I stride away, but she tugs me back. “Please, General.” She rests her hand on my chest and bats her sooty lashes as though a gnat is caught in her eye. “Let me go with you.”
“You really aren’t told no often.”
She runs a finger up my neck to my chin. “I’d never tell you no.”
A chuckle escapes me. Even if Princess Gemi were to charm me, I cannot give her what she wants. “The prince has more clout with your father than I do. Ask him.” She begins to protest, but I rush right over her. “I won’t be accused of kidnapping the datu’s heir. I suggest you endear yourself to Ashwin or forget about leaving Lestari.”
She drops her hand. “The prince is a wet noodle. I knew right away you’re the one I could count on.” I should be irate that her fawning over me has been a manipulation, but I am tempted to ask her to repeat her wet noodle comment to Kali. “Will you at least put in a good word for me with Ashwin?”
I grin humorlessly at her request. “You’re asking the wrong person. Persuade Kalinda to your side, and you’ll get what you want.”
“That’s it? I need only talk to the kindred?”
“Believe me,” I call out, winds whipping at my back, “she can be hard to convince.”
Everyone waits aboard the lightweight, birdlike flyer. I climb on, lie across the riding platform between Yatin and Rohan, and grip the bamboo navigation bar.
“Could you hold on any tighter?” Rohan asks me.
I purse my lips, a warning for him to stop teasing. He knows how much I dislike flying.
His summoned winds pluck us off the ground into the morning sky. I wave farewell to Mother and Chitt and stretch my gaze to the palace grounds and balconies for a glimpse of Kali. But we whizz away from the glimmering spires that soar over the aquamarine cove, and pass over the breaker.
The Sea of Souls unrolls like a ribbon to the horizon. Down the coast, a ship lurks near the breaker. The sea raiders’ yellow two-mast vessel is easily identifiable. The raiders must be lying in wait for the navy’s departure. I expect they will assume the prince and Kali are aboard one of their ships and pursue the fleet to the mainland. At the very least, Kali’s decision to fly to Samiya will help her evade Captain Loc. Even so, I already regret leaving without bidding her good-bye—and gods’ mercy.
7
KALINDA
I limp down the corridor for the open archway that leads to the garden. A breeze flows inside, the tail end of stronger drafts summoned by a Galer. I quicken my step, but my bad leg gives out, forcing me to brace against the doorway.
Gritting my teeth, I hustle outside under the palm trees. Whooshing air momentarily steals my breath. The wing flyer is airborne. Deven, Natesa, and Yatin ride with Rohan. I limp for the garden clearing, calling for Deven. The loud winds thrash the palm fronds and drown out my shouts. The wing flyer streaks over the cove and quickly shrinks into the sky.
I plunk down on a stone bench, rubbing my sore knee. After Deven left Ashwin’s chamber, everything moved so fast. Ashwin dispatched a carrier dove with a letter to Hastin, and then we went to the datu. Bulan agreed with our endeavor to ally with the rebels and ordered Indah and Pons to fly us to meet Hastin. Everyone launched into a flurry of preparations for our departure. I returned to my empty bedchamber to collect my belongings when, from the terrace, I saw Deven and my friends leaving. I squeeze my eyes shut on gathering tears. Gods know when we will meet again.
“Kindred?”