I tie my braid off with a small strand of hair and march toward the door. He is lucky the sedative he slipped me kept my demon at bay during the night. I’ll have to ask him about the herbs he used. And I will. But first, I am going to kill him.
The moment I open the door I hear murmurs coming from the kitchen. By the sound of it, I’m the last one to wake. Riesh’s voice carries farther than the others, or is it Kishek’s? I haven’t heard either male speak often enough to tell them apart at this distance, though neither has the depth of the bastard general’s deep booming tone.
“I didn’t say I can’t. I said it will take time.”
I take a few stealthy steps down the empty hall, recalling that not a single floorboard made a sound when I snuck down them the evening before.
From the end of the hall, I can hear Awri’s voice clearly as she says, “Listen to him, Xey. This isn’t something we can rush without risking harm. Not only to us, but to the girl as well.”
“You think it is the Vatruke?” the general asks.
One of the males answers, “More likely one of the Vatruke than any of the other feyn working with the La’tari. Nothing like that has been born into Terr since before the sundering.”
An icy chill spreads throughout my veins and my stomach hollows. The La’tari would never work with the feyn and what in haliel is a Vatruke?
“A relic perhaps?” Awri suggests.
“No, Kishek would have sensed it,” the general says thoughtfully.
“It can only—” Awri’s voice cuts off abruptly.
A silence I know well sweeps over the cottage. It is the same silence I experienced when I’d first seen the feyn as a child. The deafening quiet that screams that they are aware of my presence. I don’t waste a second before walking out of the hallway, making sure that my steps can be heard as I make my way into the kitchen. I tell myself that if they’ve only just become aware of my presence, there is a good chance they won’t suspect I was eavesdropping.
I smile when I meet Awri’s eyes across the kitchen. She smiles back. It’s a genuine smile, but she looks tired, they all do, and I wonder if they have been up all night discussing—whatever this is.
Kishek in particular looks like sleep may have eluded him entirely. Dark circles stain the flesh below his eyes, and he braces himself on the stone counter as if he might need the support to remain on his feet.
“Good morning. I hope I’m not interrupting.” I try to sound as cheerful as possible.
“Not at all. Have a seat and I will make you some tea.” Awri grabs the kettle, but I stop her before she leaves the room.
“Thank you for the offer, but I should really get home to my uncle.” It’s not a lie, but more than that, the idea of another cup ofteasours my stomach.
“Of course.” She smiles. “In fact, I’ve already called for a carriage. I hoped you wouldn’t mind. I have some things I need to take care of in town this morning. We’ve just received a letter from the king.”
That piques my interest, and I stand a little straighter, quirking my head to the side with genuine curiosity.
“He has high hopes of returning in time to host his yearly masquerade. It’s quite the event, and I’m afraid he’s asked me to plan it in his absence.”
“I’ve never been to a masquerade,” I say absently.
In fact, I’ve never been to any sort of formal party before landing upon these shores. Though, Leanna was thorough in my education of such things and ensured I was well trained in dance, proper dinner etiquette, and every other social nicety required for attending.
“Well, I do hope that won’t stop you from coming to ours,” she says by way of invitation.
I smile and nod. If I’m able to reach the king by no other means, the party may be my best chance at ending him.
“How long do I have to prepare my costume?” I ask. What I really want to know is when the king will finally be within striking distance.
“The party will be held in little less than a month,” she says.
“So soon?” I don’t try to hide my surprise, and Awri giggles, clearly amused by my shock.
“Don’t worry. I will introduce you to the seamstress I use for these events. She will have your gown ready in time.”
We all turn to the window when the carriage comes into view and Awri takes my arm, leading me through the door, the others following close behind.
“I’m so sorry the storm kept you from your own bed last night. The general told me you don’t sleep well in unfamiliar places.”
