Yadavendra paused. For a moment, she was worried he would deem the idea of needing to change unnecessary. After all, he seemed to live in his armour. ‘As you wish, but your guard can stay where he is. I know this castle far better than he ever will. Which reminds me, with the rebirth so close, we must take extra care to protect Satyendra. As such, my hunters will provide an escort for him.’ He turned to Pik and waggled his finger in what was presumably supposed to be a friendly manner, but came across to Chandni as terrifying. ‘So don’t tarry, Honoured Vessel, they will be as keen to eat as I am.’

And with that, Yadavendra left the chamber, allowing Chandni to worry about new things, like how to switch Pik for Satyendra without the hunters noticing.

CHAPTER SEVEN

As Arkav slept and the carriages rumbled along the Godroad, Pari considered the best way to achieve her secret meeting.

The problem with secrets, thought Pari, is that they have a way of getting out.

Overhead, the suns spun brightly while the forest rushed by on either side, a vibrant blur of green, brown and yellow. Their carriages were making good time, the earlier encounter at the tower almost forgotten now it was behind them. Almost. It seemed that once the Sapphire border had been breached, it was easy to travel their lands unmolested. While they had got a few odd looks from the road-born, most treated them with courtesy, their lives and manners untouched by the strangeness going on above.

In fact, the fleeting glances she had seen of Sapphire settlements suggested a prosperous people. Though the Wild remained a constant threat, the worst of its ire was directed elsewhere, at Ruby and Spinel. No doubt the Sapphire High Lord would put it down to his inspiring leadership. Pari, meanwhile, suspected something more sinister.

Soon, she would need to make a detour, which was problematic as she didn’t want anyone else to know her movements. Arkav wouldn’t betray her and their servants would be discreet, that went without saying, but if the Sapphire turned against them, no amount of discretion was proof against torture.

Better that they do not know.

‘What is it?’ asked Arkav, his eyes still closed, his head resting against the cushioned wall of the carriage.

‘I thought you were asleep.’

‘I was. Your worrying woke me up.’

She wondered what he was referring to. Do I grind my teeth? Mutter to myself? Or does he just feel it, the way I do? The way he used to. ‘I need to get out.’

Without moving his head, he gestured to the door. ‘Don’t let me stop you.’

‘I wouldn’t, believe me.’ He chuckled sleepily and she realized how much she’d missed the sound. ‘I need to get out without being seen.’

‘And you want me to make a distraction?’