TARLIA
The minimal freedom I had is over, I suppose, as I find myself in a locked room with barred windows, waiting for when either Mirella or Zorwal needs me, except that I’m starting to think they either forgot me or the plan is to keep me from hearing anything important.
It can’t be a coincidence that the windows in this room have bars, even though we’re so high up. I wonder if Zorwal is aware that I could technically climb these walls, even if in reality I wouldn’t be as foolish as to attempt it in a castle that can move at any given moment.
On the other hand, I could undo the door lock with my eyes closed. It’s something I practiced way too many times in the tower, except that I’m still bound to Zorwal by my word, so I don’t know what would happen if I were to leave this room. Where would I even go? What would I even do?
In a way, I’m relieved. If I kept hearing everything he said, I’d assume he’d only let me leave this place in a body bag. Like this, perhaps there’s a chance.
Chance for what? He still thinks Renel will come to rescue me, and I know he won’t. In fact, I hope he stays as far away from this castle as possible. It’s what I would do.
Of course, I’ll never discourage Zorwal from thinking Renel is madly in love with me, ready to attempt a gallant and absolutely futile rescue. An idiotic tale—that should keep me alive long enough to find a way out of here. On my own.
It’s funny that a few days ago, I was yearning for freedom, certain that the only way to achieve it would be with a large sum of money. I was even willing to commit murder for it. And yet Iwasfree. Free, but couldn’t see it. At the same time, being here, so close to Renel’s enemy, should perhaps count for something, even if I’m not sure what.
The reality is that scheming is a lot harder than what I was led to believe in my training in the Elite Tower. And then again, I’m alive, unharmed. I even have a comfortable bed, so I should be thankful.
A click on the door startles me and I sit down on the small table in the corner of the room. Mirella’s the one who enters, and I’m strangely happy that I’ll have something to do, even if it’s a task as stupid as doing her hair.
I stand up and bow my head slightly. “Yes?”
She closes the door behind her, then glances me up and down. “Do you want to help him? Your lover?”
“Which one?” I didn’t mean to sound flippant, but I guess I did.
Mirella chuckles. “Renel, of course. He’s safe, you know? Worried about you.”
Those words were obviously designed to please me, and yet she can’t lie, can she? “How do you know?”
“I don’t trust you enough to tell you. At least not yet.” She sits on the bed. “Now, I have a question for you. Would you like to listen to Zorwal’s conversation with a mysterious visitor?”
That has to be a trap. “It depends.”
“Sure. I don’t know how your deal with him works, but I’m going to assume you can’t contradict any direct order he gives you, but you’re also my maid, are you not?”
“I suppose.” At least it’s the role I’m playing.
“Imagine if you learned that he’s receiving this visitor soon. If I told you that you could roam the castle, and if you learned about a secret passage that lets you hear conversations in the council chamber, where Zorwal is, would you go there?”
I’m mostly wondering where she’s trying to lead me with her word knots. “I would wonder if your orders are a trap.”
“Not orders.” She shakes her head. “All I can ask you are mundane things. Help with my hair, with my clothes. Perhaps some company. I’d never order you to betray Zorwal’s trust. I don’t think I can even do that. And you certainly could not obey such an order. But… would you like to get to know some secret passages?” She eyes me with what looks almost like childlike mischief.
I still don’t understand her intentions. “Is this a trap?”
She twirls a black lock of hair on her finger. “For you? No. Secret passages are always dangerous, of course, but I won’t tell anyone where you went, and I do not want you to get caught or that any harm comes to you. Still, if you happen to hear something.. uh…interesting, can you share it with me?”
“Wouldn’t you want to hear the conversation yourself? That sounds much easier.”
“Zorwal might be able to trace my magic and find me. Now, humans with no magic cannot be traced. An advantage. Would you be interested in learning about secret passages and maybe hearing some secrets?”
“Are you planning on causing me any harm with this?”
“No. But if you’re caught where you shouldn’t be, I cannot help you, so you need to be careful.” She stares at me, her blue eyes wide. “And fast. He should be getting there right now.”
Well, isn’t that the opportunity I wanted? Still, I ask, “Can you promise you mean no harm?”
“Imean no harm to you at all. To be fair, if I could trust you, I could use an ally. Now, Zorwal, on the other hand, is always dangerous. You always need to be careful around him. But I’m not telling you to do anything, just asking questions.”
