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

We even quizzed Yanmei on the empire about this and that, and the rumors we had heard. But the sun, easily visible from the garden window, traced toward the horizon with every moment that passed. And I grew increasingly impatient.

I asked Yanmei frequently when we would see the advisor and was told each time that he was busy and would call for us. I couldn’t help feeling we were being purposely delayed. Subtly told, we were here at his pleasure, and he was not beholding to us for anything.

I tried to keep myself calm and not show my agitation. But I must not have been doing so well. At one point, Spraggel put a hand on my arm and asked if I would please stop my pacing.

Fumiko was as closed and guarded as a merchant’s purse. She sat quietly to one side with a clear view of the room. I tried to engage her in conversation about the advisor, but she simply touched her ear and shook her head—indicating we were being listened to. Disappointed, I went back to look out the window.

And still, we waited. The sun sank below the horizon, and our host lighted several myst lanterns. What remained of the food was swapped out for a few platters of hot regional fare and steamed rice. It was tasty, but I was too agitated to eat.

And we waited some more! I was getting irritated. Spraggel went to sleep in his chair, and to keep me from pacing, Cabrina managed to persuade me to play some kind of strategy game. She beat me quite soundly.

It was late in the evening when a servant came and whispered in Yanmei’s ear. She nodded and then turned to us. “Imperial Advisor Yonge has retired for the evening,” she said. “There will be no further audiences, so I suggest you likewise retire.”

I hung my head. I so badly wanted to have my Zofie back that I could barely resist the urge to kick and scream in frustration. Instead, I took my beloved’s hand and pulled her up so we could make our preparations for bed.

After putting Zofie down for the night, I went back to the common room to check on the rest of my party. The lights had already been dimmed, and Yanmei had left, but I sincerely doubted we were unobserved. Both Spraggel and Cabrina were fast asleep in their beds. But when I checked on Fumiko, I found her bed undisturbed. I scratched my head, thinking she might be in the bath.

I jumped at the hand on my shoulder.

“Sorry I startled you,” Fumiko whispered as she stepped in front of me. Her hand trailed down my arm and around to my chest. She paused to pull out the combs from her hair, and giving her head a shake, allowed her tresses to fall to her shoulders. She smiled at me seductively.

I stared at her wide-eyed and started to tell her I needed to get back to Zofie when she silenced me with a single finger to my lips. She leaned against me and slid her arms around my neck, pulling me close. She then stood on tiptoe to reach my ear.

“Follow along,” she breathed. She took my hand and led me over to her bed, drawing back the blanket and pulling me underneath along with her. We lay down facing each other.

Shifting close, she threw her leg over mine and draped her arm around me. She settled with her face mere inches from mine. I couldn’t help but notice how nice she smelled.

I fidgeted, not exactly sure what to do with my hands. For that matter, not exactly sure what to do with me. Fumiko’s proximity made me extremely uncomfortable. I was a man after all, and she was an extremely beautiful woman.

And I was in bed with her.

She leaned close. I could feel her breath. “We can talk now,” she whispered. “I’ve covered us with a tiny myst working, just enough to hide our voices. That’s why we have to be so close.”

“Wouldn’t they notice?”

She nodded. “I’m sure they already have. They will assume I am secretly sleeping with you, and I am merely using the charm to hide the sounds of our passion from the others.”

“I would never...” I stammered.

She gave me a sad smile and pushed my hair out of my eyes. “I know.”

“Is this why you couldn’t answer my questions on Yonge earlier today? Because they’re listening?” My voice squeaked.

Fumiko nodded and settled in closer next to me. “They watch too. There are spy charms all around the rooms. Even in the bath. You wouldn’t notice them unless you had...” She trailed off.

“Received special training?” I offered. “Fumiko, you don’t need to be ashamed of what you were.” I patted her arm. “I’ve accepted that part of your past. And I’m sure Zofie will too.”

She relaxed even more against me. “Thank you.”

“So, what haven’t you told me about Yonge? Other than not to trust him.”

I felt her stir uncomfortably beside me. “I think it best for you to see for yourself.”

“You mean the memory thing again? Can’t you just tell me?”

“Sharing the memory would be best.” She paused and gazed at me a moment. “There is also one last thing you need to know about me. It’s connected. Then everything will make sense.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know, Fumiko. That last one...” I trailed off, knowing I was a coward. Her memories were just too raw.

“It will take too long to explain.” Her hand came up to gently stroke my cheek. “Please. If not for Zofie, would you do it for me? Sharing my past with you has been painful, but it’s also been a relief. To finally unburden my soul a little.”

I sighed. “All right.”

Her hand slipped behind my neck. “Thank you.”