The Grass King’s Concubine (68 page)

“I can ask,” Shirai said, “but I can’t command.” He looked at Liyan. “I won’t give you your freedom, Mo-Liyan, but I’ll offer you a choice. You may stay, or you may serve in WorldAbove. What would you prefer?”

Liyan looked at Aude and then at Jehan. He said, “My banner…”

“I can appoint another to lead your banner, as I have to mine,” Shirai said.

“Mo-Qia?” But Qiaqia held silent. Liyan looked again at Jehan. He said, “This place in WorldAbove. Does it have machines like my clepsydra?”

Jehan did not want to answer. He did not want the Cadre in the Brass City. He did not want them anywhere near him or Aude or their child. Under the eye of the Grass King, he had no choice. He said, “Yes. And more.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

Aude curtsied again. Then she turned and slipped her hand into Jehan’s. She said, “Then let’s get the pony and our things and go home. I want our child to be born in the Brass City.”

Jehan hesitated. “Don’t you mean…”

“The Brass City,” Aude said, firmly. “You made me understand it. You made me see what’s wrong with it. So now we change it.”

Jehan shut his eyes for an instant. Then he inhaled, opened them, and nodded. “If that is your wish,” he said.