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A reminder of what I’d have to do. Flirt unveiled in public. A rule that had no basis in religion or even law. It was tradition. One I’d never thought to disobey. Mostly because, as a tizana, our privacy meant we had a chance at a life later that wouldn’t have people muttering whore at the sight of us.
“How long will this last?” I asked as I flipped my hand back and forth, the skin pale enough I could see the tracings of my veins.
“Depends. I wouldn’t give it more than four or five days, less if you bathe. It will probably return in patches but once it starts, it will quicken. I’d recommend exiting the moment that happens.”
I could handle a few days. An opinion revised once I’d been strapped into a gown that had a high neck, tight bodice, fitted sleeves, and a split skirt so that I could ride astride. I kind of liked that part of the outfit, but the rest of it constricted and showed me off without pause. When I wore the scarves, I controlled what people saw. This had no mystery. I might as well wear pantaloons and a belly midriff like the more daring married ladies did. The ones with rich husbands who could afford to crack heads if anyone stared—or touched.
Qynn hugged me first. “Trust Jrijori. I’ll see you in a few days.”
Kya patted me on the back. She’d already made sure I wore my knives.
Last, Palla. She grumbled, “I shouldn’t be leaving you.”
I didn’t like it either, but we didn’t have much choice. I was the one who knew how to make a king talk.
If I got close enough.
My friends left, and the desert quieted. I wandered away from the tent to sit atop a flat rock, the surface of it worn smooth, but on the edges, faint lines remained as if it once used to be carved. Our kingdom was an ancient one, and at times, it was easy to believe the stories that claimed the sands hid ruins.
I heard the Weztrogians before I saw them, bellowing out an earsplitting song. There could be no doubt of their identity, frost giants indeed. The three arrived, each riding a corshmel. A lanky creature with a bulbous body, they were the animal best suited for carrying people and small amounts of baggage at great speed across the desert.
The first problem? I didn’t see an extra mount. The second, they didn’t appear to be stopping. I leaped from the rock and yelled, “Which one of you is Jord?”
The biggest one pulled on his reins before ambling around to face me. “I’m Jord.”
I waved the letter. “This is from Jrijori.”
“What’s it say?”
“Read it and find out.”
The giant—even from where I stood it was obvious the man was immense—had pulled off his shirt and could have rivalled a bear he had so much hair: on his face, head, upper body. He waved. “Give me the important stuff.”
“I’m Lord Jrijori’s niece, Sharia. You’ve been travelling with me this entire time. We lost my impatient uncle at the chasm. He overpaid to cross the bridge while we used the path down, across, and up.” An arduous journey I’d been told but less terrifying than the rope bridge.
“That’s exactly what happened,” a different giant exclaimed. Then he frowned at me. “But I don’t remember you.”
“You’d better start remembering quick, because we’re only a few hours away from the city,” was my dry reply. “You must be Yaanik.” The other male in the group.
“You don’t look like his niece.” The one female in the group cocked her head. Daisy, as per my briefing by Jrijori before my departure. Apparently, he had no issue getting in and out of the palace to enjoy what the city had to offer. Like the best gradeena in the desert.
“Because I’m not. We’re pretending.” I rubbed a hand against my forehead before I could wrinkle.
“Oh, you want us to act. I can do that. Can I be your brother?” The giant Yaanik with shockingly yellow hair and a bright smile had me gaping.
“No, you can’t be my brother,” I sputtered. “Because that would make you Jrijori’s nephew.”
“He’d be an interesting uncle.” This came from Jord.
“And not a pervy one. What me mum did when she found out Uncle Harvv had been patting girls’ bums… He chose to spend the rest of his days in quiet contemplation while watching over the sheep.” Daisy tsked.
I was hallucinating. This couldn’t be happening. How would I ever get close to the King saddled with idiots?
“All of you need to stop talking.” I snapped my fingers. “Here’s how it’s going to work. I’ll ride with Daisy.” She was the least hairy, given hers was only on her head. “You will refer to me as Lady Sharia.”
“Um, if you’re Jrijori’s niece, and we’ve been travelling, chances are we’d have a name for you,” Jord pointed out.
“It’s Sharia.”
