Green Mint Cake with a Surprise
Sabin stood on the covered deck, keeping his distance while his bride picked her way through the gardens on the hidden back part of his family’s hold. A frown pulled at her swollen, red eyes. There was nothing for her to be sad about; not after the lies his men fed her.
Perin walked from the wooden pathway wearing a servant’s dress, carrying a tray. She headed to his silent bride. “Miss, come and have a snack and tea.”
The pale blue gaze barely gave the woman and her offering a passing glance before his woman turned her back to Perin.
Sabin narrowed his eyes. That was rude. He’d provided her with the best silken dresses, accessories, and even went as far to have delicacies made for her, and there she snubbed them. But Kahli, she wouldn’t have. No, she ate her nearly tasteless meal along with the rest of them without complaint. Though both women were clearly spoiled, the one in the gardens before him was too defiant.
Kahli did well with her lessons. She took notes and did all he told her: repeated common courtesies, though her tone was arrogant at first. But with each pass, the hard edge lessened until it was respectful. If she kept it up, she could fool anyone she was a respectable woman. Yet it’d take time. She had to do more than just memorize what to say and how to say it. She needed to learn how to apply it in the right situations.
He stiffened. What was he thinking? He shouldn’t spend his precious time teaching her such basics. No, Sabin should assign Ock to do it. Yes. Maybe he would.
He turned and headed to the main part of the monastery. It was time to check on her. Make sure she wasn’t causing any trouble. Not that he had to.
Sabin paused. No, he didn’t need to check on her. She was fine. However, she wasn’t forthcoming.
He continued and picked up his pace. A woman with a big financial backing, one with a high education. Letting such a person just wander around his hold wasn’t smart.
No. He should keep a close eye on her. Find out what he could learn and start piecing information together. And if it turned out she was indeed a prized servant or friend of the Ka family, the lord would no doubt pay a handsome sum for her return. After all, it was only fair.
The residence at Troubled Mountain was large—could easily house hundreds; the estate, thousands. It wasn’t a simple residence, but one built into and around the massive mountain.
He mentally filed his thoughts to revisit later.
The passageways were devoid of life. Even the hallways in the monastery. It was unusual for that time of day. There should’ve been someone somewhere. At least making rounds.
Sabin flexed his fingers and headed to the public area. Five of his people were always on duty there. One was bound to have answers.
He crossed the prayer room and passed through the large metal doors.
A buzz of chatter greeted him. The place was full of his men in robes, his women dressed as commoners guarding the perimeter, and a handful of visitors. Sitting near the confessionals was his target, Kahli. He glanced between her and the two confessionals. She was up to something.
Sabin strode over and took a seat next to her. “What are you doing?”
“Observing. To better myself.”
Yeah right. She had an ulterior motive.
Since she was fine, he’d find Ock and discover what was going on and assign him to teach her.
The devil himself appeared and sat on Kahli’s other side. Much too close.
Ock handed her a cake meant for—heat shot through Sabin. They were for his bride, made in the kitchen in his manor.
He readied to snatch it up, but hesitated. His bride refused them. And, of course, the cook would’ve made plenty of extras to give to everyone because she was so generous.
Fine. He’d allow it.
The friendly monk was her savior. Kahli smiled at the pretty green mint cake in the shape of a flower in her hand, then at the man who’d handed it to her. “Thank you.”
His smile crinkled in the corner of his shining, dark eyes. “You’re welcome.” He pointed at it. “This one has a surprise inside.”
A surprise? She moved it under her face covering and took a small bite. Cold cream touched her lips. A lick and she moaned. Chocolate. A rare delicacy not even Father allowed them to have often.
She took another appreciative bite and closed her eyes. The sweet chocolate cream coated her tongue and mixed with the glorious buttery sponge cake. It was nothing short of sheer perfection.
A stiff breath huffed from the head monk on her right. “Ock, you’re to—”
A moan slipped from her. Glorious, sweet perfection. Oh, it was too wonderful. But if she didn’t slow down, it’d be in her belly before Kahli could properly enjoy it.
The head monk’s throat cleared.
Kahli swallowed her bite and peered over. His brows were pinched, annoyance etched in his ruggedly handsome features. If he smiled more, he’d rival the captain of Father’s guard. But more in a strong, virile, warrior type way instead of a gorgeous dandy capable with a sword.
Captain Traylan Lio. He was extraordinary. Too bad he was a philanderer. Whoever got stuck marrying him was sure to have an unhappy life. The man wasn’t suited for marriage. May he ever remain a bachelor.
“Ock, you’re to teach her basic etiquette starting tomorrow. I must run to the village and buy supplies.” His cold gaze locked on the treat in Kahli’s grasp. “And tell the cook no more delicacies. There’s a sugar shortage. It’s not a necessity, so we’re not ordering any more.”
A village. Kahli’s pulse stammered. News spread far and wide. Even if Father kept her sister’s kidnapping a secret, there had to be some clue as to who took her.
She turned her attention to him. “Sir, might I join you tomorrow?”
A dark brow cocked. “It’s not safe outside these walls.”
It was plenty safe. Especially since no one knew who she was.
She batted her lids. “Please? My guardian told many lies. As long as I’m with you, no one would dare do anything.”
A frown marred his rugged looks. “Buttering me up won’t help. But tell me, why would you think that?”
She tensed so she wouldn’t flinch. Other than the fact he was tall and broad as a mountain, why else would no one notice her? Unless... “I’ll dress as a nun. People will think we’re colleagues. What say you, sir?”
His hand lifted and raked down his face. “Only if you answer my questions truthfully.”
Hope soared in her, sending tiny explosive tingles prickling her skin. Yes, she could answer his questions. The following day. At the village. Then she’d excuse herself to use the restroom, change, and slip away to the nearest bar to catch the latest gossip. Oh, it was all so perfect. But she had to remain calm.
Kahli slightly tilted her head to one side. “I’ll answer your questions honestly.”
A slow smile formed.
“Once we arrive at the village.”
The Village
The village in sight, Sabin shot a warning look at the woman next to him, her clothing thick and frumpy. Such an odd lady. “You must do as you promised, or I’ll never let you leave the monastery again.”
She had a skip to her light steps. “Ask away.”
“Are you a servant?”
She lifted her hands, palms out.
He captured one and traced his finger over it. It was soft; no calluses or blemishes that alluded to hard work. He let it go and focused on the village ahead of them. “A verbal answer. For all I know, you’re highly educated and could be a tutor.”
Soft, vibrant laughter teased his ears. “No, I’m not a servant. Please, sir, I beg you not to ask who I am.”
Fine. With the right clues, he’d figure it out. “The woman told me you were a flight risk. Why?”
Her posture went rigid. “There’s important information being withheld from me; information that concerns me. Part of my being here is to completely shut me out.” Her skin above her face covering reddened while anger pulsed in her eyes.
“What sort of information?”
“Someone took something of great value from me and I want it back. Something irreplaceable and precious.”
“Kahli, you’re being vague.”
Her dangerous gaze met him. “You asked me for honest answers. I’m doing my best to be open, but I can’t give certain details away. Please forgive me, sir.”
At least she was being honest. And she’d told Ock she wasn’t mute while her supposed guardian spouted lies in Sabin’s office. Yet little truths rang clear, enough to capture his attention and keep the woman next to him. And the money. It was well worth it.
“What of the woman who brought you to my monastery? Who was she to you?”
Her eyes hardened. “No one of importance. I’d never interacted with her until I was forced to come here.”
Which explained why the woman’s death didn’t bother her.
Wait. Nor had getting splattered by the woman’s blood. “You didn’t react when you got covered in her blood. Why is that, Kahli?”
Her brows drew closer together, and her smooth gait lengthened, each step harder than the last. “She had the gall to threaten me, then touch me. Had Captain—” Her eyes widened.
Yes? Captain…?
Kahli’s features softened. “Her days were numbered the moment she threatened me. As for her blood, it was a sign of respect and justice rightfully served.”
His feet glued to the ground. The angry woman next to him was a noble.
Kahli had said too much. But what could the head monk do? It wasn’t like he really cared. All that mattered was that she wouldn’t bring trouble to his monastery.
The heavy footsteps had stopped.
She peered over her shoulder. The head monk’s rounded gaze was locked on her.
Her stomach churned. Great. Whatever she’d said, he’d came to an obvious conclusion. Oh well, it didn’t matter. She’d be gone in a few hours.
He finally moved and caught up to her.
Minutes passed.
He didn’t ask any more questions.
They entered the village and still no more questions.
That was fine. The less he knew the better.
The main street was quite lively, lined with buildings, kiosks, and people wandering about, chatting.
“Imports must’ve arrived already. Kahli, stay close. And don’t say a word.”
That she could do. Because she needed to listen, not talk.
He led the way through the packed street, down another, and to a large building.
The head monk stopped outside the door and pointed next to it. “Stay.”
Stay? He trusted her not to leave? Excellent. Then sneaking away would be all the easier. Only she didn’t need to, not yet. Maybe after lunch and on a full belly. She had time.
Kahli gave a nod, stopped next to the door, and leaned against the wall.
He eyed her for a moment before disappearing inside.
A window to her left propped open, voices spilling out.
“—girl disappeared from a residence from Troubled Mountain.”
She froze. Her sister.
“It must’ve been the Ba clan. The adopted son of the most prominent family requested Lord Ka give him his daughter in exchange for protection.”
Wh-what? But, she’d never heard anything of the like.
Kahli swallowed and inched closer. As the oldest daughter and of marital age, she was the only viable candidate.
“Yes, but the lord said he doesn’t have any daughters. The old fool’s wife must be barren.”
No, Mother wasn’t barren. But they clearly didn’t know about her and her siblings.
“But what if the girl taken was his daughter?”
Hard laughter barked out. “Impossible. If Lord Ka had any children, everyone would know about it.”
Apparently, no one did.
A man stepped into view and slowly inhaled. “Not necessarily. All females on Troubled Mountain wear a face covering, just like the priestesses from that sect in the heart of the jungle. One of them could easily be—” Light hazel eyes widened at her.
Kahli’s stomach flipped. She wore such a covering.
She cast her gaze about. No other woman wore one.
“Excuse me, miss. May I have a word?”
Her heart slammed against her ribs. She was caught. Unless…
Kali took a cautious step closer. “How can I be of service, sir?” May the monk’s phrasing work to her advantage.
A brow raised. “Where are you from?”
She swallowed past a lump forming in the back of her throat. “Where I’m from isn’t important. I’m on my way to a holy sect to join them.”
His gaze fell to her covered mouth, then returned to her eyes. “I thought only women with blue eyes were accepted; those blessed by the goddess of rain and seas.”
Wh-what? But… She could talk her way out of it. “I go to seek the goddess’s blessing. If she accepts me, she’ll change the color of my eyes. Excuse me.”
She had to get out of there.
“Why’d you tell her that?” Another voice carried out. “Eye color doesn’t matter.”
“She’s not from the sect or headed to it. Gan, that woman’s clearly from Troubled Mountain. Bet they’d pay a pretty price to get her back.”
Kahli picked up her skirts and plunged into the crowd. She had to escape.
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