Temptation of the Butterfly by Michelle M. Pillow

Author:Michelle M. Pillow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Raven Books LLC

Chapter Seventeen

Aaron slowly walked to the palace library. He knew he should be glad that the empress was suddenly finding more work for him to do, when only moments before she’d indicated that they were nearly done with his services. It meant he’d have more time at the palace, more time with Fen.

The palace technically had hundreds of buildings, though some appeared to be joined, and he had to stop and ask for directions once he made it to the front section of the compound. The library was set apart from the rest of the palace, hidden in the corner in a private square. The ground was tiled with concrete blocks, forming a giant dragon out of the stone. Four-tiered terraces, ornately decorated with carved figures and tile work and lined with rows of steps, held the three buildings surrounding the square. The largest was the library itself, situated in the middle.

As Aaron made the climb to the front, he noticed how peaceful this section of the palace was. He saw no servants, no guards or gardeners. The library was empty when he entered. Within the immediate entrance, he saw a portrait of the emperor and empress staring down at him from an imposing height. Then, walking along a hall, he saw more portraits, all royal in appearance. Finally, he came to the end, which opened into the library itself.

He looked for the keeper but didn’t see one around. Long rows of thick wood tables sat empty. Rolled scrolls lined the walls in giant columns and in single pillars that reached to the tall, sloped ceiling. Symbols were carved along the shelves, tiny words keeping the texts organized. Many nobles’ homes had scroll rooms but nothing quite like this. He wondered at what secrets he might find hidden in the old, dusty parchments.

“Ni hao,” Aaron said softly, only to say louder, “Hello? Is anyone here? I’ve come to measure for tapestries by order of the empress.”

He didn’t receive an answer. Looking around, he wondered where exactly the empress wanted tapestries replaced. He didn’t see any, only the columns of old scrolls. Exploring to the far back and not seeing anything, he turned back around to make his way once more through the pillars. Paintings lined what little wall space he did see, and he doubted the empress wanted him to take the paintings down and replace them with silk.

“Maybe I misunderstood,” he mumbled to himself. “But I don’t understand how. She did say the library.”

“Hello?”

He stiffened, his body instantly erupting in pleasure at the sound of Fen’s voice. It was like the song of an angel, from the mythology of his father’s people, calling to him from above. He stepped out from behind a pillar, bowing. “Princess.”

“Aaron.”

She smiled rushing forward. His heart soared at the sight. Her gown was tight against her body, corseted with a thick belt. Instantly, she was in his arms, kissing him. When he was away from her, he worried about the way he’d acted, but the second he was with her again, all seemed right.

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