They passed through the open gate. Where in most cities there would have been carvings of a royal hunt or of kings conquering boars and lions, here the gates bore only a tangle of palms and vines. Kigal’s brows knit together, but she continued on. Ascending the steps, she was relieved to see the landing empty. Hopefully, at the sight of them, the rest of the mortals on the palace grounds would leave just as easily as the guards had. The people here were blameless, manipulated by a higher force they couldn’t even begin to imagine.
Fat drops of rain began to splatter against the earth, darkening it and perfuming the air with its crisp, sweet smell. She shielded her face as they entered the shelter of the hall.
The only light inside was what trickled in through the high windows. Though it w
