Sky of Wind by Emily Deady

Chapter 25

Meena’s heart soared as they made their way down the hall to supper.

Sol’s kind words had seeped through her head and been seared into her heart. Such praise from the silent and brooding Majis was high praise indeed.

Her mind raced with the happiest of thoughts, finding joy in everything she set her eyes on. She was surprised at how effectively the temperature remained cool by utilizing the additional depth of the ground. Though the site of the ground at the base of the window still made her laugh.

“Imagine if everyone was truly this short,” Meena said, pointing outside the window. “How strange would that be?”

“You were that short once,” Sol responded.

Meena rolled her eyes. “Of course I was, as a child,” she replied. “But it was normal then. It was all I knew.”

“And if you remained that short for your entire life, it would be all you ever knew.” Sol’s voice was flat and logical.

“You are so dull,” Meena responded playfully, overjoyed that he was indulging her whimsical thoughts. “That’s why I said ‘imagine.’”

Sol instantly dropped to his knees, glancing over the base of the window, which his eyes could now barely reach. “Honestly, it would be quite nice down here,” he said.

Meena threw back her head and laughed. Even when Sol jested, he did it so intensely.

“Princess,” an oddly familiar voice startled her. “Prince.”

Meena spun around to see Councilor Younn standing farther down the hall. She had no idea he was in Falqri, and she had no idea how long he had been watching their silly exchange in the hall.

Sol instantly jumped to his feet, straightening his back into his usual composed posture. His face also returned to its usual tense state.

Meena squeezed her fists for a brief moment, disappointment flowing over her. She loved to see Sol happy.

“Councilor,” she said, forcing her voice to be airy and light. “How good to see you.” She moved toward him gracefully, thankful she was dressed for dinner in one of her finer gowns. “How good of a surprise?” She turned the statement into a question with an inflection of her voice.

The councilor had said nothing about meeting them in Falqri.

Something was not right.

“A good surprise, indeed,” Councilor Younn replied, bowing over her hand. “How are the two lovebirds enjoying their wedding trip?” He looked around her at Sol.

Meena turned and slipped her arm into Sol’s elbow, pulling him closer to herself and into the conversation.

Sol had tried to put a smile on his face, but as usual, it was making him appear far more uncomfortable than his typical scowl did.

“One of us is enjoying ourselves very much,” she said pointedly in a sugary sweet voice. She squeezed Sol’s arm. “And that is all that matters, isn’t it?” She smiled warmly at the councilor, as though they were sharing an inside jest.

“Indeed, Princess.” Younn smiled broadly in return, but his eyes flickered back to Sol. “It is good to see you so happy.”

Meena laughed. It was an obnoxious sound in a ridiculously high register, and she instantly regretted it. But once she had started, she couldn’t stop without sounding suspicious, so she finished it to the very end of its squeaking, scraping sound.

“What brings you to Falqri, Councilor?” Sol asked, his voice curt behind the stony smile still on his face.

“My king sent me on . . . an urgent mission,” Younn responded.

“Oh?” Meena opened her eyes wide and leaned in. “Why so secretive?” she whispered.

Younn dropped his eyes to her. This time, the smile on his face felt a little forced, as though he were bored or annoyed by her cloying charm.

Good. That was how she wanted it.

“No secret,” he replied. “Just urgent matters to attend to for our royal sovereign.”

“Your royal sovereign,” Meena said, straightening back up. “I am my own royal sovereign.”

Younn’s real smile returned. “If you say so, Princess,” he indulged. “Though I believe the term ‘sovereign’ is reserved for the ruling king, not his entire family.” He leaned forward as he patronizingly corrected her.

“Is it?” Meena responded with indignation. “How very rude. If I am ever king, I shall change that instantly.”

Younn laughed.

Jules entered the hall, walking quickly toward the small group. Ezra was at his side, her long strides easily keeping up with his.

“Councilor,” Jules said, coming to a respectful stop in front of his superior. “This is unexpected.”

“Are you unprepared for me to see your progress at your new station?” Younn asked. His mouth was smiling, but he lifted an eyebrow.

“Of course not,” Jules responded, the straight line of his back was a far cry from his usually relaxed stance. “I mean, of course, you are always welcome.”

“I have heard good reports,” Younn said.

Jules relaxed slightly. “I hope your visit will exceed expectations, Councilor.”

“I’m sure it shall.” He turned to Ezra, who had stood silently at her husband’s side. “My lady.” He bowed.

“Younn,” Ezra responded. “You are always welcome in our home.”

Meena did not miss the way she addressed the councilor on a first-name basis. Not even her husband had done so.

“Thank you, Ezra,” he responded.

“My dearest,” Jules said, turning to his wife. “Shall we alert the kitchen that we will have our supper at the fort tonight?”

Ezra raised her eyebrows. Meena thought she did not agree with her husband.

“Perhaps call in the bards and have some dancing?” Jules continued, convincingly. “What better way to welcome the councilor and entertain our royal guests?”

Ezra’s hesitance turned into a smile. “That sounds like a wonderful evening, my dear,” she said.

“That is not at all necessary,” Younn cut in. The words sounded gracious, but Meena thought the pompous smile on his face said otherwise.

“Please Younn, some dancing would be good for all of us,” Ezra responded.

“If you say so,” Younn nodded his head to Ezra. “Captain, could you give me a review of your work here?”

“Of course, Councilor.” Jules’s back straightened, and he sent a quick look to his wife.

“I will take care of the rest,” Ezra said reassuringly.

Meena noticed that Jules had not even asked a question, but Ezra instantly knew what his look meant. Despite her careful attention, Meena could not decipher the undercurrent of communication that took place beneath Jules and Ezra’s conversation. Her mind kept forgetting that she couldn’t trust them. They seemed so . . . trustworthy. At least Jules did.

As if sensing her thoughts, Ezra looked directly at Meena.

“Dancing sounds wonderful!” Meena said, clapping her hands together. She could talk to Sol later about the secretive behavior of their hosts. For now, though, she needed to ensure that Sol joined Jules and Younn in reviewing the fort. It would be the perfect time to finally get an inside look at their goal.

As Jules led the councilor down the hall, Meena looked up to find Sol’s eyes on her.

He raised his eyebrows, tilting his head ever so slightly toward the departing men.

Meena couldn’t stop the smile that came to her face. She did not have to be jealous of Jules and Ezra when she and Sol could communicate with just their eyes. She blinked twice and nodded.

Sol moved forward, quietly following just behind the men as though he had been invited to go with them.

Ezra noticed his movement, but before she could call out to him, Meena pounced forward. She grabbed the tall woman’s arm, pulling her back toward the bedrooms. “Shall I change into something more suitable for dancing?” she asked.

With a final glance over her shoulder, Ezra turned her attention to Meena. “No, you are dressed as impeccably as always, Princess,” she said.

Meena noted the forced politeness in the woman’s voice. Clearly, Ezra would have preferred to go to the fort then discuss clothing options.

In any other circumstance, Ezra would have made a great friend.

Meena, too, wished to help Sol learn the lay of the fort. But this was the part she could play, so play it she would, even if Ezra hated her for it.

“Are you quite sure?” Meena asked. “Come see the other dress I brought.”