Page 20 of The King of Koraha
Najib showed her the guest quarters. They were huge, with a sitting room, a water closet and a gigantic sleeping cushion piled with furs. Then they visited the kitchens. Abena, the cook, was baking a dozen pies. The smell alone almost convinced Shyla to pledge her service to the King then and there.
Abena fried up a couple sausages. Shyla had never tasted anything so delicious. However, losing her freedom still wasn’t worth it even if she could eat meals like this every sun jump. Abena packed a few extra sausages for Rendor—quite the bribe.
Najib finished the tour and led Shyla back to the surface. The squad of guards had resumed their protective stance, blocking Rendor from the access way into the King’s castle. Rendor scowled at them. It appeared as if he hadn’t moved, which was impossible as everyone had to go underground during the sun’s apex.
“Please let us know your decision before angle seventy,” Najib said before he returned below.
It wasn’t quite a full sun jump, but close enough. Shyla squeezed through the guards. Rendor scanned her, obviously searching for injuries, before he relaxed. Well, not quite, as he kept his hand on his sword’s hilt, but the tension had left his shoulders.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
“What did the King want?”
“I’ll tell you all about it, but not here.”
He grunted. “Come on, then. I found us a room.”
It was the best news she’d heard all sun jump.
The room was on level eighteen and Shyla was impressed Rendor found it. Qulsary wasn’t deep. The city reached water at a mere forty-five levels. Instead the city had spread out along the valley floor—narrow and long. So very long.
Outside their room, she gestured to the warren of tunnels branching off in multiple directions. “How did you not get lost?”
He pointed to one of the intersections. “The tunnels all have names which include a compass direction. We’re in North Dolomite Tunnel at location two point three.”
“Two point three?”
“Yes, it’s two point three kilometers from the northernmost starting point of the tunnel. When it reaches the city’s center, it turns into South Dolomite Tunnel. It’s easier to navigate than Zirdai’s ad-hoc labyrinth of tunnels.” Rendor unlocked the door and slid it open. “I only rented this room for a couple sun jumps. The guard I talked to said the city goes on for over forty kilometers and if we want to see everything, we should start in the north and move south as we explore.”
They entered a sitting area and beyond that was a nice-sized room that contained a sleeping cushion big enough for two. Unlike the ones in the travel shelters, the cushion was clean and thick. Rendor had already gathered some supplies—a few extra water skins, some jerky, and a couple of druks. The warm orange-tinted light filled the space.
“You’ve been busy,” she said.
“Better than going crazy worrying about you.” He pulled her close and nuzzled her neck.
After seventy sun jumps and one crazy conversation with the King, Shyla was finally alone with Rendor. Truly alone with no chance of anyone interrupting them. Not even the King.
“Are you going to tell me about your audience with the King?” Rendor asked.
“Eventually,” she said, making him laugh. Taking his hand, she pulled him to the sleeping cushion. “It’s been so long, I think I need an extensive refresher course.”
“I’m always at your service.” He pulled her tunic off. “Step one,” he murmured before kissing her.
They woke deep into the darkness. Shyla told Rendor everything that she’d learned and what the King wanted them to do.
“We’re lucky that he didn’t just demand your services,” Rendor said.
Shyla agreed. “What should we do?”
“It’s your choice. I’m here for you. Whether we see the dancing waters or interrogate witnesses, I’m happy as long as we’re together.” He stroked her cheek.
“That’s lovely, Rendor.” She gave him a kiss. “But it doesn’t help me. What should I do?”
“You should do what you truly want.”
“Again, not helping.”
