City of Gold Read Online Free PDF

accented by a scarlet rose tucked behind her ear, was draped over her left shoulder. She wore a white nightgown that flowed out around her like a marvelous snowflake. Cody had never seen her so peaceful.
    She held up a smooth stone tablet that she was painting. The art depicted a large, blooming, silver flower. Each of the four petals formed the shape of a heart.
    Cody couldn’t bear to disturb her privacy. He inched back toward the elevator. But the moment his foot pressed against the frail wooden planks, a brash creak exploded.
    Tiana’s head perked up like a deer at the sound of danger. A hint of surprise instantly gave way to anger. Hastily pushing her artwork out of sight, she flung aside the drapes hanging over her outdoor chamber. Cody’s mouth went dry. It was the first time he had seen her without her heavy makeup or wild clothing; she looked more radiant than ever.
    Tiana pulled a robe over her shoulders to cover her nightgown. “I told you not to come,” she issued with chilling steadiness.
    “I just need to know what went wrong,” Cody said. “Ever since the courtyard you’ve been avoiding me. I don’t understand.” He paused, unsure whether to commit to his thought. “And, I miss you,” he added tentatively. The minute the words left his mouth he wanted to reel them back. They sounded ridiculous when spoken out loud. Whatever emotions Tiana had about the comment made no impact on her blank expression.
    “I avoid you because it’s how things must be. We have nothing more to talk about. Go away.” Without waiting for a response, she spun back toward her tent.
    Cody grabbed her shoulder. “Please,” he pleaded. Tiana remained still for several seconds. Then, without a word, she shrugged him off and continued walking.
    “Is it because I discovered your talent as a Creator? Or skill with a sword?” Cody pleaded, without realizing he was following after her. “If you think I’m angry because you didn’t tell me, I’m not. If you ever want to talk about your past I’m here…”
    Cody’s words finally struck a nerve. Tiana whirled around and shoved him backwards. “You honestly think I’m avoiding you because I think you’re upset with me? Why should I care? You stay the blazes out of my past, hear me? I don’t want to talk to you about anything. Any thing. Now leave me alone before I force you to leave.” The boiling anger in her eyes validated the threat.
    As Cody returned to the elevator he glanced over his shoulder. “You know, Ti…I really care about you. I’m leaving Atlantis; I wanted you to know that.” He waited for a response that never came.

    The stench of sweaty body odor made Cody retch. The potent aroma gripped his skin. He grinned; he never thought he would be so grateful to smell such an awful stink.
    “ Illumchanta .” Light filled the room.
    Cody’s eyes followed his nose toward the frumpy little man who wore an ugly smirk on his leathery face. “About bloody time,” the man barked in a scratchy voice.
    “I hate to admit it—but I actually think I’ve missed you, Randilin. No one else decimates my self-esteem with such precision.”
    The dwarf’s plump, chapped lips changed into a smile as he soaked in what he evidently took to be the highest of compliments. “It ain’t ruddy hard when ya’ provide such excellent source material. So, what news from the land of freedom and cozy beds?” Following the ambush, all access to Randilin’s cell had been restricted. Prince Kantan personally enforced the decree, claiming Randilin’s checkered past made it unwise to allow visitors during wartime. Thankfully, Cody’s creation ability made it remarkably easy to bribe the prison guards.
    Cody recapped all that had transpired since the raid. He briefly shared of Tiana’s sudden attitude shift, but Randilin shrugged. “Can’t blame her. My stubby left, big toe has more charm with the ladies than you.”
    Ignoring the slight, Cody explained El Dorado’s capture of