“I’m being chased,” I said in a soft, panting voice. “By some very dangerous men. They can’t find me, Kali! You need to hide me!”
She pulled herself free, her eyes wide and voice lowered to match mine. “Hide you? Will they look for you in here?”
“They’re on the other side of the building. I came in through our hole, and I thought I’d made it in unseen, but a fisherman told them he saw a girl come in here.”
“A girl?” A gleam I didn’t like entered Kali’s eye. “That’s easy, then.”
She ran lightly around the machinery, making for the main door while I trailed behind.
“Kali! Kali, what are you doing?” I hissed, but I didn’t dare raise my voice as we got closer to the main door.
When I spotted someone pressed against the window from the outside, trying to look through the thick layer of dirt, I whisked myself behind a piece of machinery. Peering around the edge, I made one last attempt to call to my friend as she reached the main door.
“Kali! Don’t!”
But she was already opening it.
I could perfectly picture her look of surprise and disdain as she gazed at the mass of men on the other side of the door.
“Excuse me?” One eyebrow would be arching, giving her words added hauteur. “Do you need assistance? My father and I have only just arrived and won’t be open to customers for an hour yet.” The way she saidcustomersmade it clear she didn’t think them likely to fit into that illustrious category.
One of the thieves muttered something I couldn’t hear, although Kali’s reply reached me clearly.
“Certainly there is a girl here in the mill. As you can see with your own eyes. I’m here many days with my father, but perhaps you would like me to call him so you can confirm I’m not some trespasser?”
I pressed a hand to my mouth, unsure if the laugh bubbling up was one of amusement or horror. Kali sounded so much like Adara on her dignity. She had always been an excellent actress, able to mimic the mannerisms of every class in the city.
This time it was Esai who replied, his words measured and loud enough for me to hear.
“Of course we do not wish to disturb the worthy miller. It is our mistake. Good morning to you.”
Kali didn’t move for several seconds, presumably watching them leave before I heard the sound of the heavy door closing. I waited several seconds more before emerging.
“Kali! I told you they were dangerous men! You’re outrageous!”
She laughed. “I think you meant to say brilliant. They’re gone, aren’t they? My father and I are both too well known in this area for them to make trouble.”
I shook my head although I couldn’t deny the truth of her words. Even more than she knew, this group of men didn’t want to draw undue attention to themselves—especially from the guards.
“Thank you,” I said instead.
“You’re welcome.” She grinned at me. “My only price is hearing the whole story. How exactly did you come to be pursued through the city by cutthroat villains?”
I walked slowly toward her, buying myself time to think. But in the process, my cloak swished open, revealing the golden material beneath.
Kali was instantly diverted, gasping loudly. Springing forward, she pulled my cloak completely open, gasping again.
“Zaria! It’s gorgeous! Where did you get that gown?” She looked up. “Wait! Did you wear that to the ball at the palace? Were you there all night? Surely those men didn’t chase you all the way from the palace?”
Her eyes grew brighter and brighter. “And what about the prince? Did you dance with Prince Tarek? Or the twins?” Her eyes grew even wider. “Or all three?”
“Kali.” I groaned. “Only you could find me a fugitive in my own city and be distracted by dancing.”
“Did you hear me saythree princes, Zaria?” She shook her head sadly. “Priorities, my girl. You have never looked so fabulous, and such a moment cannot go unremarked. Obviously I also want to hear about the being chased part.” She sighed. “Why can’t I be the one to have adventures and meet princes? You don’t even appreciate it!”
“I humbly apologize for not being sufficiently excited about being threatened with a violent death.”
“Ooh, a violent death? Was it as exciting as that?”