The soldiers begin to direct the partygoers away from Caspian’s palace and down the swirling steps to the city below.
This is bad. This is so, so bad. The party was supposed to be a distraction. What are we going to do now?
I dodge out of the way of the soldiers and walk deeper into the halls of Cryptgarden, trailing after Caspian and his mother. They’re heading in the direction of his private chamber. Quickly, I double back, taking a shorter route Cas had showed me earlier in case of an emergency, and enter his room before they arrive. I’m sure he won’t like me following him, but I can’t let the soldiers direct me down to the city. I’d never get back in time to get to the pool.
I creep inside and tuck myself into Caspian’s wardrobe, leaving just enough of a crack so I can peek out. The door opens and Sira and Caspian march in.
“It was just a little fun,” Caspian says, running his hands through his hair.
Sira snatches the fox mask off his face and throws it to the ground. “Your sister is working tirelessly while you do nothing.”
“I’m not the one who lost the Golden Rose,” Caspian snaps, turning away.
Sira grabs his face with her hand. “But you can find her.”
“I don’t know where she is.”
She pushes him away. “I find that hard to believe. Perhaps you have forgotten what’s at stake. Perhaps you need the proper motivation. Vespera, come to me!”
A chill runs through my veins. I’ve heard whispers of that name before. One of Sira’s main weapons in the War of Thorns.
Vespera, the Abyssal Sorceress.
The door begins to creep open.
“Mother,” Caspian says quickly, only a tinge of panic audible. “If I could find the Golden Rose, I would but—”
“Wait,” Sira says and the door halts.
“I do so hate to do this to you, my darling boy. I hate to see you look so frightened,” Sira coos. “I suppose I did already remove one of your party guests. I know how you hate to see your people upset.”
“I can begin my search tonight. I’ll leave immediately.”
“Very well.” Sira lets out a long breath.
Relief courses through me.
The Queen of the Below turns to go but pauses near the door. “Though it is a shame to call Vespera up from deep Stygian Hollows for nothing.”
“A little trip won’t hurt her,” Caspian sneers.
“Now that I think of it …” Sira gives a smile with no warmth behind it, “the Golden Rose was lost in Summer, which is your sister’s domain. Perhaps Vespera can have a little fun with her as proper punishment?”
“No,” Caspian says, and the word is so forceful that even Sira takes a step back. “I’ll take it for her.”
His mother whirls. “Oh, Caspian, darling. You wouldn’t want to do that. You see, Vespera has brought thehood.I know how you hate the hood.”
I can almost feel Caspian’s fear as if it’s my own, waves of it rippling through me so intensely, nausea overwhelms me. But all he says with that same cocky smile is, “Bring her in.”
“Very well.” Sira opens the door.
The Abyssal Sorceress glides in. Her skin an unnatural pale blue. Her dark hair floats like snakes. I’ve never seen her this close, only from a distance on the battlefield. It’s her teeth that are truly the most horrific: rows of razor-sharp fangs and pale blue gums that ooze blood.
As she extends her hand, holding a tattered black hood, my heart quickens. Every fiber of my being screams at me to flee. But even if I could get away unseen, I know I can’t leave Cas—not that he even knows I’m here.
“So, you haven’t taken my advice and got those teeth checked out?” Caspian says, biting a nail. “I told you; the raw fish of the Hollows are no good for dental hygiene.”
“Kneel,” Vespera says, voice laced with venom. Blue blood splashes from between her lips, a few drops landing on Caspian’s cheek.
