Chapter 3 #2
The florist’s sharp gaze did not leave my face as he needled me for more information.
I wished that Ektha—with her sweet smiles and disarming mannerisms—was here instead of me.
I did my best to keep my expression calm and speak as much truth as possible so I could sprinkle in my lies more believably.
“The rumors have run wild indeed.” I picked up an orange marigold garland, genuinely admiring the cheery blooms and Chetan’s neat work. “I did not go to pray for my uncle.”
Chetan raised his eyebrows skeptically but did not interrupt.
I allowed my fury at the Porcugi’s attack to bubble to the surface and hide the lie I was about to speak.
“I went to pray for the guards we lost. They fought with honor, and their deaths will not go unavenged. The raja is deep in talks with his council to determine our best strategy. He is the one who asked me and my sister to pray for the families of our fallen and to make arrangements for their last rites.”
“It is a relief to hear that the raja is well.” Chetan searched my expression as he spoke his next words. “Rumor had it he was in the infirmary all night as monks kept vigil.”
I placed the garlands back in the basket, taking care not to crush the blossoms. So Chetan knew my uncle was in the infirmary.
But how much did he know? How far could I push my lie before he wouldn’t believe it?
No doubt he’d be relaying our conversation to the merchants next door as soon as I left.
I needed to give him just enough truth to convince him.
A little flattery wouldn’t hurt either.
“Of course, I cannot speak this openly to anyone else.” I leaned in and lowered my voice.
“But the raja was indeed in the infirmary. The Tiger of Ullal would not let anyone fight for him and sustained a minor injury in battle. The healers made quick work of it, but they kept him in the infirmary overnight for some rest. He has recovered now and was already working hard this morning so he can be at the rites tonight.”
Chetan nodded but was in no rush to speak.
He pointed to a basket of bright pink roses, and the boy hurried over.
Chetan held a blossom up to me for inspection.
I took the rose, but its bright petals clashed with my mood, so I handed it back.
Chetan dropped it in the basket and batted his hand above it, prompting the boy to pick it up and scurry away.
“It would be a relief for many to see the raja well and among his people.” Chetan locked his snapping black eyes on mine and didn’t even bother to maintain his hunched back as he leaned toward me and spoke without a hint of a waver in his voice.
“It is hard for some to trust that the raja is well when there are so many wild stories flying. Some people are even saying that the Porcugi have returned. And that they are responsible for the attack.”
Neither of us blinked as I considered what he said.
This was his trade-off. He would spread word of my uncle’s good health if I told him the truth about the attackers.
For a moment I considered lying, but I realized it would be of no use.
With so many dead, the return of the Porcugi could not possibly remain a secret for long.
The guards had been sworn to secrecy, but it was only a matter of time before there would be enough whispers to create a roar.
People would know of the Porcugi’s return, whether I denied it now or not, but if Chetan spread word of my uncle’s health, then at least they might have some faith that we could defeat these monsters.
“Those rumors are true,” I acknowledged steadily, even though my heart beat like a drum. “The Porcugi have returned.”
Chetan let out a low whistle as he sat back in his chair. “Spirits help us.”
I nodded solemnly. “The raja is the Tiger of Ullal. He will send those monsters back to whatever abyss they came from. The Porcugi may have struck first, but Ullal will strike last, and we will make them pay for this.”
He studied my face, searching for secrets veiled behind my eyelashes. I returned his gaze unflinchingly and hoped he would accept the trade-off.
Finally, he tipped his head side to side in acceptance. “The Tiger of Ullal had a minor injury and has healed. He will lead us to victory against the Porcugi.”
I nodded in thankful approval of the message Chetan was certain to carry to the rest of the city.
With the hardest part of the negotiations done, it was easy to arrange for the delivery of the pyres’ flowers.
Chetan agreed to send enough to decorate all seven by late afternoon so we’d have everything ready in time for the ceremonies at sundown.
I paid Chetan handsomely for his trouble, but I had no regrets about the cost, especially when several merchants swarmed around his stall after I left. Soon, everyone would know the Porcugi had attacked, but they would also believe that the reports of my uncle’s injury were exaggerated.
It was just enough truth to let the lie slip by.