I turned but saw no one there. Shrugging it off, I entered the hall and started toward Glim’s stall to tell him goodbye. I stumbled over something lying in the sand a few pens down.
Stooping, I studied the forearm-long knife lying in the sand. It was pretty enough, though serviceable, the sharp edge telling me whoever owned it kept it honed for battle. Lifting it and straightening, I tested its weight. Since someone would be upset when they saw they’d lost such a nice blade, I placed it on the table outside the tack room where whoever owned it could find it the next time they visited the aerie.
After visiting Glim, I left, pausing outside the entrance. While I could flit to our suite, Will or Prenton might be watching. I’d implied I didn’t have much power and most knew flitting was a special skill. The fewer who knew I could do it, the better.
Late-day sunshine hit me in the eyes, and I shaded my face, squinting.
Drask fluttered his wings and stretched out his neck.
“You could go hunting if you want,” I said.
Taking off, he flew up over the castle in a jagged line, soaring around as if watching me.
“Be safe,” I whispered. “Come back after you’ve finished. I’ll leave the window open.”
Seeing fae and Nullens walking here and there, I crossed the bridge and rounded the right side of the castle, choosing again not to flit from there to the suite I shared with Vexxion.
I’d had plenty of exercise, but walking might work out the kinks that had developed in my left leg. The muscles networking through my scars ached, and I needed a long soak in a steaming hot tub, something I hoped my “lady’s maid,” Vexxion, could prepare for me. He was welcome to join me. He’d been remiss in his massage duties lately, and I was going to remind him of his promise.
Are you still working with the king?I asked Vexxion.
I am now. I left for a short time, however. I went to the stable, but you were busy, so I didn’t disturb you.
Sorry I missed you. Glim was happy to see me.
I’m sure he was.
You should’ve let me know you were there.
I was detained.
Did something happen?I asked. There was something about his voice . . .You sound tense. Is everything alright?
Today is no different than any other day.
I hated that he had to work with the king.We could sneak into his bedroom and kill him tonight. If Glim flew fast, we couldreach your estate by morning.It would be over. We could start a new life together.
Not yet. Soon. I promise.
I can’t wait.
Not wanting to talk for long without his threads around us, I ended the conversation.
I used the back entrance to enter the castle. At least this door didn’t hold trapped, writhing creatures inside.
I slowly made my way down a long hall, aiming for the back staircase I believed would take me to the floor with my suite, pausing to study the sporadic paintings mounted on the wall. Each held one or more creatures, all trapped like the dragons in the front doors and others throughout the castle.
I stifled a shudder, my gaze fixed on the painting where two fluffy blue creatures quivered. They stood among short grass in an idyllic meadow that, on any day, I might find pretty. A rainbow of colorful flowers grew in perfusion around them, a morbid contrast to the poor beasties twisting and contorting against their will.
Some of their fur stuck up along their spines, the rest hanging like hair. They writhed about, seemingly oblivious to me watching, penned within the gold frame. Every squirm and twist of their bodies shouted out their anguish. Why would the king do such a thing?
As they squirmed, the truth clawed at my conscience. They, like me, were anything but free.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I wish I could help you.”
They stilled, and their gazes met mine. When I stretched my fingertip toward them, they scattered, bolting into thewoods surrounding the meadow. They remained there, tentatively peering around the big, dark blue trees making up the forest.
“You can hear me,” I said.
