Emberhawk - Jamie Foley Page 0,45

at the racial slur against those born with the Malo element. Don’t fall for it. He’s trying to goad you into challenging him. And if Ryon lost, Kira could be forfeit.

“I only mentioned prison because I thought you might be an exile,” Ryon said. “I can’t imagine another reason you’d be out in this hellhole farming silk.”

“Well, because it’s quite profitable, of course. And this is the most d’hakka-infested forest in the tribal lands. Therefore it’s the best place to harvest.” Sylendrin looked at him sidelong, accentuating the sharp corners of his eyes. “You should know that it’s not nearly as dangerous for a silverblood to confront a d’hakka.”

Another insult. The Emberhawk monarchy insured that only those of noble families were infused with enough syn to be called “silverblood,” giving their blood a slight shimmer and their irises a surreal glow.

Thanks to Felix, Ryon’s eyes must have lost their orange gleam, thus Sylendrin’s false assumption. Ryon had never had someone assume he was a peasant before.

Good, Ryon thought with a wave of relief. If Sylendrin thought he wasn’t of noble blood, he couldn’t recognize who Ryon really was. Or had been.

“Right,” Ryon said. “Well, I’m glad business is good. I could make a delivery to Jadenvive for you as repayment for the rescue.”

“We’ve got that handled, thank you. You shouldn’t be making a trek anywhere until that shoulder is healed.” Sylendrin slurped another mouthful of juice from the fruit as he squeezed it. “What kind of wife shoots her new husband?”

“One with good aim.” Ryon sighed. “Do you happen to know where the d’hakka took us from? I need my equipment.”

“I’m afraid not. That one has multiple nests in a span of at least ten miles.” Sylendrin tossed the shriveled fruit into the underbrush and wiped his hand on his pants. “Perhaps you’d like a tour of the grounds before Waelyn finishes dinner.”

Perhaps I’d like to stab myself in the eye. “No thanks. I think my wound needs attention.” Ryon turned on his heel and headed back toward Kira’s room with a knot forming in his stomach. That claim wasn’t a lie—his shoulder throbbed like a deep hum in the earth before a quake. He was beginning to wonder if the sweat that beaded on his forehead was from the humidity or something else. He shoved the thought aside.

Does Felix know about this place? Ryon was painfully aware of his shoulder’s protest, which grew louder with each step. The chieftess would have told me about it if she knew it were here. Emberhawk living in Katrosi lands is against the peace treaty, whether they’re harmless silk traders or not.

He straightened his back as he stopped in front of the door, wishing he could slip into the other empty room instead. The last thing he wanted to do was prod Kira right now, even with a stick as tall as a pine.

But he couldn’t show weakness. Sylendrin already thought he was an easy target because of his wound. And without his element, maybe it was true.

The sound of muffled sobbing escaped under the door.

Guilt skewered him. If Kira saw his face now, it’d just cause her more pain.

Ryon released a deep breath and glanced back over his shoulder. Sylendrin hauled a bag of dirty silk around the corner and out of sight.

Perhaps a self-guided tour is in order.

21

KIRALAU

Kira’s tears dyed her pillow a darker shade of auburn. She’d been saving her first kiss for eighteen years, and Ryon had stolen it without warning, like the thief he was.

Somehow she’d been stupid enough to actually trust him—even if it was only subconsciously—so the betrayal stung like a d’hakka strike in the back. He’d gone out of his way to earn her trust in the forest, but as soon other people showed up, he’d turned into an overprotective lecher.

Is he jealous? How could that possibly be? Ryon must be delusional if he thought he had a chance with Kira after all he’d done to her family. But if his intent was to assault her, wouldn’t he have picked a better time? Or maybe he was just waiting for his wound to heal.

Regardless, his reasoning was preposterous. How could he possibly be so certain that Sylendrin would attack her? Would he claim to see the future next? It was no secret that Emberhawk people tended to be promiscuous, but that certainly wasn’t the same thing as preying upon women in the night.

But even if Ryon knew something she didn’t, he had no right to