Yet if his unwillingness to mount my head on a spike was not evidence enough of his instability, then there was his bewildering recital ofThe Tragedy of Emmeric and Irabella. And what was it he said about Blaze? That she possessed the power to break the curse? Clearly he is unable to tell the difference between fiction and reality.
I wander aimlessly through the serf tunnels, trying to make sense of it. I’m painfully on edge. I can’t sleep, can’t sit still; I just have to keep moving or else risk being crushed under a landslide of unanswered questions. They swirl round my head, taunting, incessant.
How does the old man know about Hal and me? Howlonghas he known? And is he planning on telling him my secret?
Hal awoke this morning. He’s still weak, but the physicians have prescribed several vials of opium, which should ease the pain and have him on his feet soon enough. His condition is still a mystery, but if I’m right, and it’s the same as the one his father was suffering from, I have to find out what it is – and fast, for the idea of losing him …
I swallow, nauseated, and redirect my thoughts back to his grandfather.
He said he’d returned for Hal, but he never said why he left, or what he’s been doing. I overheard an Eye whispering that the ship the old man arrived on had travelled to Ostacre from Thresk. Yet this information only succeeded in confusing me further, for what was Caius Castellion doing in the Otherlands?
Up ahead, the tunnel splits into three. I choose the fork on the right and pause to catch my breath. Something moves in the corner of my eye. I jolt with fright, but it’s just a mouse, scampering through a crack in the wall. Perhaps it’s time I emerge, too. I peer through the next door and find myself in the Aquatori Wing. Old habits, I suppose. I’m about to slip into the corridor beyond when the sound of a door handle turning makes me stop short. Marina appears, a dress draped over her arm. She glances furtively around before darting along the hallway and into her chambers.
I frown, puzzled. For the room Marina has just so swiftly exited is one I know as well as my own bunk – Blaze’s. The dress is Blaze’s too. I remember the way the pearls Spinner selected for the bodice would gleam teal blue inthe candlelight. Whatever would Marina want with Blaze’s dress? I imagine she must have a thousand of her own, given that the Kalparas are said to be one of the richest families in the empire.
Not wanting to risk running into her, I make myself scarce. Perhaps helping Elaith prepare for bed might pose a welcome distraction. But as soon as I turn the corner into the Ignitia Wing, I see she already has company.
Cole is lounging against her doorframe, though it appears he’s really using it to prop himself up, for he’s clearly extremely drunk. Even slouched, he towers over Elaith, who seems to be blocking his path with an outstretched arm. I spot a fresh bruise blooming across her skin, this one right below her collarbone. Her mouth is set in a determined line, but her pale-blue eyes are fixed on Cole, gazing at him with a mixture of hurt, defiance and unquestionable longing.
‘You know I never meant to hurt you, don’t you?’ His voice is soft, slightly slurred. ‘You do know that, Elaith?’
She bites her lip. ‘I … It doesn’t –’
‘I don’t know what came over me,’ Cole continues, cutting her off. ‘It was a mistake. Just a stupid mistake. It won’t happen again, I swear.’
My heart sinks. I remain out of sight, willing Elaith to slam the door in his face.
But she only hangs her head. ‘Cole …’
‘You know I love you, right?’ He reaches out, sliding his fingers through her fiery hair. It might’ve been a tender gesture if his hand hadn’t come to rest on the back of her neck, angling it a certain way to get her to look at him. ‘And I know you love me.’
Her eyes shutter and her shoulders stoop as any resolve drains out of her.
‘I need you,’ he whispers. ‘You’re the only person I care about. Just let me in. Please.’
No, I think desperately.
But it’s too late. Elaith nods wordlessly. Cole moves forward, his other hand wrapping round her waist, drawing her to him. She doesn’t fight, doesn’t push him away, just turns limp in his arms, as pliant as a doll. My insides twist with rage as Cole backs her slowly into her chambers, using his foot to nudge the door closed behind them.
Sickened, I turn away and slip back into the serf tunnels, gritting my teeth so hard my jaw begins to ache. It’s little wonder Elaith wouldn’t tell me how she got those bruises. How could she, when she’s in love with the person who’s hurting her?
Perhaps Hal would send the Court of Flames back to Fire Mountain, were I to ask him. I could invent some excuse. Lie, if I had to.
Suddenly I hear a voice. Quiet, muffled. My pulse quickens. Could this be what I’ve been searching for? A clandestine meeting of traitors intent on sabotaging Hal?
I strain my ears as I edge closer to the source. A different voice sounds. The pitch is lower, growing louder as I approach the door up ahead. Only this door doesn’t lead to a wing of the palace or an echoing chamber – just a broom cupboard.
Thisis where the Eyes have been meeting?
I draw level, listening. The voices are clearer now. I can make out several of them, all talking excitedly.
‘It works.’
‘You’re sure?’
‘Course I’m sure, stupid.’
‘Give it here, then.’
