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"Amazing. I would never have dreamed such a thing possible. It reminds me of Skíðblaðnir," Fen said, and seeing Khan's confused expression, she added, "Frey is the brother of my goddess Freya. He received a magical boat made by two master blacksmiths that could be folded down and put in a pocket."
"I'll have to tell the Thothi they need to work harder," Khan replied with a soft laugh. "If you are interested, I can take you to see their great workshops."
"I'd really like that. Now that I'm not so angry and terrified, I find a lot about this world fascinating. Will you teach me about it?"
"Of course I will. I have you for a year, and I'm sure there will be plenty I can show you in return for your stories and knowledge. I hate a lot about this city, but there's also a lot that I love. Unfortunately, this place is not one of them," Khan said, just as the carriage stopped in front of a three-story mansion. He took a deep breath, trying to gather the energy to step outside.
Fen took his hand and squeezed. "The sooner we go in, the sooner we can leave."
"Or we could get the carriage to keep driving, and you can tell me more about magical boats?" Khan replied hopefully.
Fen tugged on his hand. "I can tell you stories inside if you get bored. I'm not going to look this slutty for no reason."
"I can still admire you—" Khan began, but Kashmet was already pulling the door open.
"Get your asses out of there," he growled. "Come on, Khan. Don't be a big baby."
"Do you see how disrespectful they are? I'm the prince."
"Then act like it and go do your duty." Kashmet took Fen's other hand and helped her out. She didn't let Khan go, pulling him out behind her.
"There we go, not so bad, is it?" Kemes crooned. She fussed with Fen's dress so it was sitting correctly. "Remember what I said."
Fen nodded. "Don't worry, I'll keep him out of trouble."
"I don't need a babysitter," Khan grumbled.
"You do until you stop acting like a baby," Kemes snapped.
Khan made a gesture with his hand that Fen didn't recognize but knew it was offensive by Kemes's eyes narrowing.
Fen stifled her laughter and wrapped Khan's arm around hers. "Come on, my prince. Let's put on a show."
"I hate this so much," he replied, and they walked along a soft carpet to the entranceway of the mansion.
Seventeen
Fen could hear music being played, people talking and laughing. As soon as they stepped inside, she felt everyone's gaze on them.
"They are staring," she murmured.
Khan leaned down and whispered, "You are about to become the most gossiped about person in all of Ankhara. Just pretend I'm the best and most handsome man you've ever met, and they won't harass you too much."
It wasn't going to be an arduous task. Fen didn't know him well enough to claim he was the best man, but he certainly was the most handsome.
"I'll try my hardest," she replied, her red lips twitching into a smile.
Khan pulled her closer, and they moved further into the house. They stopped a few times when a painting or a carving caught Fen's attention. Khan explained the animal-headed gods in the motifs, delighting her with new knowledge and easy conversation. She let the names wash over her, her tongue stumbling over them—Amun and Amunet, Thoth, Khonshu, Bast, Hathor.
Fen had used some of the perfumed oils in her room to paint protection runes on her body and to alert her if anyone in particular meant her or Khan ill intent. She felt a few slight tinges from guests—a little envy, a touch of confusion, and a smattering of hostility. Nothing had burned until Hasina appeared. From her, it was jealousy, though Fen couldn't figure out why. Hasina clearly had everything a person could want and more.
"Brother! You came," she greeted Khan with fake warmth that had Fen's teeth grinding together. Her runes pulsed irritably, an itch she couldn't scratch. Khan's grip on her tightened.
Could he feel her magic in the air?
"Of course I came," Khan replied, barely moving as Hasina kissed his cheek.
"I thought you would be too busy making up for all your years of celibacy." Hasina looked Fen over with an amused expression. "Lucky she cleans up well. Although I am surprised you brought her."
