The Courier's Code (The Bolaji Kingdoms Series Book 1)

by T. S. Valmond

  “What do you want?” The woman asked, squinting at her.

  “It’s me, aunt,” Rasha said, raising her hands but not getting off her beast.

  “I know who it is. What, you think I’m blind or something? I could see you coming when you climbed the ridge. I asked, what do you want?”

  “My friends and I need shelter for the night. May we enter?” Rasha asked, keeping her voice level even though she felt her insides getting cold and threatening to chatter her teeth.

  “So you think I’m just going to risk my life sheltering you?” She looked them over for an agonizing minute. “Put the beasts in the barn and come in before you freeze to death.” She turned and went inside, leaving the door cracked for them to enter.

  Rasha slid down from her tuskin and handed the reins to Jak. He gave her a questioning look, which she ignored. Then she reached for Chiza.

  “Let’s get you inside, princess.”

  Chiza didn’t seem surprised they’d separated her from the others. Rasha would have to speak to her aunt and the only person who could be there was Chiza. She also needed to warm up. This weather was no doubt a shocking change from the warm winds of the south.

  “They will learn the truth,” Chiza whispered as they walked to the door. Rasha nodded, but she hoped it wouldn’t be tonight.

  * * *

  Rasha felt the heat of the fire the moment she stepped inside. The smell of spices and food with herbs mingled in the air all around them. Rasha’s stomach growled.

  Chiza and Rasha stood at the door. Chiza kept shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

  Rasha moved to the table and pulled out a chair.

  “Can I get your highness something to drink?”

  Rasha’s head snapped up.

  “I meant the other one.” Her aunt said without looking at Rasha. “I may be old but I know my princesses.”

  “Yes, thank you so much,” Chiza said with a smile.

  Rasha spoke up when she saw her aunt pull four cups down to the table and poured the warm liquid into each of them. She’d made bazil, a spicy drink she remembered from childhood that could warm her from toes to temples.

  “I’m grateful, for everything. We’ll be gone at sunup tomorrow.”

  “I know you will. Do the people traveling with you know who you are?”

  “Chiza does, but the others do not.”

  Her aunt made a disapproving sound in the back of her throat. She went to the pot of stew she’d been cooking and put it on the table, along with four bowls. Rasha’s mouth watered at the sight. She’d been so nervous before, she didn’t have time to be hungry. Now the growling in her stomach grew insistent.

  “You are very kind, mistress,” Chiza thanked her.

  “Happy to oblige one of the royal family. You may be queen someday, and I hope you’ll remember my kindness.”

  “Queen or no, I will remember.”

  The door opened and Lu and Jak entered. Hesitant, they waited to be addressed. When her aunt turned around and saw them she whistled.

  “Now I know why you never visit. I guess I wouldn’t either with these two handsome fellows following me around. Come on in, sit down at the table. We’re about to eat something.”

  “Whose name should I use when asking for a blessing on your behalf?” Jak asked her.

  “Aren’t you charming?” She reached out a hand and took his.

  “This is my Aunt Sochi,” Rasha introduced her, leaving off the formal last name to avoid any questions. Her aunt caught her eye as she did so and she gave her head ever so slight a shake. Not now.

  “Well, my home is your home for the night.”

  “Thank you so much, Mistress Sochi,” Lu added as he took his place next to the princess and across from Rasha. She wanted to kick him under the table. Why did he have to be so obvious in his affection for Chiza?

  Aunt Sochi gave Rasha a meaningful glance she could only respond to with a roll of her eyes and a shrug. She hoped it was enough, but her aunt was perceptive and outspoken.

  “You two are so handsome and well mannered,” she said, addressing both young men, and added, “you shouldn’t be wasting your time with girls who are already promised to someone else.”

  “Aunt Sochi!” Rasha’s tone was a warning.

  Her aunt shrugged and lifted her hands palms up in surrender. “Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “You’re promised?” Jak asked.

  “I’m not,” Rasha hissed.

  “Really, well, someone ought to tell your parents. They’re under the distinct impression you are. I’m sure that’s why you’ve avoided them,” Aunt Sochi observed as she continued to bustle around the kitchen.

  Rasha saw Jak’s back stiffen at the words, and Lu’s mouth hung open, making him look like some kind of reptile.

  “What are Rasha’s parents like?” This time she did kick him under the table. “Ow!” Lu grabbed his leg and changed the subject.

  “They’re parents,” she replied, putting an audible period at the end of the statement.

  “I suppose they could be worse. No offense, princess, but had I a father like yours I’m not sure what I would do,” Aunt Sochi asserted.

  Chiza looked up confused, “Beg your pardon?”

  “It’s no secret what he’s done. Sending you off by courier so they could be robbed of their package and the princess never delivered. All so he could keep his precious gems.”

  “Where did you hear that?” Lu asked as he reached for Chiza’s hand.

  “It’s all over the broadcasts. How could you have missed it?”

  “We came by way of the Wilds,” Lu said, looking at Jak, who shrugged.

  “The Wilds? Now that’s taking your life in your own hands. Not that it matters much. They’ll be waiting for you the minute you try to cross the border into Adalu. Her father paid a handsome sum to make sure there’s enough bandits mixed in so that no one will suspect a thing. If she’s killed or something goes amiss, he’ll still get to keep his gems.”

  The four sat in silence, none of them knowing what to say. Chiza was stunned and silent, neither eating nor drinking. Lu patted her hand and whispered something to her that made her nod, but otherwise not a word.

  That news changed the color of the landscape. She and Lu had their licenses revoked over this job. If news got out that the entire thing was a conspiracy to keep the princess from Adalu, would the prince be grateful or annoyed to meet her? Rasha looked over at Lu, but he wasn’t thinking about their jobs. Jak hadn’t looked at her since he heard she was promised. How could she tell him that that wasn’t even the worst of it? If he knew the truth, he’d be shocked. Worse, she’d never know if he liked her, or if he had some kind of hidden agenda. She couldn’t take the chance.

  The rest of the night was uncomfortable, but nothing compared to the morning. Jak still wasn’t speaking to her. She tried to engage him but with her aunt watching it was near to impossible to be herself.

  Chiza was helping her aunt with breakfast.

  “Eat up everyone, we’ve still got a journey yet to the palace.” She scooped up porridge and passed them around. Lu and Chiza ate with vigor. Jak played with his food and Rasha left her own bowl untouched.

  The banging on the door at sunrise didn’t bode well, and they looked from one to the other and to Aunt Sochi. Sochi waved a hand for them to sit down but Rasha and Jak were already on their feet, swords in hand. Lu, thinking fast, put Chiza behind him.

  The insistent banging on the door was accompanied this time by shouting. “Open, by order of the king.”

  Rasha felt her heart leap and then sink to her toes. This was the moment she’d been dreading since they discovered the princess was the package. The information she never wanted out. She sheathed her swords and Jak looked at her, the confusion clear on his face. He wanted to know why she wouldn’t fight. He’d soon hear the truth for himself.

  Aunt Sochi opened the door.

  “To what to I owe the p
leasure of such an unwarranted and early visit?”

  They stormed in past her, pushing her aside. They didn’t see the fire that flared in her eyes, but Rasha saw it. She recognized it. They’d dismissed her again. She was the king’s sister, and they walked all over her.

  “Princess Rasha Jenchat Indari, by order of the king, you and your companions are under arrest.” She didn’t fight when they bound her hands and took Cutter and Blade from her. Rasha didn’t see the expressions Jak, Lu and Chiza wore, but she could imagine the betrayal, shock, and confusion she’d find there.

  26

  Rasha sat alone in her cell. They’d hauled off Chiza in one direction and the boys in the other. She’d known she’d be arrested, but she hadn’t thought them capable of putting her in the dungeons. It was cold, damp, and dark. Only two small, spire-shaped lanterns hung on either side of her door lighting the small space. Lu and Jak might be together. The prison covered the entirety of the lower level. She could be a corridor or two away and not even know. Chiza, a princess, would not be held here. Her parents wouldn’t be so cruel and no doubt recognized her.

  Rasha heard the sound of heavy boots on stone headed in her direction. They brought light with them and it preceded them down the corridor. Her suspicions were correct. Chiza stood on the other side of her cell along with two guards holding the light above them.

  “Please open the cell,” she asked.

  “I cannot, the king’s orders,” the guard said, standing straighter.

  “You expect me to stand here to talk to the prisoner? I don’t think so. Open the cell and you can close the door behind me,” Chiza insisted. They conceded, and she was allowed into the cell with Rasha.

  “You must be desperate for company if you want to sit down here with me,” Rasha said.

  “Your parents have been very kind to me. They gave me a very nice room where I can rest. It’s pink with a lot of lace. I think it was yours once.”

  Rasha didn’t reply. She didn’t want to talk about her old room. She’d hated the pink, but her mother had insisted on it.

  “The castle is beautiful. The grounds were well kept and there are lots of beasts to ride. They offered to let me go riding. I declined. After all the riding we’ve done, I could use the break.”

  Rasha stood but still didn’t speak. The guards stood outside, one on each side of the door, no doubt listening. They were always listening.

  “Won’t you speak to me?”

  “Did you come here to discuss the castle highlights?”

  “No, I’m just not sure what to say.”

  “Did my parents send you?”

  “No, of course not.” Chiza stood up to face her. “I wouldn’t have come if they had. I would never come between you.”

  “There’s nothing between us.”

  “You’re wrong.” Chiza reached out a hand and held Rasha’s arm. “They love you, in their way. Keeping your room as it was, is just an example.”

  “No, you’re wrong. If they loved me, they would have changed that room long ago. I never liked it. No, they’re holding on to what they wish their daughter to be, not what she’s chosen to become.”

  Chiza sighed. Rasha didn’t like arguing with her. Their views were just too far apart.

  “You might be right, but ignoring them won’t get you understood, or even seen by them, either.”

  “Have you spoken with the prince?” Rasha asked. She’d rather talk about anything but herself right now.

  Chiza sat back down on the slab of stone where Rasha was to sleep. She was careful not to lean back. “I have, he’s in good health, and he’s expecting my arrival. He says the other girls are already there, and they are excited.”

  “You mustn’t let the other girls worry you,” Rasha offered, wanting to get out the advice she’d been planning to give. “You have every right to be there, as much as anyone. Maybe more, since your little misadventure has taught you how to react under pressure and unpredictable circumstances.”

  Chiza laughed. “That’s true enough.” She had a far-off look in her eye, as if she were thinking back over the trip. A smile spread across her face and she looked down at her folded hands.

  “What are you doing?” Rasha asked.

  Chiza blinked and then sobered. “I beg your pardon?” The formality had returned.

  Fine, that would work for her. “I recognize those feelings. You’re going to hurt him.”

  “I’d never dream of hurting my prince and future king.” Chiza smoothed out her dress over her knees.

  “He’s not the one to whom I was referring.” Rasha gave her what she hoped was a meaningful look.

  “Oh.” Chiza’s mouth formed the word, but it came out in a whisper.

  “He’s in love with you and you’ll crush him. It’s not fair to practice on him.”

  Chiza searched for the words to respond. “I never meant for—”

  Rasha stopped her with a wave of her hand. “Of course you didn’t. But look at what you’ve done and tell me you can just walk away from him as if he meant nothing.”

  Rasha paced the cell like a caged animal and kicked at the bars. It was a long moment before Chiza spoke again, her voice a whisper. “How do you know he’s in love with me?”

  Rasha turned and faced her. Chiza’s eyes remained cast down and her shoulders slumped forward.

  “Because when he thought you were dead, and he was dying, he told me so.”

  “Why didn’t he say anything?”

  Rasha’s anger flared again.

  “Are you that ignorant? You’ve studied the other princesses in The Choosing but haven’t studied royal history? What is he supposed to do, declare his love for you only to be killed? All of this while you secure the affection of the prince? Fickle girl.”

  Chiza didn’t speak this time. She wept, her silent tears falling to the floor.

  Rasha put an arm around her. It hadn’t been her intention to hurt her feelings. Chiza had become a friend to both her and Lu. She noticed that Chiza had cleaned up. She was dressed in fine clothes that had come from the closet in her old room. The dress was a warm yellow and unlike Rasha, it suited Chiza.

  “What am I going to do? I think I’m in love with him, too.”

  Rasha knew she’d be putting Lu in harm’s way to encourage anything between them.

  “There’s nothing you can do. How does that pink cage in the upper tower feel now? Perhaps you understand a little now why I left it behind.”

  “You were in love with someone else?”

  “No,” Rasha shook her head and lifted Chiza’s chin so she could see her face. “No, I wanted the choice.”

  Two royal guards entered the jail and stopped in front her cell. The two guards that arrived with Chiza straightened up.

  “Their royal highnesses the king and queen request your presence in the royal chambers,” the guard informed Rasha. He opened door of the cell and waited for her to exit.

  They wouldn’t leave her in peace for long. She’d been expecting to be summoned. She’d have to answer for her betrayal of her parents, the kingdom, and her royal position. This was a moment two years in the making. Somehow, it didn’t feel the way she thought it would.

  Chiza wiped her face and looked up at Rasha.

  “What will they do to you?”

  Rasha waved airily. “Don’t worry about me. Promise me you’ll be honest with yourself and with him.” She didn’t need to clarify to which ‘him’ she meant. “If you break his heart, you’ll lose two good friends.”

  Rasha stepped out of the cell and held out her hands, but the guards did not bind them. They turned around, and she followed them out, leaving Chiza sitting alone in the open cell.

  27

  Jak was face down on the stone floor, pushing his body up and down, keeping his back to the bars. His breath came hard and fast. He alternated between that and pulling himself up using a U-shaped bar welded to the ceiling. Lu watched him as he continued to work himself into a heavy sweat. It
was cold and dank as most cells were, but Jak wouldn’t be able to feel it. In fact, he’d already removed his cloak and outer clothing.

  “I know you’re mad, but I’m sure she has a good reason for not mentioning it. I mean, she’s not the kind to keep secrets. I mean, not these kinds of secrets.”

  Jak jumped up from the floor and looked down at Lu as if he were an insect he wanted to stomp out of existence. Lu cleared his throat.

  “I mean, she’s never done it before, and she was protecting us. Considering we’re in a prison cell, I can see why we haven’t visited her folks before. I guess they don’t approve of her profession.”

  Jak lay on his back now, and putting his hands behind his neck, he used his abdomen to lift his torso from the floor. He hadn’t spoken a word since they’d arrived, and Lu couldn’t stop talking.

  It wasn’t like he didn’t try. He’d even used the bar on the ceiling a few times before the muscles in his arms trembled from exhaustion. He climbed trees, he didn’t lift dead weight from the floor.

  “Her Aunt Sochi seemed like a decent woman. I see where Rash gets her edge. The woman seems quick, and her eagle eyes miss nothing. I mean, you heard the way she was talking to us. That’s because she knew about Rash and Chiza being princesses.”

  Jak used the bottom of his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. There was water in a basin with a cup for drinking. The water was fresh and Jak took several cups before he threw the cup back in the water.

  “They all knew. Chiza, Sochi, and Rasha. They all knew the truth, and they kept us in the dark,” Jak said.

  “Chiza wouldn’t—”

  “When are you going to figure out you’re only hurting yourself?” Jak asked angrily.

  “What?”

  “They’re princesses, and this is the year of The Choosing. They are both promised to prince Bashir until he decides otherwise. We have no claims to them.” Jak walked to the bars and gripped them until his knuckles turned white.

  Lu sat down on the nearest ledge and tucked his legs up underneath him. He’d been struggling with that exact problem. Lu knew he’d lost his heart to Chiza. But he hadn’t planned on sharing his feelings with anyone. Now, Jak needed to deal with it as he had. Maybe hearing about what he went through would help Jak.