Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Raven

Perhaps Dhol was sorry. He’d gone to the trouble of having dresses made from her favorite stories. Raven felt herself softening towards him, but she quickly pushed that feeling away.

She hadn’t thought he was paying attention to her reading. Did he realize she’d managed to pinpoint three potential locations for the ships?

“Every time I see you, you’re with a new guy. No wonder you’re never around the dorm. When did you get here?” Jaji asked.

Raven looked up from her plate. “I try not to keep track of time.”

“Where are you from? The South?” Jaji asked.

“I try not to think about my past,” Raven replied. “I’m going to get a drink.”

Jaji grabbed Raven’s wrist. “Wait, I wanted to ask you something.”

“You’ve asked enough.”

“I haven’t even started yet, but I’ll ask something simple. What’s your symbol?”

The other women stopped talking and looked over. The men’s loud chatter drowned out the wind. Raven had been hoping to leave before this question came up.

She’d studied the culture and history. All women, especially those in the harem, were branded on the back of their necks,

a mark that showed their status and rank after they graduated from the academy.

Raven dropped her plate and raised her hands. With one hand, she made an O, and with the other, she placed three fingers over the top.

The highest-ranking symbol, one that no one could ask to see unless they were of the same rank. As much as Jaji was out of line, she couldn’t be.

“I haven’t seen you with the king or the King’s Guard. The king loves new toys.”

Raven shrugged. “I’m not the king, so I wouldn’t know. But I’m grateful. The rumors about the king are unsettling.”

“You always cover your symbol. Most women wear it proudly until they spend a night with the king. Can I see it?”

“I’d rather not,” Raven said.

Jaji turned her back to Raven and lifted her hair, revealing the symbol of the crown. “I insist.”

***

Dhol

The danger he felt was right in front of him, in the tent. He’d hoped he’d never have to see him again. As he walked through the flapping entrance, a man was rummaging through Raven’s things.

“What have you been up to, little brother?”

Dhol clenched his teeth. Just his voice made his blood boil. Most people would kill to have family and know about it, but Dhol hated it with every fiber of his being.

Oito tossed aside the fabric he’d been inspecting. He flopped into a chair and kicked his dirty boots onto the table.

“I was enjoying my time off,” Dhol said.

“Last time you took time off was fifteen cycles ago, for your mating ceremony. I went to your house, and they said you’d gone to the woods. I thought you’d decided to die, but to my surprise, you’re here with a woman who’s not your mate.” Oito smiled.

Oito wasn’t in uniform, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t a business visit.

“Floral scents are rare. The king usually keeps them locked up for himself. Either you’re on his good side, or you’re up to something.” His smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you.” Dhol walked over to the table, knocked Oito’s feet off, and poured himself a drink. “I’m alive and well, so you can leave now.”

“Hold on. Why don’t you share with your dear brother, and I won’t mention this little trip to Donikca and Zahli. I didn’t see them at the house. Are they at your vacation home?”

“You want me to make your blackmail easier? I guess you haven’t changed much.”

“But you have. I’ve been saving you from yourself since we were kids. I can’t save you from this.”

“This? What are you talking about?” Dhol asked, finishing his drink.

“I guess nothing.” Oito stood and held up a dress, one Dhol didn’t recognize. “His Highness is here. He was relentless. You know how he is. He loves the chase, especially when he thinks something belongs to him but hasn’t been conquered yet.

“Once she’s found, she’ll be questioned. Anyone who helped her will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. No family ties or title will protect them.”

“You think the rogue woman is here? What are you doing standing around then?” Dhol said, putting his cup down.

As he stepped into the cool night air, the maid was gone. Dhol hoped the maid would get to Raven before anyone else did.

Dhol and Oito rushed through the brush and trees back to the lake and came upon a scene. Lyka’s sister was shouting into the trees next to a group of women.

The maid was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Raven.

“Jaji, you’re ruining the mood,” Oito said as they approached.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the new—”

“I thought we were in a hurry. Let’s go,” Dhol said.

“I don’t tell you a lot of things,” Oito said, stroking her cheek. “We’ll talk later. I’m working.”

Oito took a deep breath and they continued their fast pace into the trees. He was a terrible fighter but an excellent tracker. His strategic skills were far superior to Dhol’s.

The deeper they went, the stronger the scent Oito was tracking became. It was like a garden on fire. Dhol’s stomach churned when he smelled blood.

Oito knelt and touched a branch. His fingers were covered in black and red. He smiled, a smile Dhol knew all too well, and Dhol knew he’d made a mistake.

Dhol had been played by Oito. He’d been used as a distraction so the others could corner the maid. But she was clever and quick. She’d escape and they’d reunite at their safe haven.

Oito’s pace quickened until they burst into a clearing. That’s when Dhol’s hopeful thoughts scattered with the wind.

His gaze fell on the maid, face down in the dirt, her body drenched in black with an empty bottle lying close by.

His heart pounded against his ribcage as he surveyed the surroundings. The sound of rustling and grunting echoed from a short distance away. This time, he was the first one on the scene.

Moonlight shimmered on Raven’s panting form. Her hands were smeared with red and black, her dress stained the same. A figure in a hood crouched nearby.

The wind picked up again, carrying a nauseating smell. His worst fear had just become a reality.