“Yes,” I said. “I think I’d like that, Leo.”
His answering smile tore through me, stealing the breath from my lungs. I don’t think I’d ever seen him smile—not like this, not like the sun breaking through the clouds, those dazzling eyes sparking like a jewel in a flame.
“That’s the first time you’vesaid my name.”
I bit my lip, holding back my own smile. “That’s the first time you’ve earned it.”
He huffed out a soft laugh, right as his hand came up to brush an escaped tendril from my face. I froze, the rough pads of his fingers like a searing trail of heat against the sensitive skin at my cheek.
His arm fell away. “I’m glad he didn’t hurt you.”
The words triggered something in me, and my spine stiffened even further. The idea of Gayl hurting someone…
“There’s one more thing,” I rushed out. “He knows about the Sentinels. When I followed him the first time, he and his advisor mentioned it, but I forgot about it with all the chaos of the first trial. He asked if they’d received any word about the Sentinels and to keep an eye on them. He wants to know when you make a move. But it didn’t sound like they had any more information.”
The fabric of his shirt strained across his chest as he flexed his shoulders, slowly taking in my report. Then he sighed heavily, backing away with a curse. “We’ve been afraid of that. And you’re sure he didn’t say anything else? About who his informants are, maybe?”
I shook my head. I genuinely wished I had more for him. The last thing I wanted was for any of the rebels to be hurt.
He gave me a grim nod. “I have to go and tell Rissa, make sure we let the rest know they could be tracking us.”
“Just—be careful,” I blurted. “He knows you’re up to something. He told me as much tonight, and that he won’t hesitate to punish any one of you if he catches you.”
His lips gave a small tick. “So sweet of you to care,” he said, mimicking my earlier words. His gaze lingered on me a moment longer before he made his way to the window, his tail caressing my ankle for a split second as it collected itself under his cloak.
“Thank you,” I said quickly, my cheeks heating. “For checking on me.”
His eyes flicked down to the top of my parting robe, thenback up my face. “You don’t have to thank me, Rose. It’s what friends do.”
Without waiting for a response, he pulled the window open and slipped into the night. I ran to the sill to catch a glimpse of him crouching at the ledge before he lunged and landed soundlessly on the one right below. He repeated the action down one more floor, and then to the ground. The flickering candlelight from the outer courtyards of the palace illuminated his face enough for me to see him look back up at me with a wink. He turned on his heel and disappeared into the darkness.
I couldn’t stop the smile that pulled at my lips. Monkey boy, indeed.
34
Rose
Ihad to take another sleeping potion to get any rest. My mind kept replaying the conversation with Gayl over and over, trying to reconcile the tyrant I’d seen him as with the image of him and my father growing up together. Little boys, unruly teenagers, brothers and confidants andfriends.
I wondered what had forced Gayl to leave Feywood. Why he’d left his family behind, changed his name, and never bothered to visit—even after knowing his brother had died. He’d never evenmetmy mother. There was more to the story, and the longer I stewed in my own thoughts, the stronger the urge to uncover our family secrets grew.
His story about coming to Veridia City and growing closer to Branock Aris pricked at me, too. I knew Gayl had been a trusted advisor—it was why the empire was in shock after he seemingly overthrew Aris and took his position on the throne. That was the ultimate act of betrayal. But from how Gayl told the tale, Branock had made the decision to leave on his own, and for a good reason. His son’s life was the answer to breaking the curse—what man could live with that hanging over his head?
The next morning dawned far too brightly, and I knew before I could focus on any of this, I had to get through the challenger’sfeast that night and the second trial starting tomorrow.Andbreakfast with my aunt and cousin. We’d made plans for one last meal before the trial, choosing to visit the Gershwin Tea House—the one I’d met Rothy at the week before. I didn’t imagine this would be the cozy get-together Morgana expected, though. I had some choice questions for her after everything I’d learned.
The short carriage ride was…uncomfortable. Morgana and Beau kept asking me about the other challengers, if I’d made any friends, if I was ready for the second trial, whether or not I thought I’d have to fight a lion or tiger or some other wild beast. That last one came from Beau—his obsession with the dangers of the trials was endearing, I had to admit. I could only give short answers, too distracted and, if I was being honest, too upset that Morgana and Ragnar had kept such secrets from me.
We arrived at the familiar green brick shop. The flowers bloomed as vibrant as ever under the bright morning sun. Smells of floral teas and delicious baked goods wafted through the air as we ascended the short black steps and made our way inside.
Behind the counter, Rothy’s eyes lit when they landed on me, the smile lines on her dark skin creasing with pleasant surprise. “Rose! I wondered when I might see you again.”
I gave her a sheepish grin. “Had to make good on my promise of buying all your teas and charms. Did Colette make it back to you safely?” I felt terrible for not checking back with her sooner. The past week had been such a blur, and all the things I held guilt for were beginning to blend together.
“She did. My girl always comes back home. I’m glad you’re alright,” Rothy said, her lips turning down slightly into a look of pity. “I saw the rankings. You’ll get them next time, I’m sure of it.”
I forgot how publicized the rankings were here, having been tucked away at the palace. I couldn’t stop my grimace. “Thanks, Rothy,” I said. “Oh, and this is my aunt and cousin—Morgana and Beau Gregor of Feywood.”
The three of them shook hands and chatted politely while we placed our orders for tea and pastries. Morgana and Rothy hit it offimmediately, discussing various herbal blends and what kinds grew here as opposed to Feywood. By the end of their conversation, a line had formed behind us and Morgana had promised she’d come back later to try a couple of Rothy’s charms.
