Page 15 of Shadow Throne King

“Tomorrow, we leave. Krustau has my brother, heir to the Imperium. Wecannotlet them keep him.” Tallu raised his hand, making the appropriate gesture for dismissal. “Go. I am sure you have no time to waste.”

The preparationsafter that were hurried and desperate. I pulled Nohe into a quiet meeting with the steward of Tallu’s quarters. Both were suitably horrified at Tallu’s decision but were too well trained to show it with more than the slightest twist of their lips.

Dr. Jafopo was brought in to see me, checking the bite wounds on my hand and the cut on my cheek. The doctor looked at me sharply and refused to answer any of my questions about Asahi, but did clean the wounds again and provide a salve for both.

“Watch them,” he’d said, checking the bites again after applying the salve.

Then he’d left, and I had been absorbed into the chaos of leaving.

Nohe magicked up several outfits in my size appropriate for a merchant. She hand stitchedHouse Vakurionto them herself, the cover that the Kennelmaster had provided. Then she handedme two large purses, filled with money. Some silvers, some coppers, only a handful of gold coins.

“Anything higher than that would be too suspicious,” she said quietly as she personally helped dress me in the early hours of the morning. I felt guilty about the smears of shadow under her eyes.

Homisu checked her work, straightening a seam here and there, his expression dour. “Your Highness…”

I glanced at him in surprise, hearing that the unhappiness in his voice was more than disapproval. “Speak.”

“I would not seek to question the emperor’s directives, but may I not join you?” He was fixing the knot Nohe had tied at my waist, and when he finished, he stepped back. “I know the inner Imperium well.”

I examined Homisu, truly seeing him. He looked worried and upset. I had no idea he cared for me that deeply. Unless there was some other emotion at play, some other reason he wanted to follow me and Tallu.

“You will need someone to make sure that you are dressed appropriately. You may be able to pass as someone from Dragon’s Rest Mountains, but you still look strange.” Homisu’s lips went flat, and he stepped back.

“It is supposed to be a small party. Fighters who can protect the emperor and make sure we arrive at the Lakeshore Palace.” I wasn’t saying no, my mind spinning too quickly. He wasn’t wrong either.

My skin didn’t shine the way the imperials’ did. I knew that my coloring and appearance were going to set me apart more than anything else.

Homisu reached into a pocket, drawing out a small tin of powder. He opened it, then raised his eyes to me. I nodded once, and he took out a small brush. Closing my eyes, I felt him strokethe brush across my forehead and down my nose, adding extra to my cheekbones.

“You must be sure to apply it twice a day at least. If you will not take me with you.” His voice was rough.

I blinked open my eyes. He still looked upset.

“I will be careful,” I said.

“Piivu trained under me,” Homisu said, and the words seemed as though they came out of nowhere, but I inherently understood the connection.

I watched him carefully. Was he another Boro, ready to murder me for something I had done to a friend?

“He was very relieved to see his sister again.” Homisu’s dark eyes held words he didn’t say. He was thanking me for something I had done. He might not know for certain what happened with Piivu and Seka, but he was grateful for it anyway.

I opened my hand, and Homisu placed the jar in my palm. He reached into his pocket and pulled out another.

“Do not wait until you are low on supply to purchase more,” he said.

I nodded, accepting the warning. Nohe handed me my bag, the coins settling in the bottom. It was too heavy, and I opened the flap to find my dragon asleep on the coins.

“You have to stay here,” I said, reaching down.

As soon as my hand was close enough, she opened her mouth, snapping at my fingers. Her sharp teeth drew blood.

“I go with you. I already told her.”The dragon turned to look at Nohe, her prismatic eyes shimmering.“Didn’t I?”

I looked up, blinking in surprise at Nohe. The servant stared back at me before saying slowly, “She said she would burn down the palace in your absence.”

There was too much in the sentence, and we didn’t have time for any of it. Still, I couldn’t help but ask, “You can understand her?”

“Some.” Nohe glanced at Homisu, who nodded in agreement. “It is not foreign magic, if it is a dragon. It cannot be.”