Spin the Dawn(28)

“I take everything seriously. Especially magic. If I had enchanted scissors like yours, the trial would be over by now.”

“You couldn’t sew to save your life,” I retorted, reaching for my apple.

“Ah, but I wouldn’t need to.” He closed the snack in his fist, then opened his fingers. My apple had disappeared.

I tried not to dwell on how he had done that; it would give him too much satisfaction. “Shouldn’t you be in the palace? Advising and protecting the emperor, or whatever it is you do?”

“His Majesty doesn’t need my protection—or advice. He’s a grown man.” Edan grinned. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

The sun made everything feel very hot. Flustered, I said, “Emperor Khanujin is a great man. There is much about him to admire.”

“Such as? His grace and wit? His charm and beauty? I daresay someone’s infatuated.” Edan peered at me inquisitively. “Have you spoken to him?”

My cheeks bloomed bright red. “N-no.”

“Would you like to?” Edan touched his chin. “I could arrange it.”

I remembered then what Lady Sarnai had said about Edan—that he’d taken a liking to me. No, I thought. He simply enjoyed tormenting me because he knew my secret. That I was a girl.

Was that why I was so petulant around him? Or had it been so long since I’d had my brothers to look after me that I didn’t trust him? That I couldn’t trust him?

“Are you so bored that you have nothing to do but follow me around?”

“My duty is to protect A’landi and ensure that the royal wedding takes place. I follow you around to look after A’landi’s best interests.”

“I thought you were following Lady Sarnai.”

“Ah,” Edan said, looking pleased. “I see someone’s been listening to court intrigue. Very good, Maia.”

“Will you not call me that in public?” I whispered harshly.

His lips stretched into a smile. “Very well. But I may in private?”

“Hmph.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t see the lady anywhere nearby.”

“She is bathing in the holy waters of the Sacred Moon Temple. It wouldn’t do for me to have followed her there, so I took the opportunity to replenish my supplies.”

Edan held out his hands, which were empty. Before I could retort “What supplies?” a falcon dove into the marketplace, landing on his shoulder. His gaze still on me, Edan untied the scroll knotted on the falcon’s left claw and stroked the bird’s white throat.

I held my breath as Edan read the note. His expression gave nothing away, but he let out a small, inaudible breath.

“I hope you find someone to help you carry your goods home, Mistress—I mean, Master Tamarin. I would offer, but I’m afraid I’ve been summoned back to the palace. And as you know, one must obey the emperor.”

“Even you?” I said. “The almighty Lord Enchanter?”

“Even me.” Edan swooped a bow. The falcon on his shoulder craned its neck, peering at me with its round yellow eyes. “Another time, Master Tamarin.”

“I hope not,” I muttered.

Edan chuckled, having heard me. “Careful of pickpockets!” he called from behind.

Worried, I dug my hand into my pocket, only to find a new apple—and fifty jens.

I whirled around, but Edan was gone.

I let out an exasperated sigh. Never had I met anyone so insufferably pleased with himself.

I took a bite of my new apple. And yet, maybe he wasn’t all bad.

Maybe.





CHAPTER TEN


The following morning, just as we began drawing up designs and celebrating that we’d have the next few days free of the shansen’s daughter, who should stride into the Hall of Supreme Diligence but Lady Sarnai, unannounced and unexpected. Scissors clattered to the ground, and Longhai threw his flask behind his table as we all leapt to our feet in alarm.

Lady Sarnai swept past us, wearing a white cloak made entirely of dove feathers, a quiver of scarlet arrows hanging on her shoulder and a bow in her hand. Minister Lorsa was noticeably absent from her side today. Only a maid accompanied her, one who looked as if she would rather be doing anything than carrying the four dead birds gathered in her arms.

As Lady Sarnai’s dark eyes descended on us, the maid slung a dead falcon on Norbu’s table, Yindi’s, Longhai’s, then mine. My bird landed with a thump, its sharp yellow eyes open and hollow, its gray-spotted wings spread wide enough to cover the breadth of my table. I swallowed, thinking of the black hawk I’d seen my very first day in the palace.

Lady Sarnai sniffed. “I desire these feathers to be incorporated into a silk sash for His Majesty. To wear over his ceremonial robes to the temple.”

I hid a grimace. Surely, Lady Sarnai knew this would be a great insult to the emperor? It was forbidden to wear any signs of death into a temple.

“Master Longhai,” she said. “You look ill at ease. Does my request distress you?”

“No, Lady Sarnai,” he said quickly.

“Curious,” she murmured. “The sight of my morning’s spoils made your Lord Enchanter so uncomfortable he excused himself from my company for the day.”

I flinched at this news, remembering the falcon in the market. Had these birds been Edan’s pets?