Spin the Dawn(42)

I curled my fists, hiding a wince when my muscles reminded me they were still healing. “You’re not denying it.”

“It was his time to go. His designs were old, and His Majesty needed a new tailor anyway.”

“That new tailor won’t be you!”

I almost accused him of using magic, but I stopped myself. If I could prove it at the trial, maybe I could send him home.

Laughing, Norbu touched my cheek and pressed his thigh against my leg. “I always thought you were a pretty boy. Perhaps a little kiss?”

I slammed my heel into his toes and slapped him as hard as I could. “I’m warning you,” I said, grabbing my scissors off my bed. I pointed them into his ribs. “Leave. Now.”

Norbu laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t let your secret out…yet.” He stood at the door, then turned back. “I have some respect for you, even. A pity how far you’ll fall.”

He slipped out and was gone.

The panic that had kept me frozen in place thawed into a tight, hard knot. Trembling, I splashed cold water on my face. Even that didn’t startle the shadows from my heart.

I couldn’t let Norbu win. Even if he knew my secret, I couldn’t be afraid of him.

I would win this final challenge. No matter what it took.





CHAPTER FIFTEEN


It was impossible to sleep with Norbu’s threat looming over me. Every sound rattled me. The mice skittering outside my door, the leaves rustling on the roof. Still, no one came for me, which meant Norbu hadn’t told the emperor my secret. Yet.

The more you worry about it, the less you’ll be able to concentrate on actually beating him, I scolded myself. Catching sight of my scissors, I bolted up. And you will.

I stayed awake, sketching until morning light streaked the walls of my chamber. Charcoal stained my palm, and my fingers were sore from drawing, but finally, the perfect dress formed on the page. Tucking my sketchbook under my arm, I hastened to my new workroom and began laying out fabrics over the cutting table.

I constructed the bodice first, layering sheaths of shimmering pale blue silk over satin, then sewing them all together. It gave the effect of a glittering ocean—the view I’d grown up with.

I worked more slowly because of my weak hand, but my seams were still perfect, so tight not even a needle could pierce them. I beaded the collar with a hundred tiny pearls, their luster like the sheen of the stars, and silver-embroidered lace.

Around midday, a light knock broke my concentration.

I assumed it was Edan. I’d gotten used to his unannounced visits, and truthfully I looked forward to them, especially now. Perhaps he could give me advice on what to do about Norbu.

Not Edan. Ammi, with lunch.

The kitchen maid wore a bright smile. Setting her tray on the round wooden table, she let out a gasp and picked up the bodice on my lap. She breathed, holding it to her, “Is this for Lady Sarnai’s dress? It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“You think so?” I said, inhaling. “I’m not done yet.”

Ammi passed it back to me. “What more will you do?”

I was glad of a break, so I showed Ammi my sketch. “Do you think she’d like it?”

“Even the goddess Amana would love it,” Ammi said firmly.

I sighed. “Somehow I think even Amana is less picky than Lady Sarnai.”

We giggled together, and for a moment I forgot I was a boy. I cut my laugh short, but Ammi didn’t seem to notice my lapse in character.

“Will you be able to finish it in a week?” she said.

That was my main worry. I bit my lip. “I’ll do my best.”

“Norbu hasn’t even started,” she told me. “I went to bring him lunch, and he wasn’t there.”

I swallowed, knowing why Norbu had yet to work on his dress. “Do you know where he’s gone?”

“No, but no one is to leave the palace today. Lord Xina has returned. The emperor is not happy about the visit—the gates are closed until he departs.”

“I see. Thank you, Ammi. You’ve been more helpful than you know.”

Ammi’s shoulders heaved, the way mine always did when there was something on my mind that should be kept there. “I saw the Lord Enchanter watching you during the challenge,” she blurted. “Why didn’t you tell me—” She bit her lip. “I would have understood, but I assumed…”

“You think I’m with Edan?” I didn’t know whether to be horrified or amused. “The Lord Enchanter?”

“I won’t tell,” she said quickly. “It explains so much, anyway.” She cleared her throat, looking very red. “He’d always flirt with the maids, but I always wondered why he never chased any of them. Heaven knows they’ve thrown themselves at him.”

I started to tell her that she was out of her mind to think I was involved in some forbidden romance with Edan, but then I stopped. If Ammi thought me a boy who wasn’t interested in girls, we could be friends. I desperately wanted a friend in the palace.

“He is very handsome,” I admitted, a little startled to realize it wasn’t a lie. I pursed my lips. What else could I say about Edan? He was tall and lean, not as warriorlike as the emperor, but he looked just as strong. No, I couldn’t say that! I couldn’t comment on his eyes, either, on their ever-changing colors.