Page 82 of Caught in the Devil’s Hand

With a shout, Mai ran at her at full speed, intending to tackle her to the ground, but Shumei dropped low with perfect timing, shouldering the woman as she hit her and tossing her away like a rag doll. Mai shrieked, then landed with a huff as the air was knocked out of her—again.

Now also frustrated, Shumei marched to where Mai lay panting. She grabbed the front of Mai’s jacket and lifted her high enough to leave her feet dangling. Mai’s eyes were wide with surprise, and she gripped Shumei’s wrists as she wiggled like a hooked fish.

“Do you yield?” Shumei asked, frowning.

“How can this be? You, you couldn’t even do a blocking spell a moment ago.”

Amazed she could hold up someone about as heavy she was without breaking a sweat, Shumei shook Mai. “Do you yield?” she repeated, louder this time.

Mai hastily nodded, kicking her feet. Even though Shumei wanted to drop her, Mai’s ankle was already hurt, so she gently set her down.

Mai went to her knees and pressed her forehead to the ground. “I beg your forgiveness, Empress. I should not have judged you so harshly before, o-or at all! I didn’t have the right,” she said with sincerity.

Shumei glanced at the men and almost giggled at their expressions. Oka was grinning, dancing where he stood, but Vallen and Rosuke seemed ready to collapse. Their arms were limp, their postures slack and their mouths ajar. They almost looked sleepy, except their eyes were wide with shock.

She smiled at them and then looked down at Mai again, gentling her expression as Mai gazed at her with the same awe Vallen and Rosuke now often turned her way.

“No apologies necessary, Mai. Please stand and join us,” she said, holding a hand out to help her up. She easily pulled the woman to her feet and realized her strength spell was still powered. She willed her magic to relax.

“Very impressive,” Vallen said, walking up to them, Rosuke and Oka keeping pace.

“I’m sorry for distracting you, Empress. I should’ve had more faith in you,” Rosuke muttered, contrite.

“Daijoubu,” she said with a smile. Wait, that hadn’t been Common. Vallen and Rosuke grinned. Oka pinched his eyebrows in confusion, and Mai cocked her head to the side. Apparently, Mai wasn’t well versed in Mahou either. “Uh—I mean, that’s all right.” She scratched her cheek in embarrassment. All this attention was unnerving.

“I think that’s enough training for today,” Vallen announced, full of obvious pride. Rosuke nodded in agreement.

“Refreshments are in order, then. We should get to know our new arrival,” he said, winking at Mai. She turned a frosty look upon him, quickly cooling his flirtatious smile.

“I brought a couple of rabbits with me, if you would like those for dinner, Empress,” she offered.

“Rabbit meat?” Oka asked, practically drooling. “Sounds yummy.” Shumei smiled at him and stroked his hair.

“Thank you, Mai. I’ll gladly help you prepare and cook them.”

“I w-wouldn’t dream of asking that of you, not after what I did,” Mai said, flustered.

“I’ll help you, then,” Vallen offered. Mai coldly glared at him.

“Oka will help you,” Shumei said, trying to placate everyone. “He needs to learn more cooking skills than what I’ve taught him.”

“Hey, my soup is good,” Oka said, hurt.

“When have you ever cooked meat?” she asked gently. He twisted his lips in petulant silence, and she winked at him before looking to Mai, who seemed pacified by her solution. “First, let’s make sure your ankle is all right.” She reached for Mai’s arm. Mai let her grasp her elbow but would accept help from no one else. Everyone followed them into the building.

Chapter Eighteen

The rest of the day was an interesting affair. The rabbit ended up a little burned—Oka’s fault—but it still tasted delicious. Hunger is the best sauce, as the saying went. Shumei was starving by the time it was ready, having been through a lot in only one afternoon.

They learned Mai was from a smaller city in northern Stillwood, but her parents were originally from Kaisui on the southern edge of the Black Sands, where the residents were generally darker-skinned. Oka had begged to know if she’d seen the ocean, but because her parents had migrated to Stillwood before she was born, all she’d ever seen was forest. Her father had died in a logging accident when she was eight, and her mother had died of an infection when she was fourteen. Losing her had awakened Mai’s magic, of that Shumei was certain. Having been through the same loss, Shumei offered what commiseration she could.

Mai had taken care of herself after her mother’s death, cleaning homes and cooking meals for a living, and bargaining such services for sword lessons from anyone who would teach her. The magic and history she knew had been gleaned from her mother’s old journals.

As soon as she’d felt the Pull of the Empress, Mai had packed only enough food for a week and a few basic possessions, abandoning her home and village to seek out her empress. She’d stumbled upon the forest path leading to the estate by pure luck—and not a day too soon, for Vallen had only recently made it visible to people like her.

They spent the rest of the day talking of the Dark Court and establishing a new one. Rosuke would drop the occasional flirtatious comment, earning a smile from his empress and a glare from the newcomer. Vallen offered as much history as he could remember, and Mai repeatedly questioned the reasons behind certain court traditions, often putting him on the defensive. Only when Oka spoke did Mai soften her words.

As their discussion wore on, Mai learned how Shumei had met Vallen and Rosuke. Of course, Shumei evaded any specific details, especially those of an intimate nature, but Vallen’s knowing smile had nearly tripped her tongue and given her away. Mai also learned of Shumei’s village, the witch, and the demon attack that had taken place only a few days ago.