Linnet and the Prince by Alydia Rackham

Author:Alydia Rackham [Rackham, Alydia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-03-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

I was sitting on my vanity bench wrapped in a towel, trying with shaking hands to brush out my hair. A knock came at the door.

I sprang up and backed away. It was far too soon for Rajak to be back. What if it was—

The door swung open, and Ayah poked her head in.

“Oh, Ayah!” I cried, rushing toward her and grasping her gnarled hand. She straightened in surprise, but she did not pull away.

“King Niro is here,” I gasped. “Rajak told me to wear best Highland gown I have, and to look my best, but I really cannot…I don’t know…I mean, what should I—”

Ayah’s jaw became resolute. She nodded.

“Do not be afraid, madam.” She squeezed my hand and her dark eyes blazed. “We will dress you. Come with me.”

LLL

At midday, I stood in the middle of the room wearing a scarlet gown that came down to my ankles. My beaded slippers matched my gown, my hair hung down in waves and I wore my circlet, necklace and gold rings. I had tried to put Rajak’s snake wedding ring on my left hand ring finger, but it was too big, so I slid it onto my forefinger. Ayah also had put a little rouge on my cheeks and lips, because I had gone ash white.

Now, I bowed my head and ran through the breathing exercises I had learned as a fighting student, which were designed to slow a racing heartbeat and clear the mind. It was only starting to work when the door opened again. I lifted my head.

Rajak stood without, wearing all black, and a black robe embroidered in gold. He wore khol around his eyes again, which made him look so fierce I almost recoiled. But he held out his arm for me to take, palm up, and I stepped forward, slid my arm through his and pressed my hand down on his palm. With that, we swept down the hall.

Neither of us said anything as we walked just slower than a run. We passed the entrance to the feasting hall and Commander Hashim stepped out of a door in flashing dress armor. He nodded to Rajak and fell in just behind his other shoulder.

“Maharaj,” he said. Rajak just inclined his head. We twisted through a hallway I had never encountered, then leaped up a narrow staircase. Rajak pushed a door aside, and suddenly—

Blinding light struck my eyes. I flinched and ducked my head. Rajak pulled me tight against him. I blinked rapidly as we stepped out on some sort of balcony. I opened my eyes.

We stood high over a huge courtyard full with bright overhead sun. Heat pressed down on me, and the roar of a vast crowd rose up beneath me. I gulped.

Thousands of Badi filled the space beneath us. All cheered and clapped and waved banners. The sound of them seethed and thundered like a churning ocean. And then they split at the sound of a sharp trumpet.

My head came around. Fifty Badi soldiers dressed in black and scarlet marched in straight lines bearing flags.

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