Evander weighed this for a moment. He should have been irritated that Eloïse and Willems felt the need to test him and his team. But he could also not blame them for their distrust. The stakes were too high.
“Thank you.” Evander indicated the envelope. “For this.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” Willems rose, his expression grim. “Prague is dangerous. The authorities there guard the library jealously and for good reasons. If you’re caught trying to access the secret archives, well—” He paused, his jaw setting in a steely line. “Just be careful, Duke Ravenwood. Whatever you’re looking for, others are looking for it too. And they’ve proventhey’re willing to kill to keep it hidden.” He paused. “May I confirm that you can indeed wield fire magic, your Grace?”
Evander stared, non-plussed. “Yes, I can. Why do you ask?”
“It will come in handy in Prague,” Willems said enigmatically.
He departed shortly after, leaving a lingering tension in his wake.
“Well,” Rufus said in the silence. “That was unexpected.”
“Was it?” Fairbridge’s voice was thoughtful. “We suspected he was more than he appeared.”
“At least now we know whose side he’s on.” Evander tucked the envelope into his coat. “It’s time to leave for Prague.”
The journeyto the Austrian border passed in a blur of countryside.
Princess Victoria’s entourage travelled in considerable style, their private train cars furnished with all the luxuries afforded to royalty. Evander spent most of the journey reviewing what little he knew about the Prague Library and trying to piece together their findings so far. The others meanwhile occupied themselves in various ways: Shaw read a book on Central European magical practices she’d obtained from the court mage she’d befriended at the reception, Fairbridge browsed his tome on European law, Rufus pored over maps, and Ginny and Solomon engaged in low conversation that seemed more personal than professional.
Viggo sat beside Evander, a solid, reassuring presence even as he read Homer in silence.
They parted ways with Victoria at the border, the Crown Princess clasping Evander’s hands firmly as they said their farewells in private.
“Be careful, cousin,” she murmured. “And send word when you can. You know I’ll worry otherwise.”
“I will,” Evander promised.
From there, they continued to Prague by regular rail, arriving in the city as the afternoon sun painted the spires and rooftops in shades of amber and rose on the third day.
The Vltava River gleamed like molten copper beneath the ancient Charles Bridge as their carriages crossed the water. Everywhere Evander looked, he saw evidence of the city’s long magical heritage—subtle ward-stones embedded in doorways, protective runes carved into bridge supports, the distant shimmer of defensive enchantments around the castle complex on the hill.
Their hotel was a modest establishment in Malá Strana, chosen specifically for its discretion. The proprietor asked no questions as he handed over their keys and the rooms, whilst small, were clean and private.
Evander had just finished unpacking when a knock came at his door.
“A gentleman is here to see you and your group, sir,” the proprietor announced. “He says his name is Pavel.”
Johan Pavel proved to be a leaner, sharper version of his cousin. He had the same ginger colouring, but without the excess weight or theatrical manner. His eyes were keen and he moved with the quiet efficiency of someone accustomed to navigating spaces where silence was paramount.
“Duke Ravenwood.” He shook Evander’s hand firmly. “My cousin’s telegram was as unexpected as it was… illuminating.” He surveyed their group guardedly where they’d crowded inside a private dining room. “Boele tells me you wish to access the restricted archives for a matter of international urgency?”
“We do,” Evander confirmed. “What can you tell us?”
Pavel’s face tightened. “Before I do that, can you promise me that you will not remove any of the texts or papers you find in the library?”
Evander exchanged a cautious look with his team. “We promise.”
“I mean, my fingers might accidentally slip, but we probably shouldn’t tell him that, right?” Shaw whispered to Rufus.
The inspector scowled at her. Ginny sighed.
Pavel pretended not to hear the forensic mage.
“The archive you’re interested in exists in a magically hidden space beneath the main library. It was originally sealed centuries ago by order of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and access has been severely restricted ever since.”
Surprise quickened Evander’s pulse. “A hidden space?”
