But there was nothing here. If not for the imprints on the grass and having been told, she would’ve never thought the caravan had been there at all.
Vi rubbed her eyes, forcing herself to think. The prisoner, the woman, and now the trail went cold. She let out a groan of frustration and lapped the clearing, searching for someone who might know. But she was just as alone as when she’d first set out.
Alone and frustrated was ultimately how she returned to the fortress.
The sky was bleeding red as Vi made her way upward through the tree trunks and stairwells back to her room. No one stopped her, no one paid her any mind. She didn’t even need to say a word. Which was good, because she was so exhausted she didn’t even know if she could manage to conceal her voice. Maintaining Jayme’s face to get in and up was almost too much.
A few steps from her room, tucked away in a blind spot, Vi let go of her guise with a sigh. Another night of no sleep behind her, likely another ahead, too. She had to figure out where the key had gone before she left the North.
Vi opened the door to her room and stopped dead in her tracks.
She wasn’t alone.
A pair of brown eyes—identical to the ones she’d just worn—stared at her, narrowed, waiting. Jayme had positioned one of the chairs from Vi’s table to face the door. Her fingers thrummed along the armrest impatiently.
“Close the door,” she said softly. “I don’t think you want anyone overhearing this conversation.”
Vi did as she was told. She was too tired to argue and Jayme looked as though she’d tolerate none of it.
“I think you know why I’m here.”
“Do I?” Vi leaned against the door.
Jayme sighed, shook her head, steepled her fingers, and then went back to gripping the armrests. She clearly couldn’t make up her mind as to what emotion she wanted to portray.
“How did you do it?” Jayme pushed away from the chair, beginning to pace. “I expected you to come in with make up, and masks, something more than… you.”
“How did you find out?” Vi asked instead, hoping Jayme wouldn’t notice she hadn’t answered the question.
“Imagine my surprise when, on my way to my morning rounds, I was stopped by Parn and asked when Ireturned. I didn’t recall leaving.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“Of course not.” Jayme paused, looking to Vi. “I know when you’re up to something, even if I don’t know the details of how or why.” The statement was definitely angry, but maybe a little proud too. Vi fought a smile. “So I came right here, confirmed my suspicion, and waited. Now, tell me what you did.” Jayme folded her arms over her chest, turning to face her, legs wide, as if ready for a battle.
“I can’t—”
“Do not give me that, Vi Solaris.” Jayme pointed at her. “I am expected to be your guard. How in the Mother’s name am I supposed to do that if you’re continually running off, going gods know where, in the middle of the night without me?”
“Trust me when I say it’s for the good of the Empire.” And the world.
“Trust me when I say I believe you.” Jayme sighed and shook her head. “Vi, I’m not Jax, your mother, or father. Frankly, I couldn’t find any way to care less about discipline or making sure you ‘act a princess.’ That’s not my place. The only thing I want to do is protect you. So please, for that sake alone, tell me what’s going on?”
Vi looked to the window. The sky was turning orange and that meant servants would be coming soon. She did a quick mental tally. Perhaps Jayme was right. She wouldn’t betray her confidence and run to Jax or her mother. It could benefit her to have an ally…
“Remember how I said I saw visions at special places?”
“Is that what this is about? Another vision?”
“More or less.” Vi held up her hand, showing was easier than telling. “Durroe watt ivin.” Vi stepped forward into the illusion.
Jayme’s eyes widened to a third of the size of her face. She took a step forward, then back. “H-how? What magic is this?”
“It’s complicated.” Vi let go of the glyph and with it the guise of being Jayme’s twin. “I have a rare magic…” Rare in the Solaris Empire, at least. “And part of learning it is rooted in my visions.”
“That’s why you’re so adamant…”
“And… I want to see my father,” Vi confessed, looking at her toes. “I’m still hopeful.”
