Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 30

As nightfall approached the city, I prepared for my meeting with Dahi. I need to know why he was at the palace last night. He shouldn't have been able to attend the event. He wasn't on the list so how did he get in? Did he sneak in? Does he know someone? Either way, this isn't a good situation to be in.

I made my way through the city without being noticed. You'd be surprised how people ignore you when wearing a dark cloak. It didn't take long to find Cherry Blossom Inn. I swiftly entered the inn unnoticed. The first room consisted of nothing more than a wooden counter with a man who was fast asleep before an open book. I carefully approached the desk and read the list of names and room numbers. So far, Dahi's name wasn't anywhere on the list. Neither were any of his aliases either. It doesn't matter. I'll find him. Even if I have to break into every room. To my left was a doorway that I'm assuming led to a communal room. Walking through the door, I saw tables occupied by people consumed with alcohol and laughter. It didn't take long for me to find Dahi sitting across from a woman. A rather young woman at that. She looked to be around my age if not younger.

I approached the table while Dahi smiled happily at the woman. What tricks are up his sleeve?

"Ahl-Mauk."

Dahi looked up. His smile shifted the moment he saw me. "My apologies, Lady Jong. It would seem that I must take my leave now. I have very important business to attend to. Perhaps we can meet tomorrow night. I would love to take you to the night market near the cherry blossoms." Dahi stood up and bowed his head.

Lady Jong held her sleeve to her nose before bowing her head. She was a pretty woman. Porcelain skin. Deep dark brown eyes. Black hair.

I followed Dahi out of the room and up the stairs to the second floor. The corridor was narrow with many doors. His room was the last door on the right. Dahi opened the door and stepped aside. He gestured for me to enter first. Once the door was closed behind us, I pulled off my hood.

"Dahi."

"Zurine." he smirked before sitting at the table in the center of the room. It looks like he's been here for a long time.

"What are you doing here? Where is Lord Baldwin?"

"Lord Baldwin is in Khurut. He can't be away from his wife and children for too long." Dahi raised his head.

"Why are you here?" I growled.

"To keep an eye on you. Oliver asked me to do that while he is away. He'll be back soon though."

"What were you doing at the palace the other night? How did you get an invitation? You weren't on the guest list."

Dahi chuckled. "During my stay, I managed to get rather close with the Cho family. They decided to work with me and Lord Baldwin. In return, he asked if I wanted to attend the festival at the palace."

I pursed my lips and collected my thoughts.

"Now, I'm sure you are here to talk business right?"

"Business?"

"Yes." he nodded. "I know you were a little intoxicated last night. But surely, you remember what it was that we talked about, correct?"

I narrowed my eyes. "I've already told you and Lord Baldwin. I don't want the emperor to get involved."

"But he is already involved, don't you see? There is only one way to protect him now. You know that just as much as I do. And you also know that I have no say in what will happen either. Lord Baldwin is the one to make that call."

"Don't give me that bullshit excuse!" I barked. "Leave Yohan out of this!"

"Yohan?" Dahi chuckled darkly. "Are you already on a first-name basis with the emperor?"