Page 14

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ZULA

Z ula scrubbed the dirt from her skin as the steam from the hot water made her black hair curl into ringlets. The shame and embarrassment she’d initially felt upon entering the palace was washed away just like the dirt. But her thoughts turned to the queen’s proposal, Neo’s reaction, and most of all, escape.

Servants hovered around her as she washed. At least, Zula was under the assumption they were servants. Her life had never involved paying much attention to royalty and the habits of those who dwelled in the palace. Although she’d heard somewhere that it was possible to work for the kingdom and earn good money, they also conducted rigorous interviews and dug deep into an individual’s past and family. All of it was none of her concern.

The plush ivory towel she dried off with was made of the softest cotton she’d ever touched and large enough to wrap herself in twice. The water had been perfumed, and she was aware of a pleasant scent emanating from her body. Had she stunk that badly before? The tension in her shoulders faded, but her jaw worked when she saw the dress laid out for her.

Dresses were the clothing of well-behaved women who never had a need for a sudden escape. This one wrapped around her body, hugging her curves, and she tied the strings that held it up tight, lest it fall off. After a few experimental steps, she discovered the material moved with her, the dress flowing around her legs, soft as silk.

If she was about to sell her soul—or die—she might as well be comfortable and feel attractive while doing so.

The servants tittered behind their hands, speaking in hushed voices accented by soft laughter. Zula ignored them, although her ears burned at the idea that they might be talking about her. More often than not, she found herself the source of every conversation. Usually people admiring her skill as a thief or retelling her latest heist.

In the eyes of the common people, she was a legend.

In the palace, she was a prisoner, a common thief. Ironic.

A young woman waved at her, beckoning her to follow, and Zula did, trying not to openly stare at the beauty of the palace. Wide windows sent a floral-scented breeze to her nose, and palm trees pushed their leaves through every opening, letting in a stream of golden-green light. The palace opened up into a patio, a courtyard balcony overlooking a set of hanging gardens. Vines twirled around the railing, grapes budding, some already nearly ripe. Pots of banana trees—some no taller than her waist—dotted the patio. There were benches, tables—and then, she spotted Neo.

He leaned against one of the tables, elbows on it, hands gesturing as he talked animatedly. He laughed, his head tilting to the side, those green eyes catching hers.

Zula’s breath caught as his eyes widened and the mirth deepened into a smolder as his gaze trailed down her body. The man he was talking to turned, then stood and touched Neo’s shoulder. Neo nodded, but his gaze never left Zula.

She couldn’t look away either. It was like she was caught on a hook and Neo reeled her in with the power of his gaze. Her feet automatically moved toward him, and when he grinned, her heart flipped. The words of the queen— his mother —danced back to her.

“Hungry, Zula?” Neo asked, pushing a bowl of food toward her.

Stomach rumbling, Zula sat down at the wood table, mouth wet at the bounty of cinnamon-sprinkled fruits, nuts, cheeses, and some kind of dried meat.

Opening her mouth to thank him, Zula caught Neo’s expression, one of deep satisfaction and hopeful curiosity. Her heart hammered as she recalled the way he’d flirted with her in the carriage. No words had been said, but she’d allowed herself to daydream ever so briefly, and there had been yet another incident where she thought he might have kissed her. Now she understood his restraint. He was the prince, and if, indeed, he thought himself in love with her, she couldn’t give him hope of winning her admiration, respect, or confidence.

The words were out of her mouth before she could stop her tongue. “It’s the ukulele. It stirs up feelings, making emotions stronger. Whatever you think you feel for me isn’t real. You’ve been besotted by the music.”

A crimson blush spread across his cheeks. “Excuse me, but I believe I missed part of this conversion. What do you speak of?”

Zula rolled a plump date between her fingers. The words came out in a rush. “The queen claimed you’re in love with me.”

Neo’s face turned redder, almost the color of his hair. Impressive. So it must be true.

“Why did she say that ? Is that the reason she didn’t want me to be part of the audience with you?”

Zula shrugged, chewed and swallowed, then gave him a cheeky grin. “Your infatuation saved me from certain death, so I suppose I should thank you.”

Neo’s shoulders sagged, the edges of misery hovering around his face. “Are you going to tell me what happened or keep me in suspense?”

Zula popped a grape into her mouth. “I’m rather enjoying this, finally having the upper hand on you. Is this where you grew up? In this half-garden, half-palace? It’s beautiful.”

Neo crossed his arms. “Zula,” he warned.

Even the sound of her name in his mouth sent shivers down her spine. Why did her body have such a reaction to him? Reluctantly, she admitted to herself, it would make her life more interesting if a prince, who also happened to be a sheriff, were in love with her. But it was only a silly infatuation. Had to be.

“I was offered another heist, in exchange for my life.”

“I knew it,” Neo groaned, putting his head in his hands.

“Oh?” Zula prompted, suddenly not feeling so hungry anymore. “Do you know why, then? I was asked to steal back six of the magical treasures I’ve stolen over the years and bring them here. Why?”

Neo went still, blinking at Zula. “ That’s what she asked you to steal? Did you agree?”

Shrugging, Zula lowered her voice. “I will give her my answer after the masquerade, but I don’t have a choice, do I? If I say no, I will be sentenced to some kind of punishment.” She rubbed her neck. “If I run away, you’ll just hunt me down again. If I say yes, I buy myself some time, but I’ll never be able to go back to my life the way it was before you caught me.”

“Stealing is wrong,” Neo quipped, his face no longer red with embarrassment. “Besides, I’m glad I caught you.”

“Does that mean you are the recipient of the bounty on my head? Can I persuade you to share it with me?”

Neo laughed, his entire body relaxing. The sound was intoxicating, and Zula had to bite her cheek to keep from joining him.

“Unfortunately, I am ineligible for such funds, nor do I need the money.” He rested his elbows on the table again and dropped his voice. “We should discuss these heists. Do you know where these treasures are? Who they were sold to? Did you keep any of them?”

Zula’s heart pounded in her chest, accompanied by a lightheaded sensation, and she wasn’t sure whether to blame the intensity of Neo’s presence or the seriousness of their conversation. Trying to appear nonchalant, she focused her attention on a nearby banana tree. “No, the requests all came from different people. Some weren’t even from thieves, but that’s not unusual. A price was offered, I accepted, but I don’t know where to begin searching for these relics.”

“What about the individuals who hired you?” Neo pressed. “Do you have any inkling of where they might be?”

Zula shrugged. “Some, but it’s a futile quest, especially because, now that you’ve caught me, the gangs of thieves won’t trust me with information. Although, I suppose that’s where you come in, isn’t it? Are you supposed to come along on this heist of heists to keep me from escaping?”

Neo’s face lit up, as though he hadn’t considered the idea .

Zula smiled at him before she could stop herself. Neo’s presence was exuberant, enticing, and she liked the way he looked at her. Liked it more now that she knew she’d caught the eye of a prince.

“I will investigate further, but Zula, if we are to work together, I have to be able to trust you.”

“You don’t?” she quipped, trying to keep the mood light before he looked at her with his soul in his eyes and she lost all control.

Neo drummed his fingertips on the table. “What do you want, Zula?”

No one ever asked her what she wanted. They made deals, struck a bargain, or passed on demands from others. Neo didn’t get to know the desires of her heart, just because they were having a decent conversation. “You’re my captor and I’m your prisoner. Let’s not pretend to be friends.”

His jaw went tight.

Now she’d gotten a reaction out of him.

“I didn’t ask to be friends. I asked what you want.”

“My freedom. My ukulele. ”

“But why steal? What’s in it for you?”

He was too close, dangerously close to the truth. She looked away. “For the thrill of it, the danger. There’s a euphoria after each heist and I like to hear my name on everyone’s lips, to feel their awe, their shock at the great feats I was able to accomplish. I should stop because . . . you’re right about me. It’s hollow and I want a purpose, but the mundane life that people live feels dull.”

Neo’s fingers brushed the back of her hand, his voice surprisingly gentle. “I feel the same way about hunting. That’s why I’m the sheriff. I have an idea?—”

He broke off abruptly, staring at something past her shoulder. His face changed, closed, and he pulled back.

“There are discussions that need to be had. I will meet you later.”