“He did not exactly lose control. He got angry but quickly calmed back down. He’s under a curse,” Blanca replied, as though that simple fact explained everything.
“Right. Cursed to be a beast. Which makes him not human.”
“And you think that curses can’t be broken?” Blanca was deadly serious.
“He himself said it can’t be,” Isa responded.
Blanca lifted her hands in the air. “What does he know of curses?”
“What do you know of curses?” Isa retorted.
“You’ve read me that story a hundred times while I’ve combed your hair.”
“The Queen of Silverreign?” Isa asked, not particularly interested in being reminded of that story at the moment. “That’s just a myth.”
“A myth in which that Andrew boy manages to break a curse.” Blanca said it as though she were explaining things to a ten-year-old.
“A myth that isn’t true,” Isa said, responding in the same condescending tone.
“How do you know that? It was written hundreds of years ago. Who are you to say whether it is based on truth or not?”
“It’s clearly a scholarly work, based on its use of metaphor and linguistics. It’s a story that is only told for the purpose of passing on wisdom from one generation to the next.” Isa clenched her jaw shut as she realized she was using the same explanation of the story that the beast had used on her.
“You are just like your father.” Blanca shook her head.
“Generally, I would take that as a compliment, but why do I have the feeling your statement does not have a positive intent?”
“Sometimes, milady, you are so focused on what’s inside of a book that you completely miss what is right in front of your nose.”
Isa touched her nose dramatically. “Air. Air is in front of my nose.”
“Quiet,” Luca whispered. “He might be outside the door this very moment listening to all your nonsense. Get to the point and let us all get back to bed.”
Isa let out a long breath. “Sorry. I’m confused and thought we were all in agreement. Apparently, I’m missing something. What am I missing?”
“You burrow yourself into the library all day. Maybe try poking your head out once in a while and see what else is happening,” Blanca replied.
“But the Floutast—”
“Can wait. The bridge won’t be ready for days yet, likely still weeks. You have time. You always said you wanted space to read and think. Now’s your time. Just read somewhere outside the library for a change. Feel the sun. Enjoy the mountain air. Sit in the rose garden.”
Isa narrowed her eyes. Blanca was right; she did spend all her time in the library. But she was not quite so blind as her maid was making out. She had noticed that Aden spent a considerable amount of time each morning in the rose garden.
What was Blanca implying?
Once again, Isa was reminded of her mother’s words about the trustworthiness of their servants. She inhaled, studying their faces in the soft glow of the lantern’s light. They were completely serious, and she knew they would never lie to her.
“So, no drastic measures yet in terms of our guest?” Isa asked.
Blanca and Luca shook their heads.
“And the two of you feel safe with the way things are right now?”
Blanca and Luca nodded.
“I trust the two of you,” Isa whispered. “I do not trust this beast, but I trust you. I’ll keep my eyes open and pay attention to the air in front of my nose. I guess this meeting is concluded. Let’s get back to bed.”
Luca picked up the lantern and led the way back down the tower staircase.
