Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
Author:Makiia Lucier
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Published: 2024-01-08T00:00:00+00:00
18
THOUGH HE LIVED IN THE BAI WITH THE OTHER unmarried males, chambers continued to be kept for Sam in the royal pavilion. He made use of them, as it would be quicker to bathe here before seeking out his cousin Jejomar, who was an embarrassment and a disgrace.
Samâs apartments opened up onto a courtyard at dusk. He passed a series of connecting gardens, veering behind statuary and potted palms whenever he heard female voices, mothers and daughters around every corner. Plumeria blossoms scented the air.
He would not have been the only one to have seen Jejomar fleeing the dragon. Running away when so many had stayed to help. Even Lord William! William, the ambassador of Rakaâs fragile brother, had stayed.
And yes, understood, seadragons were scary. Maybe Jejomar could be forgiven for running . . . but he had not come back. Had not returned to check on the living, to help in any way. And that was why Sam was going to find him and wring hisâ
Sam whipped behind a statue of the god Olifat just as a group of ladies appeared around the corner. The statue was twice the height of a man, built on a pedestal. Olifat wore a fierce expression and no clothes. He held an outrigger between both hands as though preparing to crush it.
âYes, Mama, I am tryingâ came a testy voice. âI am wearing my best dresses, and I spend hours on my hair each day. Itâs not my fault Prince Samahti keeps disappearing.â
âDid you see how he slayed the dragon?â a second female asked, wistful and dreamy. Sam drew farther behind the statue, careful that no part of him was left exposed. âThe prince is so brave and handsome. And he does not seem to care for Anaa, Mama. May I have him?â
âYour sister comes firstâ came a third female voice, older, exasperated. âAnaa, you must try harder. I hear the prince is fond of the ukulele. Perhaps you can playââ
âI hate the ukulele.â The women rounded another corner, their voices trailing away.
Sam stepped from behind the statue, only to come face-to-face with Uncle Isko and Bayani. His uncle wore black robes, left open to reveal one trousered leg and one bandaged leg. He leaned heavily on a cane.
âHiding behind statues, Samahti?â Uncle Isko said drily. âHas it truly come to this?â
The man was everywhere you did not wish him to be. âUncle. How are you standing? Here, let me carryââ
âStay where you are. I am no invalid to be carried.â
âYou shouldnât be on that leg.â
âI offered already, Prince Samahti,â Bayani said.
Uncle Isko gave him a look, then turned back to Sam. âWhere are you off to?â
âMy auntâs.â
âAh.â Uncle Isko shifted his cane from one hand to the other. âDo you know, Iâve never seen that boy run as fast as he did this morning. Not in all his seventeen years.â
Sam wanted to return to his hiding place behind the statue. Jejomarâs embarrassment was his embarrassment. Who else had seen?
âThat reminds me, training starts in a month,â Uncle Isko said.
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