A Secret Atlas Read Online Free

Majiata
    Phoesel has come.”
    “Please, bring her here.” The invitation was but a formality, for he could see Majiata
    waiting in the shadows of the tower’s entrance. Formalities had to be observed, however,
    as she was nobility. Despite their being betrothed and of intimate acquaintance, familiarity
    would not do. He bowed low in her direction and waited until the hem of her blue gown
    came into view before he straightened, fighting to hide a smile.
    Taking tiny steps, she entered the garden, bypassing stone planters brimming with the
    finest examples of bhotri in the capital—outside the Imperial Palace, of course. Several of the plants had been grown by jaecaibhot, whose skill reached magical proportions. The
    miniature pine tree at her right elbow perched on a rock and trembled with a breeze that
    went unfelt. Other dwarf trees would produce bountiful harvests of pea-sized fruit as
    succulent as their normal-sized cousins regardless of the seasons, so skilled was the
    Mystic arborist in the Anturasi employ.
    Majiata, as always, surrendered little in comparison to the brilliant blooms in the garden.
    Gold silk trousers and sash complemented the deep blue of her robe. A sapphire set in
    gold rested at the hollow of her throat, and smaller examples of the same stone in gold
    settings shone from her earlobes. Her dark hair had been gathered and swept up,
    restrained by a gold chain around her brow, with a sapphire dangling at her forehead.
    While her features were not as delicate as those of most hereditary nobility, she had an
    undeniable beauty. Heavy eyelashes and lids blackened with kohl accentuated her
    cerulean eyes, and reminded him of how she looked in the dimness of the midnight hours.
    “Welcome, my lady Majiata.”
    She inclined her head only slightly in his direction, giving him the first inkling of trouble.
    “You are kind in your greeting, Keles.”
    “Mai, what is wrong?”
    He took a step forward, raising his hands toward hers, but she did not return the gesture.
    For a moment he thought it might be that she objected to his attire, for his bright yellow
    shirt did not match the gold of her robes, and his trousers and overshirt of green were far
    less rich in hue than her gown. He let his hands drift back to his sides and lifted his head,
    straightening his spine.
    No anger flashed in her eyes, but he fully expected it. Her reply came softly, but even
    whispered it was less a question than a statement. “You have not told him yet.”
    “No, darling, but don’t be angry.” Keles smiled broadly. “It is not easy to tell my
    grandfather anything. You know this.”
    “But you have not even tried.” Her left hand emerged from the opposite sleeve, letting the
    diamond ring he’d given her glint in the sunlight. “If you truly loved me, you would have
    told him what I asked you.”
    “Mai, you know I love you.” He clapped his hands together and wanted to leap with the joy
    in his heart. “I’ve thought of something much better, my dearest. It’s perfect.”
    “Perfect, my darling, is for us to be together, not separated as you go off on the Stormwolf .
    I know that your grandfather has reserved a great honor for you by sending you to sail
    around the Eastern Sea. I know there is much to see and explore. I know you dearly want
    to do that, but you will be gone for a year, two, five ! What of us all that time?”
    “I know, I know, but that is what is perfect about my plan, Majiata.” He looked at her with
    hazel eyes full of enthusiasm. “You took my ring knowing what I would be doing, what my
    life would be like. And I want to be with you, so I have found the perfect solution. I’ve
    made the arrangements. You can come with me in the fleet, on the Stormwolf .”
    Her gaze flicked up as she whispered breathlessly and a tremor ran through her.
    “Come with you?”
    “Yes, darling, yes, it will be perfect.” He took her hands in his, squeezing them. “Istor
    Araset is the bhotcai who will