced back at the sea to find the waves no longer white tipped. Even the dark storm clouds had vanished from the horizon.

  Her stomach twisted as she once again recalled the stories of Rupa. It was said monsters once ruled the south sea, but sea witches had banished them, restoring the waters to human pirates and traders.

  She shook her head to push the thought away. Instead of dwelling on it, she might as well ask Avalon that evening. They’d agreed to meet at Nedan Inn after dark when they could both blend into the shadows. It amused her how similar they viewed the night. It was a measure of safety, and not feared like most.

  Narra sighed, her breath fogging the air as she walked off the City Docks and up the road to the alley she’d descended into earlier. From there, she could reach the rooftops without being seen.

  But as she stepped inside the darkness of the alley, the hairs on the back of her neck rose, and her eyebrows furrowed. Something wasn’t right .

  She turned, intent on finding another alley, and nearly slammed into a wide torso.

  Narra gasped, her instincts bringing a hand to her belt as she bent to leap back. The man’s forearm slammed into her collarbone, and pain lanced through her spine as she was forced against the brick wall of the fish warehouse.

  She winced, and took a deep breath to right herself, then yanked a dagger from her belt.

  “I wouldn’t,” a deep voice said. Something sharp nicked the bottom of her chin. A blade.

  Narra froze, her fingers tight around the hilt of her weapon, but she didn’t strike, not yet. Fury pushed fire through her belly, and she looked up into familiar brown eyes.

  “Asher.”

  She couldn’t stop her breath from catching in her throat as her eyes widened in surprise. Her fury vanished suddenly. She hadn’t seen him since her and Avalon’s failed attempt at rescuing Caroline. Her heart pounded harder, and her cheeks involuntarily heated. His chest was pressed against hers, his forearm pinning her to the wall, while the other held a dagger to her throat.

  “What are you doing here?” Suspicion laced her tone. Memories of their last encounter flooded her mind. He’d tried to hurt her. He’d wanted to kill her.

  Asher’s gaze hardened as he inspected her face. When it was clear she wasn’t going to put up a fight, he lowered the dagger so it didn’t nip her skin.

  “I want closure for my son,” he said.

  Narra froze.

  “I want to know where his body is so he can be properly put to rest.” His voice hitched, tugging on Narra’s heartstrings.

  Her mind raced as she tried to recall what they’d done with Ezriel’s body. She hadn’t been the one to take care of it. In fact, she was sure one of the Thieves had just disposed of it at sea, or possibly in the sewers at the edge of the city. When someone received a death of a thousand cuts, they weren’t exactly treated to a funeral .

  A lump formed in her throat and she quickly swallowed it.

  “Please… take me to him so I can at least say goodbye.”

  Narra closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she met his gaze again. “I can’t.”

  Asher’s face twisted in pain and fury. His teeth ground together almost audibly. The prick of metal hit the bottom of her chin again, but she didn’t move. “Why not? I just want to grieve for my child.”

  Her heart shattered as tears welled in the corners of his eyes. Even in the low light, she could see how glassy they were.

  She shook her head ever so slightly. “I’m sorry. I can’t give that to you.”

  Asher staggered back as if she’d hit him. He gasped for breath and bent over, hands on his knees. “Why?” he bellowed. “It’s all I ask!”

  Narra returned her dagger to her belt and wiped the drip of blood from her chin. She had no answers for him.

  “At least tell me how he died.” Asher looked up at her, tears spilling down his cheeks. “At least tell me it was quick.”

  Narra’s jaw hardened as she recalled how the Guild had ended the life of Corporal Ezriel Grayson. After he’d been tied to a chair, each of them had taken turns cutting into his skin until he had more blood than flesh covering him. When the last of the Guild members had delivered their cut, Narra had ended his life.

  But she couldn’t tell Asher that. Even if she wasn’t sure how she felt about the man, he was a father, and he loved his son. Though she’d never understood that love, she was sure it’d break him to know how Ezriel had died.

  She had to tell him something, though.

  “His throat was slit,” Narra said. It was a swift and simple end, and it was true, though a lot more torture had preceded it.

  Asher’s shoulders slumped and his tears slowed. Relieved. “A quick end.”

  It was almost as if he echoed her thoughts. Narra’s lips pressed into a firm line. She didn’t want to say any more to upset him, though she knew he wouldn’t give up on trying to find his son’s body .

  “Can you find out what happened?” Asher asked.

  Narra sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know where they took Ezriel’s body.”

  Asher looked up at her, hope in his eyes. “But someone does? Someone could take me to him?”

  Her heart clenched and anger pushed fire through her. “If your niece hadn’t taken my entire Guild, then maybe someone could have.” Her fists balled, and she had to bite back a growl.

  Asher’s eyebrows furrowed with confusion. “What ?”

  “Marina found out where our Guild den was and raided it. She took everyone .” Narra pushed the words out from between her clenched teeth, barely keeping her anger in check. Heat swirled inside of her, desperate to get out.

  “I don’t understand. How could Marina have done that?”

  Narra sighed, exasperated. “Have you not looked at a paper recently?”

  Asher shook his head. “I just got out of the hospital a few hours ago.”

  Narra blinked in surprise and looked him over. She hadn’t realized until now, but he wore the same slacks and shirt she’d seen him in when she visited last. Though he wore a coat, the edge of a hospital bracelet stuck out from under his sleeve. So he really didn’t know anything then .

  “You
’ve missed a lot,” Narra said.

  “It sounds like it.”

  Did he know that his brother was dead? Had no one told him so he could attend the funeral? Narra worked her jaw. Now definitely wasn’t the time to tell him. He’d find out as soon as he went home. She couldn’t bear to see him more upset than he already was.

  Narra explained some of what he’d missed—from the capture of the Thieves Guild, to their impending hangings, the religious zealots, the kidnapping of her friend’s sister, the killings, etcetera. She left out her involvement with the murders, the emperor’s demise, and that her friend happened to be a pirate. She didn’t think Asher needed to know any of those things .

  “Ancestors ,” Asher said. His eyes were wide like saucers.

  Narra shrugged and leaned back against the wall. She knew it was a lot to take in, especially after he’d been in the hospital for so long. Part of her still wanted to apologize for that. She shouldn’t have let him follow her into that bar. It was her fault he was injured. Then again, she’d also been the one to kill his son. She had a lot to apologize for with this man, but no words came to her tongue.

  “I need to get to the palace,” Asher added. His gaze scoured her body, looking her up and down before landing on her eyes.

  Her body heated unexpectedly, and she shifted uncomfortably under his intense gaze. She had no idea what he was thinking. His expression was guarded, his stance wary.

  “That’s a good idea,” Narra said, instead of the million other things she needed to say. She couldn’t find the words to ask for his forgiveness. They’d been through a lot together, but she was still the reason his son was dead. She was sure that’s what he was remembering too as his gaze darkened and his jaw set.

  “Goodbye, then,” he said gruffly.

  Narra’s heart raced. “Goodbye.”

  I’m sorry , she thought as she watched him turn on his heel and exit the alley before disappearing up the street. He didn’t look back, not once, and Narra was left wondering why she wished he would.

  T he trolley lurched up the hill toward Varek Square, its wheels squealing on the damp stone. Narra stayed glued to the back railing, her eyes on the cobblestone street, and her fingers tight around the cold metal bar wrapping the back end of the trolley.

  She took deep breaths, holding her hood close in her free hand. The last time she’d been on a trolley with Erik, her hood had fallen back, and she’d been exposed as the half-Kiznai she was. Though it wouldn’t matter to some, there were always those that despised her for it.

  Also, after Asher had sentenced her to death the first time, her face had been splashed across wanted posters for several weeks. Though the ink on the posters began to fade with the weather, some would still remember her face, and she couldn’t risk exposure.

  “Gather ‘round citizens of Rova City!” a deep voice bellowed.

  Narra risked a glance over her shoulder. Sure enough, the trolley had rolled into Varek Square. At the center, a crowd gathered around a wooden platform. A man stood behind a podium at the center, four nooses attached to the platform by a beam on his left .

  Her stomach soured and her heart raced as her gaze fell upon the familiar curvy form and twisting brown curls of Princess Marina.

  “The princess has a proclamation for you!” the announcer continued.

  Whispers ran through the gathering townsfolk, and Narra found herself leaping from the back of the trolley. Pain shot up her legs from the jolt of the impact, but she quickly walked it off, flowing in with the crowd.

  What now?

  Whatever the princess had to say, it couldn’t be good.

  Narra’s gaze roamed over the heads of Rovan citizens to inspect the rest of the square. Three dozen royal guards occupied the edges of the stage and melted into the crowd, blocking anyone from getting too close. Another two stood behind the princess, flanking her along with another woman.

  Narra started and her eyes flew wide as she recognized Caroline.

  Ancestors.

  She ground her teeth and glanced back and forth, looking for a way through. A few Patrolmen hovered around the edges of the square, scanning the mass of people, looking for trouble.

  There’s no way she could get to Caroline here. Not with so many guards around. It’d be suicide. Her fists balled and she looked back up at the stage. Marina’s face was relaxed, though a bit grave. Narra remembered all too well the look of menace that had flashed in her eyes when she told Narra her thieves were in trouble.

  Damn that woman. Damn her and her tricks. She’d manipulated Narra into killing not one, but two men, and now she’d pay the price for it.

  As the crowd hushed, Marina stepped forward to take up the spot behind the podium. She clasped her hands in front of her stomach, and scanned the crowd, her eyebrows pulled together tightly.

  “Greetings, people of Rova,” the princess began.

  A shiver ran down Narra’s spine, and she clenched her teeth hard. She hated what the sound of Marina’s voice did to her. She hated everything about the lying backstabber .

  “My name is Marina Kolarova, and I am to be your next empress.”

  A rush of whispers filled the quiet left by Marina’s words. The wind shifted and howled as if it too had something to say about this.

  “I’ve come to you today with a message from Srah.” Marina looked back pointedly at Caroline. A guard ushered the young Rupan woman forward. “As I’m sure you’ve heard, this woman has had visions from our golden god himself. She’s received direct messages about my bright future as empress—” Marina frowned, then sighed as if it pained her to continue. “—and about the guilt of my own sisters.”

  Whispers turned into hushed reverence. Narra’s eyebrows furrowed as she regarded the people around her. Were they actually listening to this crap?

  “Though my sisters will continue to stand trial, as is law in Rova, it has been confirmed by Srah himself that my sisters were behind the death of my father, your former emperor.” Her voice hitched, and her hands tightened. She shook slightly, putting on the perfect show for the crowd.

  Narra ground her teeth as murmurs of agreement echoed around her. This was madness. Pure, utter madness.

  A man mounted the steps next to the guards flanking Caroline. He wore the regal robes of a priest of the Church of Srah. Gold adorned the edges of the fine material, and a thick amulet of the sun was displayed proudly at the center of his chest. He held his chin high as if daring anyone to question him or the princess.

  Marina looked back at him as if this was all perfectly planned, and held out her hand to welcome the priest.

  “For the first time in two hundred years, the crown will reunite with the church, and together, we will forge a brighter future for Rova, by the grace of Srah,” Marina continued.

  “Bless his divine wisdom, for even in the wake of our emperor’s death, Srah has seen to give us a perfect new empress to unite us,” the priest said.

  He beamed at the princess, and Narra wondered if Marina had slept with him too. Maybe that was just how she won over men. That’s how she’d gotten her cousin on her side.

  Narra’s stomach rolled at the thought. She couldn’t believe Marina would even consider engaging in incest. It was disgusting.

  Marina smiled at the priest, and then her expression turned grave again as she motioned at someone behind the stage. “In forming this bright new future, I will follow in my father’s footsteps and continue to condemn anyone who breaks the law.”

  Two Patrolmen led four men onto the stage. Their bodies slumped forward, as if the world lay on their shoulders. Narra swore she could see one of the men’s spines even through his thin cotton shirt. They were all thin, and she’d assume badly malnourished. Narra couldn’t imagine these people were real criminals. More likely they were homeless, and Marina had plucked them off the street to make a point.

  Nooses were placed around the neck of each man, tightened so the base reached the back of their head. Narra shivered as
she remembered the feeling of coarse rope against her throat, and the creaking sound of it as it drew tight enough to snap her neck.

  Narra’s fists clenched as she forced those thoughts away. She took deep breaths, trying to keep herself grounded in the present. Cold wind licked her cheeks, and she wrapped her arms around herself to keep steady. She wanted to turn and run, but her feet were rooted to the ground. If she turned now, everyone around her would look at her, and her cover would be blown the second they saw her pale skin.

  No, she had to stay. She had to watch, just like the rest of the crowd, who hollered for the execution of these ‘criminals.’

  “Let this be a message to anyone who wishes to defy the crown.” Marina’s gaze scanned the crowd, and cold wrapped around Narra’s heart. It was almost like the princess sought her out with her penetrating hazel eyes. But their gazes never met, and Marina looked on.

  Narra knew that Marina was doing this because of her. The murders were running rampant throughout the country. Marina had to put on a strong show for her people.

  But this won’t be enough to stop a rebellion .

  Narra pushed back the smirk threatening to curve her lips.

  With a loud crack , the floor fell from beneath the four criminals, and the snap of bone filled the hushed square. The bodies writhed and struggled against their bonds. She couldn’t see their faces through the potato sacks, but she didn’t need to. She still remembered what it looked like to die like this. Her father had forced her to watch it enough times.

  Narra closed her eyes and counted to sixty. She took deep, even breaths, and by the time she opened her eyes again, the bodies had stilled, and the Patrolmen were readying to cut them down.

  “Let us bow our heads in prayer.” The priest stepped forward, hands extended, palms to the sky.

  Narra stepped back, deftly slipping between men and women. Some muttered about whether they should stay or go. Public sermons were new to Rova City, and not everyone was eager to stay and worship the God of the Sun.

  Once she’d weaved through the crowd, she looked back to see how many others were leaving. Only a dozen or so filtered out of the square. The rest, maybe a hundred people, remained with their heads lowered and eyes closed, listening as the priest began his prayer.