Page 50 of A Crown of Tears and Treason
“Yes, well.” Kaya cleared her throat. “I told him to do it.”
“Only the advisors can command the guards,” I said cautiously.
“The advisors…” She hesitated. Vexa pursed her already thinning lips. “And me. As their daughter, I have the right to ask their help for simple tasks. Though I don’t abuse my power, obviously. And Frayden insisted on helping today–”
“I…wouldn’t have guessed you were related,” I said, gawking to the point of impoliteness. Kaya was everything her parents weren’t. Beautiful and radiating real kindness, not the sickly sweet one her mother had used in the throne room.
She laughed, but it sounded like broken crystals. “Nobody does. Unless, gods forbid, I skip dying my hair for a few days.”
Kaya looked around with a giddy, almost childish expression on her face, like she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to. Then she tilted the top of her head toward me. I leaned over and could barely see a pinkish outline right against her scalp. The rest of her hair was so perfectly black, it almost shined blue in the right light.
“You’re a redhead,” I muttered. Which made so much more sense with Banu’s long, reddish beard.
“I am.” She grinned, eyes sparkling. “It’s a gorgeous red color, too.”
“Then why do you die it?”
“I have to.” Kaya shrugged, as if trying to shake a weight off her shoulders. “They call me the Jewel of the Blood Brotherhood. I need to shine and look the part, dark hair is considered more royal.”
I looked at Kaya, perhaps finally seeing her. Behind the beautiful facade, behind the grace, was the pressure of it all.
“Your secret’s safe with me.” I offered her a small smile, which she returned. I didn’t know her life and she didn’t know mine, but we both had to live up to the fates someone else had chosen for us.
“Zandyr has great hair.” Kaya wiggled her brows at me. “Right?”
His long, straight hair was a perfect embodiment of the man himself–graceful, strong, and unflinching. “I guess.”
“He’s insanely loyal, too. He will bleed for those he loves, and blood is the most important commodity around here. And he’s funny.”
I frowned. “We’re talking about the same Zandyr, right? Tall, dark, and pissed-off?”
“Well…the fun part of him is more of a diamond you have to dig really, really deep to get to.”
Zandyr could keep his shine for himself, thanks. It wasn’t like he was interested in sharing his glimmer with me. I’d seen him twice since I’d come here, and each time had involved swinging my switchblade at him.
“The palace ladies also say he’sveryhandsome,” Kaya went on. “I’ve personally seen them tripping over their dresses when he walks past.”
Yes, he was very handsome, damn him. “You promised gossip, not matchmaking.”
“The matchmaking has already happened, I’m just complimenting my friend.” Kaya raised her palms, the perfect picture of innocence. “But don’t tell him, I don’t want his ego getting any bigger.”
I huffed a laugh. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
I refocused my attention on the box, opening the heavy lid slowly to reveal a generous array of strange fruits that smelled tempting. One of them was square and blood red, with skin that shined in the low light. “These look delicious.”
“They’re the customary offering before a wedding. Helps with fertility.”
I smacked the lid closed, face heating up to the same shade as that curious fruit.
Kaya laughed, some of her poise melting away. Even Vexa gave a jagged little smile, while I kept opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
“Don’t worry, nobody expects you to be popping out babies anytime soon,” Kaya said.
“Least of all Zandyr, I’d imagine,” I mumbled. The advisors hadn’t seemed too keen on the idea, either, as if it was any of their business.
“Perhaps, but not for the reasons you’re probably suspecting,” Kaya said evenly. “But if anyone asks, yes, you’ve already received the ceremonial fruit, no need for more.”
“Thanks. Again.” I sighed. “So many rules I have to follow.”
