He gestured for the two girls to sit among the cushions opposite him. The guard standing at attention outside pulled the curtain closed and shut the door, and the carriage lurched into motion with an annoyed grunt from one of the camels.
Tolisho said something to Anna. His voice was soft and lilting, and at the end of his words, he gave her a thin smile.
Chulla translated. “He says he took note of your unique beauty some nights ago and has watched as you and those you travel with avoided contact with everyone but me.” She paused. “He means he had you watched, I suppose.”
Anna forced her attention to the Artisan from where it had wandered through the carriage, running her hands across the glossy silk pillows. Before stepping inside, she’d never imagined such materials existed. “Tell him,
