Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Author:Elizabeth Lim [Lim, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781529356564
Google: wP0CEAAAQBAJ
Amazon: 0593300912
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2021-07-07T23:00:00+00:00

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My new room was around the corner from Megari’s, decorated with porcelain pillows covered with sheaths of blue and green silk, a writing desk carved of fir, and a hanging scroll of pressed gingko leaves. There was a circular window too, overlooking a vista of Rabbit Mountain, famous for its two peaks resembling a rabbit’s ears when covered in snow. It felt like a luxury to stretch my arms without hitting a wall and to breathe without wanting to vomit from the smell of fish. Best of all, there were no rats.

Had I ever slept in a chamber as large as this? The life I had once lived—with three chambers for my personal use and an entire room simply for storing my robes—felt like a distant dream.

Aren’t you glad you stayed? Kiki asked. Imagine having to go back to that drafty cellar. Or your brothers’ cave.

It is nice, I allowed.

Generous of Radish Boy. I’m starting to like him already.

I twisted my lips at her. You’re a fickle one. I seem to recall someone who didn’t want me to waste my time brewing soup for him.

Kiki sank into a cushion, lounging against the soft silk. How was I to know he was such a generous soul? Maybe you ought to have married him after all.

It’s not generosity, I thought stiffly. I saved his life. He’s showing his gratitude. I would’ve done the same in his position.

Would you, now? Would you have given yourself a silver makan, too? I can’t see you rewarding a robber, Shiori.

He felt sorry for me. That’s why he gave me money.

Suit yourself. All I’m saying is, he doesn’t seem quite like the barbarian you pictured.

I ignored her, stowing my satchel under the bed, then searching the cupboards. In them was an array of robes a servant must have selected while I’d been at breakfast. I found a simple navy dress and an earthy green sash that fit nicely.

It was the softest, cleanest material I had worn in months, and after I changed, I untangled the knots out of my hair and wilted onto the nearest chair. I would have fallen asleep right away if a slender writing brush on the desk hadn’t caught my eye.

There were ink sticks too, and a stone for grinding and mixing them into liquid, but, curiously, no paper. Disappointing, but perhaps it was for the best. After what happened in Megari’s chamber, I knew better than to try and write for help.

Someone’s silhouette appeared on the other side of my doors’ paper panels. Once I saw who it was, I bolted up and started to bow.

“No bowing,” said Takkan. “Please.”

Some color had returned to his cheeks since breakfast, but he smelled of medicine—of gingko and ginger and orange peel.

He walked inside slowly. “I warn you, Megari will be sneaking into your room often.”

I rubbed my hands. Because it’s warm?

“For the view.” He planted himself on a stool beside my hearth and regarded the mountain outside. Pride rippled in his voice.

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