Assassin's Disgrace: Assassin's Heart, #3

To B

Chapter One

Ash and I sit on woven floor mats in one of the Sahilian coastal palace’s leisure rooms, playing a game. We pick up and drop small stones in smooth, circular pits carved on a wooden board. Ash is wearing a colorful mavazi today, similar to mine, with their long hair plaited. A small, enchantment-carved blue stone rests comfortably in one of their ears, hardly noticeable from most angles. A necklace of matching small blue beads wraps around their neck, halfway between their collarbone and jaw.

A palace servant enters the room. The queen will speak with you now, she says.

I stand, brush off my mavazi, and help Ash up. Hand in hand, we walk with the servant to one of the rooms designated for royal business. The queen has not spoken to either of us since her sister helped me smuggle Ash out of a prison in Kalamait and across the Sahil-Kalamait border two days ago. I hoped to be called to her bed, but apparently she didn’t want to see me.

The large room echoes with our footsteps against the stone. Queen Kanoni, wearing a regal gold mavazi contrasting with her dark skin, and her sister Zalika wait for us. Standing at the far end of a long table, the queen gestures to the chairs nearest to her. We walk across the room and, after Kanoni sits, take our seats. At Kanoni’s instructive nod, Zalika sits as well.

The queen speaks in a quiet voice. She bases her address of Ash on their current appearance and clothes, which they prefer people who aren’t their sister or myself do. Ms. Ephraxa, how are you enjoying the palace? Is there anything we can do to improve conditions?

Kanoni’s words are in Sahilian, but the enchanted blue stone turns them to Beldalish in Ash’s ear. No, it is wonderful, Your Majesty. Ash’s voice, magically translated by the blue necklace into Sahilian, has a hint of nervousness.

And are you feeling well?

Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.

I am glad to hear it. Kanoni’s voice shifts to a serious tone. Now, we must address the matter at hand. My sister has filled me in on the events that took place in Kalamait. I apologize for delaying this conversation; I’ve been busy attending to messengers and needed time to consider what will happen from here.

I glance at Ash. They watch Kanoni with an attentive, respectful expression. I’m used to being in the queen’s presence, though usually in much-less-formal circumstances. While Ash grew up under wealthy parents, they’re still not used to the level of finery and status involved with living in a palace, so close to the queen.

Kanoni continues, her lips tight and forehead tense, Unfortunately, there are developments involved in this conversation you two do not yet know. She takes a deep breath and lets it out with a sigh. Zalika’s soldiers have caught wind of rumors. Someone spotted her kongamato.

I chew on my bottom lip. Kongamatos are native only to Sahil, and a rare few are trained for human interaction. Any rumor of Zalika’s massive, lizard-like mount, Lulu, will be connected to not only Sahil but the royal family.

Kalam messengers have already written, demanding the incident be explained...and the fugitive surrendered.

She clears her throat. I glance at Ash again; they’re looking down at their hands clasped on the table.

Kalamait is a strong country, Kanoni says. "While they lack great military force, the skill of their magic is unparalleled at a national level. We must tread lightly.

"I have spoken with two advisors on how to proceed. They propose the kongamato training program cease immediately. They were against the founding of the program in the first place, so that is not surprising. I, however, am against such aggressive measures at present, though we may revisit the subject in the future if necessary.

For now, I’ve decided Zalika will take Lulu back to the capital. My entourage will follow. Mila, you will join me as my traveling companion. She turns in my direction as she speaks of me but doesn’t make eye contact. Her tone is unusually detached. Ms. Ephraxa, you will come as one of the servants. We’ll get you traveling uniforms and assign another servant to train you. Stay with the group at all times. It’s best if you blend in. I’ve also chosen to make adjustments to the servants’ traveling clothes. We will add a simple hooded cloak, to protect from the rain or sun.

Or to hide their faces.

Nia is not happy to leave the coast so soon, but it would be unwise to leave the youngest princess with lesser guards and such thin staff. As this considerably shortens our original plans, the staff needs time to prepare for the journey. We will leave in two days’ time. Finally, Kanoni meets my eyes. You should say goodbye to Avana. She was sorry to hear you were not traveling with me.

Is she staying here?

She was here when Nia and I arrived.

I have not heard or seen Avana in the companion sleeping quarters since I arrived. Our dearest coastal friend must be sharing the queen’s bed. That’s why Kanoni hasn’t asked for me. The twisting feeling in my gut knows I’m wrong. If Kanoni truly wanted to see me, Avana would be delighted to have all three of us together again. The queen is avoiding me.

Ash clears their throat. I could leave.

The three of us look at them.

What? I ask.

I could leave. The animal’s a problem, obviously, but only because of me. I’m the one Kalamait wants. Getting me away from the palace and royal family would help, right?

Where would you go? asks Kanoni.

Ash’s dark eyes dart between the queen and me. Anywhere. I can hide in a town somewhere, move around to avoid notice. Maybe go back to Beldale. We’ve got plenty of forest.

I shake my head. No. Life on the move is difficult and dangerous. You’ve never even lived outside the walls of your house or your father’s inns. You’re not going anywhere alone, especially without a plan. You’re safer here, with protection.

They rub one hand against the back of their neck. It was a suggestion.

I reach and place my hand over theirs on the table. I’m sorry. I just want you to be safe.

I know.

Zalika stands, her height even more intimidating with the rest of us still seated. Then we have nothing left to discuss.

Kanoni nods. Agreed. She stands; Ash and I do as well. Zalika. She turns to her sister. Send Dalila in, will you?

The captain exits the room. A dark-skinned servant with wrapped-up braids and wearing a plain mavazi enters shortly after.

Yes, Your Majesty?

Kanoni gestures to Ash. We have a new member for palace staff. Please see that she is properly outfitted and prepared for travel. We will wait to begin her training in the capital.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Ash follows Dalila out of the room. I turn to the queen.

Kanoni—

She steps away and begins walking toward the door. We can speak later, Mila. She pauses at the doorway and turns to glance back at me. Go find Avana. She’s been waiting to see you.

The room echoes with a soft thud as the door falls shut behind her.

Chapter Two

I walk the halls of the palace alone, wandering in the direction of the private entrance. Avana is most likely on the beach, enjoying the last days of the dry season.

A wide set of doors on the east side of the palace leads to the private beach reserved for the royal family and their guests. Directly outside the doors, a stone terrace is shaded by latticework supported by several wide marble columns. The columns bear intricate relief carvings depicting flowers, deities, and the royal family, painted in a variety of bright colors. A stone pathway leads from the terrace between two long reflecting pools and out onto the white-sand beach.

A woman with wide lips and a prominent nose walks barefoot through the frothy white edges of the waves. Her dark hair falls in tight curls behind the wide ribbon tied over her head. A gold-trimmed white sheath, the local style of dress along the coast, flutters against her sides in the breeze. Around her neck and wrists lie strings of bold turquoise stones.

Avana! I call from the terrace. She doesn’t hear me. I run across the terrace and halfway down the stone path. Avana!

The woman turns. As soon as she sees me, she breaks into a wide, shining smile. She gathers the skirt of her gown in her hands and runs across the sand to meet me at the end of the path.

Mila! She laughs out the name.

Before I can say anything, Avana takes both my hands and pulls me close. She drops my hands and frames my face between her palms then presses a rapid series of kisses against my lips.

I return her many kisses before finally breaking off with a laugh. Let the girl breathe! I take Avana’s hands back in mine, my smile feeling as broad and bright as hers.

Avana shakes her head and jumps in excitement. I’m sorry, it’s so wonderful to see you. It’s been so long!

I know. I’ve missed you, too.

We lean together for a few more kisses before Avana steps back, pulling me with her onto the sand. Come.

Keeping one hand in Avana’s for balance, I unlace and remove my sandals, leaving them by the path. We walk hand in hand toward the water.

Tell me all I’ve missed, Avana says. Kanoni said you’ve been away.

I have. Avana doesn’t know as much as Kanoni does of my travels—and Kanoni knows very little. But I never want to disappoint our beautiful, beloved coastal companion, so I select one safe memory from the past year’s assignments. There’s a small city in Beldale that hosts a two-week festival every year. They have horse races and tavern parties and more beer than you could ever drink. Everyone dresses festively, and at the end of the two weeks, there’s a grand parade through the streets.

I was there to dispose of two men who prey on vulnerable travelers, hired by the mayor’s family to rid the annual festival of that blight. Some of my travel locations remain secrets to my lovers, to avoid the connection between myself and my reputation should any rumors ever arise. This festival does not require such secrecy. With the size of the crowds this festival draws, no one would tie a random visitor like myself to any rumors of the Lady Moirai’s presence.

That sounds so lively! Avana croons. Was it lively?

I laugh. The streets were alive with dancing and shouting. You would have loved it.

And how is the capital?

Zalika’s kongamato training program is going well. If Ash and I don’t ruin it. Much of the strain on resources and trade has been lessened since tolls were lowered in Beldale. At least that’s one thing we did right. How are you? Is your brother well?

"Yes, he is in fine health. Kanoni’s timing was perfect. He wanted to visit his betrothed up the river but disliked the idea of leaving me alone. Now he can visit her knowing