The Silver Sickle by Ellie Ann

Author:Ellie Ann [Ann, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, YA, steampunk
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

CHAPTER 24

The Charade

Gira

THE KING WAS ON his throne in the temple atrium, and she stood beside him. Close enough for him to feel the heat of her presence. Far enough away that he couldn’t reach her.

He smelled of olive oil. One day she had told him the smell was pleasant to her, and he had worn it in his hair ever since.

The door leading down to Traveler was made of chine, the black tree from her planet. The temple door was made of copper and gold, so bright, as if trying to mimic the sun. The room felt trapped between two worlds. Not one more powerful than the other, they were locked in a stalwart dependency, just as they had been for centuries. Humans believed leaders in a different world backed her, and she let them assume that. If they knew she was alone—banished—they might ask more questions and give less worship. She had survived so long on this competitive planet by pretending she was a deity. Her last charade with this King was the most elaborate pretend yet. If all went according to plans, he would be the last King of Dyn.

He spoke of borders. She did not listen. Then he spoke of the Nightwalk Festival, but she did not hear. These words were superfluous, as his reign would change soon.

“The apprentice,” she said.

He looked shrunken, as if his face caved in. That’s what humans looked like when they were displeased. Had she interrupted him?

“I doubled the reward,” King Koru said, his face returning to normal. “And ordered every watchman to search everything that leaves Dyn . . . upending every barrel . . . bounty hunters sent to the coast . . .”

Gira believed the apprentice was more intelligent than most. But he would be found. They always were. Especially when they loved something you had.

“He will not run. He loves a consecrated,” Gira said. “Focus attention in the mount. Focus attention on the cogsmen.”

King Koru showed displeasure. “He loves a girl in my harem?”

“Perhaps,” Gira said. She found this answer perfect for so many questions.

“Why do you think the apprentice loves a consecrated?” He wanted many words from her today.

“I am told he works to free her, and their parting was severe,” Gira said.

“Well, he is not in the mount. You should not think the cogsmen traitors. If they do not obey my command, they will shatter.”

She had not verified that fact for herself. It would be a relief if it were true. But she could not act as if it were.

“The cogsmen will find him. He . . . brought about the death of the rulers,” King Koru said. “They never returned from his presentation. Their families . . . funeral . . . awful loss. When he is found he will be . . .”

“I will take him with me,” Gira said.

“But he is not consecrated . . . not fair. I am your best . . . you have never let me in . .

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