Leaning in, he whispered in my ear, “I very much doubt that.”
Clearing my throat, I tugged on his hand. “There's more.” I led him down a colonnade that spiked off the central courtyard, bordered in the same arches.
Between the arches, tiled benches offered rest, but I kept walking. We passed little fountains for drinking and washing hands, a man who sold little dragon dolls that floated, and tea houses set back within palms and date trees. Children laughed and ran past, away from indulgent parents. Many headed for the Neraky man who sold shaved ice flavored with pomegranate syrup. Beyond the colonnade, a woman in saffron robes propelled a brass cart through the grass, the aroma of grilled lamb drifting from her brazier.
Past another tea house with walls folded open to welcome the breeze was the vendor I knew Jucai would enjoy most. As we approached the little cart, Jucai's eyes widened. He glanced at me, and I pulled out my coin purse.
“What would you like, Your Majesty?” I motioned at the sliced fruit gleaming under protective wards that kept it chilled, fresh, and safe from pests. “He can make you a mixed bowl.”
Jucai looked at the man. “I want everything.”
The Brujai man chuckled, his laugh deep and genuine. “A wise choice.” He heaped a little of every fruit he had into a ceramic bowl and handed it to Jucai. “And you, my lord?”
“My usual, please.”
The man filled my bowl with a selection of the sweetest fruit he sold—mangoes, pineapples, and killi berries. I handed him a few coppers and thanked him before leading Jucai to a bench. He was already spearing a piece of fruit with a skewer.
We sat under the shade of an arch and ate our fruit. Every sigh and moan from Jucai made me smile, and I sighed as well, content with the day. He wasn't the first man I had strolled through Sahir Square with, but I couldn't picture the faces of those men. Jucai was a fallen star that outshone everyone born on land. Men and women alike gazed longingly at him as they passed. He even fascinated the children.
A little Dragon girl ran up to Jucai, eyes wide. “Are you Karadas?”
“Sehala, don't bother them.” Her mother hurried up and inclined her head to me. “Greetings, Lord Nadar.”
“Lady Yevena, how lovely to see you.” I stood up and bowed. “And you as well, Lady Sehala.”
“Hello,” Sehala said and went back to staring at Jucai.
“This is King Jucai of the Ilshi Sea,” I introduced them. “Your Majesty, this is Lady Yevena and her daughter, Lady Sehala.”
Sehala bowed low. “You're a king?”
Jucai leaned forward to take Sehala's hand. “I am a Sea Dragon, the King of Ilshi, an underwater kingdom. But I thank you for comparing me to our God. That is quite a compliment.”
“You're welcome,” she said politely. Then followed it with, “You live underwater? How do you breathe?”
“I can breathe water, but we cover our cities in warded domes that hold out the sea and siphon in air.”
“Can I visit your city?”
“Perhaps when you're older and you've learned how to use your Water Magic.”
“Mama, I need to practice my Water Magic!”
Lady Yevena chuckled and stroked her daughter's hair. “Yes, as I've been telling you.” She bowed to Jucai. “Welcome to Zaru, Your Majesty. It's a great honor to meet one of the Sea Kings. My daughter will certainly never forget you.”
“It's my honor to meet two lovely ladies.” Jucai inclined his head.
“We received an invitation to dine at the palace tonight,” Yevena said. “I assume the dinner is in your honor.”
“That would be kind of King Saric, but he hasn't mentioned it to me.”
“Oh, my! I've ruined a surprise.”
“Don't worry. I can keep a secret.” Jucai winked at her.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” She looked down at her daughter. “Say goodbye to King Jucai.”
“Goodbye, King Jucai,” Sehala said.
