Sky of Wind by Emily Deady

Chapter 32

“But what shall I say if they ask about Solano?” Meena said, clutching Jules’s arm tightly. “I can’t say he’s been seized for being a Majis.” She whispered the last word as quietly as she could, pretending to be ashamed of it. “That would be so embarrassing.”

Meena could practically hear Ezra roll her eyes. The woman was walking a full arm’s length away even though Jules had offered her his other elbow. She was, however, wearing the yellow dress Meena had insisted on.

Meena delighted in the fact that she had literally come between the adoring couple. She knew it was petty, but if she couldn’t be spending this evening with Sol, they did not deserve to spend the evening together either. Especially since Meena was sure they had something to do with Sol’s arrest.

“Perhaps you could just say he had fallen ill and needed to rest tonight,” Jules responded to her earlier question. “Are you sure you should be coming tonight?”

Meena could hear both concern and suspicion in his voice. She planned to be extra careful around her keepers tonight so they would suspect nothing.

“I’m not sure what I would cry for more for if I stayed home,” Meena replied. “Missing out on the fun of the festivities or missing Sol.” She squeezed Jules’s arm as she said the last word, letting her voice break the tiniest bit.

Jules patted her hand.

Ezra sped up her pace, moving slightly in front of Meena and Jules as though she wanted to remove herself from their company.

Meena did not blame her. She would be annoyed with herself as well if she wasn’t having so much fun annoying them.

She reminded herself that the night was not about having fun.

Her stomach fell, and she clutched Jules’s arm for real.

“Are you alright?” he asked. “Perhaps we should turn around.”

Meena shook her head. “I will not go back,” she said, easily lining her voice with the conviction she felt.

Jules gave her an odd look, but she smiled up at him obliviously and then turned her chin forward.

Perhaps it was better to focus on the fun. If it helped her to focus and move through the evening, it was surely the better choice.

Just then, she caught a glimpse of the sea as they crested the bailey into the main area of the fort.

She inhaled instinctively at the beautiful sight. The breath calmed her stomach and reminded her of Sol.

She couldn’t use the magic in the same way as he did, but she could rely on its harmony to get her through the night.

She would do this for Sol.

The bailey was decorated with flowing fabric and glowing lanterns. She could smell the delectable flavors of roasting meat and sweet sauces.

The outdoor space was already overflowing with townsfolk. They were dressed for a feast, in bright colors and flowing fabrics. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

With a smile of encouragement to herself, she followed Jules into the midst of the chaos.

“I did not expect to see you here this evening, Princess,” Councilor Younn said, stepping forward and blocking Meena’s path with a bow.

“I did not expect to see you here, Councilor!” Meena replied. “I thought you had important business in Chendas?” Meena narrowed her eyes, hoping her loud voice did not betray her. “Yet here you are, at a feast.” Surely Younn would not stray far from his prisoner, which meant that Sol was somewhere near. Maybe she could discover where.

The councilor looked around, his face turning red. “Quiet, girl,” he snapped. “Being at this feast is my business.”

“That’s not what you said this morning, though, Councilor, when you were speaking to my husband?” Realizing that she held the upper hand as long as she could pressure him, Meena kept her voice loud.

“Perhaps we should find you some food or drink, Princess?” Jules cut in, still escorting her with his arm.

“I did tell your husband I was returning to Chendas, my dear,” the councilor replied, ignoring Jules and raising his voice to be heard as well as hers. “But I said I was leaving tomorrow, on the ship which just arrived today. Where is your husband, Princess, surely he remembers the conversation?” Younn twisted his head around, as though he would see Sol somewhere in the crowd.

“Unfortunately,” Meena hissed through a forced smile. “He was feeling unwell this afternoon and decided to rest. He is sad to have missed the festivities, though.” Meena glanced around the space again. “I assume he is somewhere near, though?” she whispered so only Younn and Jules could hear.

“Perhaps you can give him my regards when you see him next?” Younn said loudly. He raised his eyebrows, the concern on his face barely covering his glee. “And no, Princess,” he whispered, leaning forward. “He’s nowhere near. I placed him far outside of your reach. As if you could do anything about it anyway.”

Meena knew she had lost the upper hand, but she wouldn’t let him have the last word. “I would love to, Councilor,” she said loudly. “Have a wonderful evening. May this goldenreign season bring you everything you deserve.” She couldn’t resist getting one more barb in.

“I think it shall, Princess.” Younn bowed low. As he stood, he moved closer to Meena, whispering in her ear. “For I will be graced with your presence tomorrow morning at first light on board the Sapphire. I will escort you home where you should have been all this time.”

Meena opened her mouth, gasping at the rudeness of his words. But he had turned away and pushed through the crowd.

Meena closed her mouth.

“Did you hear that?” she asked Jules, raising her voice again to be heard above the chatter.

Jules shook his head. “No, it’s too loud.” He leaned closer to her. “I know you are angry at the councilor, but he is leaving first thing tomorrow morning to escort your husband to Chendas himself.”

Meena tensed, leaning closer to hear every word.

“And I will send one of my best men to plead for him before King Gareth,” Jules continued.

“I know.” Meena smiled up at him. “You’ve mentioned that multiple times today.” Her heart was pounding. “Captain, perhaps this evening was a little ambitious.”

“Shall I escort you home?” Jules asked quickly, concern on his face.

“No, I’m sure I shall be fine.” She didn’t have time for that. “I shall just find a quiet spot to sit down for a moment. You should go attend to your wife.”

“Of course.” Jules kept her hand tucked into his arm and pulled her through the crowd. “You can rest in my personal study. No one will disturb you there.”

“Thank you,” Meena replied.

He led her through the halls of the fort, dropping her off in a spacious room with a view of the sea.

Meena instantly caught sight of a familiar ship anchored far below. It looked so lonely, anchored past the waves.

Jules lit a candle on his desk as the light was fading. “Stay here as long as you need, Meena,” he said. “And come find me as soon as you are ready to join everyone or if you would like to go home. I can’t go losing a princess on my watch.” He stopped at the door. “And if you can’t find, surely Ezra will be close.”

Meena forced herself to meet his smile. He was being very accommodating, which made it much more difficult for her to hate him.

“Thank you, Captain, I’m sure I’ll feel better momentarily.” She sank back into the chair with a satisfied sigh.

Jules left, closing the door quietly behind him.

Meena waited a moment, then sprang from her seat. She went to the window, looking down at the ship below. I placed him far outside your reach.

Sol could be on that ship.

She didn’t have much time. Neven was likely already on the beach, waiting for the sun to fully set before they put their meagre plan into action.

If she was not back in time, she would jeopardize their mission.

But if she succeeded, she could increase their chance of survival. If she could rescue Sol, they would have two Majis instead of one.

Her palms grew sweaty, and she breathed through the lightness in her head.

Slipping out of the captain’s room, Meena hurried through the halls, looking for the nearest exit.