Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) by Jessie Eaker (best novels in english TXT) 📕

The man’s face drew up in horror. “But Advisor, they have curses.”

“I’m aware of that. I will take responsibility for them.”

“Advisor....”

The voice from the orb took a darker tone. “Administrator, do I need to have the emperor speak with you directly. He will not be pleased with you impeding his guests.”

The man’s face went white. “No Advisor. I will admit them immediately.”

“Good.” And the jewel went dark.

The administrator tucked the butterfly away in a pocket. He then led us from the room back down to the gate, where he personally escorted us through.

On the other side, we waited only a few minutes before a long-range portal opened. It was vertical and man-high. A knight, outfitted in the traditional heavy armor of the region, emerged from it and motioned us forward.

I turned and gave the administrator a bow. “We thank you for allowing us through.”

He waved it off and eyed the knight nervously. “Enjoy your visit to the palace,” he said flatly. “Yonge makes sure you never want to leave.” And with that, he turned away.

What was that about? I shook my head. Perhaps it was an expression that didn’t translate well into Ellish.

Impatiently, the knight motioned us forward.

My companions looked at me, yet I hesitated. This was it—our final portal. Soon, we would get the charm off Zofie, and we could return home. I swore after this, I was never going to travel again.

Unbidden, young Haahleefah’s prophesy came to my mind. “One of your party is going to die.”

I clenched my fists. But what choice did I have? Forward was the only path.

I glanced one more time at my companions and couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride. We made a good team. And I loved each one of them in my own way. I could not afford to lose any of them. I would just have to do my best to make sure it didn’t happen.

With renewed determination, I took Zofie’s hand and led my party into the gate.

The trip through the portal was uneventful, and it snapped shut behind us the moment we were clear. We found ourselves in a beautiful garden. Lush green shrubs and carefully manicured foliage lined the wide stone path before us. I was surprised to see the occasional flower despite the chill air and the winter season.

Two rows of brightly dressed servants, about a dozen total men and women, stood on either side of the path before us. Their smiles were as bright as their clothes. At some signal, the servants bowed in unison and said something together in their native language. I started to bow back, but Fumiko caught my arm and leaned close.

“Dignitaries don’t bow to servants,” she whispered.

I nodded in understanding, glancing her way. I couldn’t help but notice how tense she looked. Her expression was so hard, I thought it might crack.

One of the older servants came forward. She spoke in heavily accented Ellish. “My name is Yanmei. And I welcome you to Jianhu Palace.” She bowed deeply. “Please follow me. We have prepared special rooms for you while you are visiting with us.”

“What about Imperial Advisor Yonge?” I asked, eager to get my Zofie back.

Yanmei smiled warmly. “He is busy at the moment but will be calling for you shortly.”

Accompanied by the entire troop of servants, Yanmei led us to a magnificent set of chambers just off from the garden. There was a common room with heavily stuffed couches and chairs. Leading off from it were five individual bedrooms and an equally large bath. However, my eyes were instantly drawn to a table under a large window overlooking the garden and heavily laden with all sorts of unfamiliar dishes and beverages.

Unfortunately, before I could reach it, the servants redirected us toward the bath. Fumiko pulled me aside and explained it was customary to bathe before visiting with an important official.

I reluctantly went along with them. I was surprised to see the baths divided with movable screens. The females in our group were led to one side, while Spraggel and I were led to the other.

I then had a brief moment with a servant when he tried to remove my clothes. Language did prove to be a barrier, but I managed to get him to leave me to my own bathing.

We all emerged awhile later in fine robes and slippers. Zofie, Fumiko, and Cabrina’s hair had been done up with combs, and their faces dabbed with some kind of red coloring on their lips and black highlighting their eyes.

I sighed when I saw Zofie. She looked so beautiful. But while Zofie was beautiful, Fumiko looked every bit the eastern princess. The clothes, combs, and face coloring seemed so natural on her. It made her look... breath-taking. Any man would fall for her.

I quickly turned away, chiding myself for even thinking of her that way. I had Zofie. I took my princess’s hand and kissed it, glad I wouldn’t have much longer until she was back to her normal smiling self. I had already prepared a quote for her to complete.

Feeling the surprising weight of a stare, I looked up and directly into Fumiko’s eyes. She blinked at being caught and immediately turned away, saying something to Spraggel.

With Fumiko, it was hard to tell since she guarded her emotions so carefully. But I believe there had been an unexpected emotion in her gaze. Longing perhaps? I wasn’t sure, but I prayed to the Creator that I was wrong.

So, we waited. All the servants except Yanmei retreated, and we were left to our own devices. We nibbled on food left for us, talked about what we had been through, and what we intended to do when we got back. Normal stuff.