And The Fog Clears (1)

Emeravwe slunk through the shadows that besieged the Compound of the Royal Secretariat, making her way furtively through the grounds by scampering from one tree’s shadow to another. Her stomach was a wreck of nervous knots, and her pounding heart drummed in her ears. She stopped and leaned against one of the trees, pressing her back and palms against the cool, rough bark to try and calm her trembling pulse.

The night was cloudy, so both the moon and visibility were obscured, and she had entered the compound through the gate closest to the Department of Records of Xxene’s House of Nobles and facing the Eunuch’s Compound. That corridor was practically deserted at this time of night. She had taken precautions not to be caught, but she could not shake the fear that made her pulse skitter at every small rustle in the leaves or shift in the shadows.

My head will roll if I am found skulking where information on the nation and Royal House is kept! Her stomach tightened, and she sucked in a shaky breath, releasing it as she closed her eyes to pray. I cannot turn back now. Ogheneme, please help me!

She continued her furtive migration through the trees until she came to the long stone building that was the Department of Records of Xxene’s House of Nobles and slid into its shadow. The rooms holding the records of the House of Nobles were on the side facing the eastern wall and boundary of the compound, which was a relief, because it meant they were less open to view. But she had no way of stealing inside to see the records.

Emeravwe gritted her teeth. Clinging to the cold stone wall, she walked slowly around the building. She would find a way!

As she turned a corner, a lantern bobbed in the distance and her heart rattled in her chest. She quickly flung herself back around against the wall and clapped a hand to her mouth to block the cry of surprise. Shaken, she sunk to her knees, breathing rapid, shallow breaths. When she had calmed, she peeked around the corner and saw the light was gone. Rising to her feet, she kept her eyes peeled, hairs standing on end.

Slowly, she began making her way along the wall again, but a large hand suddenly clamped on her mouth. A muscular arm seized her around the waist. Emeravwe froze, every fiber in her body shrinking in terror. I am caught! I am caught! A rush of adrenaline flooded her at the thought and spurred her to struggle against her captor’s hold. She twisted frantically in his grasp, kicking and scratching at his arms.

“Ow! Hey!” her captor whispered sharply. “Calm down, Emeravwe! It’s me, Mudiaga!”

When she stopped struggling, he loosened his hold on her, and she immediately spun around to shove him angrily. “Fool!” she whispered fiercely, “You scared me half to death! What are you doing here?”

Mudiaga stumbled back a step, then took one closer. “Look at this cheeky thief! You stole the words right from my mouth. Do you know where you’re trespassing? This is the Royal Secretariat, where records of the royal family are kept!”

She set her face determinedly. “And those of the House of Nobles, as well.”

“Wha—wait a minute,” he cut himself off, taking a few steps away. She heard rustling of grass and a soft clink before a yellow orb shined in the night. Mudiaga walked to her with the lantern, holding it up to her face to study her. He squinted, his brow furrowed in disbelief. “You’re serious?”

Emeravwe stared steadily back at him.

He lowered the lantern, his voice amazed, “I didn’t believe you could be this reckless, but Eunuch Aslan was right. I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought.”

Emeravwe blinked in surprise. “Aslan?”

Mudiaga nodded. “I was assigned to guard the Compound of the Royal Secretariat a few days ago, even though I don’t usually patrol this section of the Outer Palace. I knew something was up, then I got a note from the Eunuch. He said he requested the assignment because he thought you might try to break into the Department of Records of Xxene’s House of Nobles, and he wanted me to keep an eye out for you. It seemed like an excuse to show off his influence, but I see his domineering move was justified.”

“Aslan asked you to stop me?” Guilt seeped into Emeravwe’s mind. She blamed him for not helping her into the department, but he only worried for her and had even gone to such lengths to protect her. Even so, she could not give up this opportunity; she did not know if she would ever get another.

She took a guarded step back, her brow coming down decisively. “So, are you here to stop me?”

Mudiaga watched her, an amused smile curling his lips as he took in her resolute gaze and firm stance. “And if I am? Is a small Agaenaye looking to take on an officer of the Palace Guard?”

Emeravwe stood her ground, glaring.

“Oh?” Mudiaga squared himself, slightly bending his knees as if ready to pounce, eyes glinting and smile turning devilish. He eyed her teasingly a moment, then straightened with a sigh and ran a hand over his coiled hair. “On second thought, let’s not play this game of temptation.”

“What game?”

“I won’t stop you.”

Emeravwe looked askance at him. “What of Aslan’s request?”

He shrugged. “His plea did seem desperate. But how desperate can an imperious eunuch be compared to a Maiden who’s risking her life?” He leaned forward, flashing that dimpled grin. “Let’s get on with this dastardly deed in the dark.”

The smile filled Emeravwe with such relief that she suddenly felt lighter, as if a heavy weight lifted off her chest. “You will help me?” Her spirits sank again. “No, it is too dangerous. I cannot involve you, too.”

Mudiaga looked pointedly at her. “Then you’re giving up?”

“No!”

Emeravwe wavered. She would be grateful for his help and company, because being alone in this forbidden compound truly frightened her. But if anything went wrong, Mudiaga would be incriminated, as well. She had nothing but her life to lose, while he had a family who loved and relied on him. Her conscience could not bear it if something happened to him because of her. Yet, he was only giving her one option, and she could not give up her resolve.

She gave him a staunch look and nodded.

Mudiaga grinned, “I thought so,” and took the lead as they crept along the wall.