“Does that belong to the person who tried to kill me?”
The bird nods again.
“Well, that is helpful. Thank you. Are they nearby?”
The bird shakes its head.
“I don’t suppose you know where I can find them?”
The bird shakes its head again.
“Thank you.”
The bird spreads its wings, then flaps into the air. The other birds follow in a cacophony of cries, rising like a black cloud.
The guards make startled sounds, their gazes locked on the ravens as they depart. I don’t blame them. In the past, this would have bothered me.
But I know I’m already one of Death’s ravens. I’m just in human form.
The problem is, I don’t exactly know what she wants from me.
“Are you alright, empress?” One of the guards asks nervously.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Empress!” Nate is running toward me. “Did they harm you?”
“No.”
He’s panting when he arrives. “I’m sorry for the delay. They sent me to find your husband and then he sent me—” his eyes snag on the finger, “—what is that?”
“The birds left it. It belongs to whoever poisoned me,” I say.
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
“Is that your gift, then? From the temple? Can you speak to the birds? Can you command them?” His questions aren’t spoken in fear or judgment, but rather in awe.
“Maybe. But I’m not sure yet. They came to me.” It is a convenient cover for my magic. The last thing I want is for Caiden to know I can wake the dead.
Nate pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and drops it on the finger, then picks it up. “So if we find who this belongs to, we figure out who was trying to kill you?”
“Yes. But they’re not here right now.”
“The birds told you that?” he asks.
I nod, then look at the other guards. They’ve kept their distance since the ravens. “I need one of you to take this to my husband. Tell him it belongs to my assassin and that I need him to find the would-be killer.”
The one closest to me steps forward. His upper lip curls as he delicately accepts the wrapped finger. He holds it out at arm’s length as if it might bite him. It’s a strange reaction for someone who is supposed to be ready for battle.
I look at the other. “Did you find me clothes?”
“I’ll check on it again now.” He scurries off, far too eager to be free of his post.
“Who are those men?” I ask Nate.
“I’m not sure. There’s been several new recruits since the new Emperor,” he says.
