When I slowly straightened, Harthon was kneeling before me, his face pinched in concern. His hand dropped to the armrest. “Felda will bring you more food,” he said, and I was somewhat surprised he knew the chambermaid’s name. “For the rest of today, you’ll eat and rest. Tomorrow, I’ll show you that proof. And then, we start to prepare.”
“Prepare?”
“Start your training so you can survive in my world, and figure out which errand will help us the most with uncovering that tunnel route,” he explained, something like anticipation underlying the words.
“I don’t know the route,” I tried one last time.
He simply smiled.
* * *
It was well past midnight when I stood at the window, studying the two guards. Mind rested from a nap and belly full from two hefty meals, I could finally focus. I waited until the guard on the wall walk turned to scan the other side. Carefully, I pushed the window open,wincing at every creak.
A new guard stood outside my room, and based on his older age and the hard lines of his face, he wouldn’t be as easy to work as Stefano.
I never did find out what his punishment was.
The guard in the garden slouched against the wall, unmoving at the slight noises. Palming the chunk of bread I’d saved from dinner, I wound my arm and threw. It silently sailed down the three-story drop, shrinking to a speck by the time it landed a few feet from the guard. I squinted, observing his form.
He didn’t move.
Hewasasleep.
I gingerly closed the window and shuffled back to the bed, trying not to get excited. All I’d done was confirm that there was an opportunity for me to descend unseen. But once I did reach the garden, I would have no clue what to do. Every day I spent here was another day Merelda slept close to Koerlyn’s spies, struggling without me. But I needed enough information to form a better plan thandrop out of the window and figure it out.
Tomorrow, when Harthon showed me thisproof, I would glean what knowledge I could. Then I would leave at night.
Chapter 9
As if the Domus had blessed me, Frannie brought breakfast alone in the morning. The guard kept the door cracked open as she entered, ruining any privacy, but I could work around it. I’d just have to be careful with my words.
Mustering the most disarming smile I could, I said, “Good morning, Frannie.”
Still, my greeting caught her off guard, because she nearly dropped the tray. “Good morning, Lady.” With her wispy blond hair, delicate features, twiggy limbs, and small voice, she reminded me of a small, skittish animal.
“I’m sorry I haven’t spoken to you yet. That was rude of me. I’ve just been a bit…overwhelmed.”
She flashed a quick smile, setting the tray on the table and pouring me a cup of water. “No need to apologize, Lady.”
“Etarla,” I offered gently. “I’m not a Lady. Not even close.”
Frannie nodded once, then straightened, turning to the door as if she couldn’t wait to leave.
“Wait,” I blurted. If I was to get anything useful from her, I needed more time.
She froze, meeting my gaze with pale blue eyes before dropping them to the floor. It was almost like she was afraid of me.
Because of your eyes.
Only a few people here knew of my oddly colored eyes, but I didn’t know if anyone aside from Harthon knew about themagvissituation. Not that it really mattered. The violet and gold coloring was jarring and unnatural, regardless of context. I’d probably be wary of me, too.
“I, uh, would love some help with my hair if you can,” I said.
“Of course, Etarla.” She moved to the dresser, retrieving a comb before coming behind the chair where I sat. There was an uncomfortable pause. “It’s, um, already braided,” she told me softly.
Right.
“I don’t think I did a very good job. I was hoping it could braid down from the top.” The request was awkward even to my own ears. I’d never cared about hairstyles, and it was hard to even pretend that I did, but Frannie blessedly didn’t question it.
