Page 43

“Yes. It means?—”

“Protector.” The word I’d been searching for materialized. “Fitting.”

“Yes, well, I supposed it helped inspire me to do good.” Vale shrugged, and my gaze caught on how his shoulder muscles moved like water.

Bleeding skies. It should be against the law to look so enticing.

“Don’t you need to wash?” I might not be able to keep my promise about not jumping him if he didn’t leave.

“You’re right. I’ll be quick.” He walked down the short corridor that led to his bathroom.

Once I was alone, I turned to the books again. I had yet to start the one Roar had mentioned. His brother,Brogan’s, favorite. Perhaps the story would be so good it could take my mind off things?

I picked up the book and turned to the title page. But before I could read a word, my gaze caught on something. The book was a fabric-bound hardcover, well-loved over the turns if the rounded, softened edges of the front cover were any sign. Opposite the title page, a black fabric had come apart at the top corner.

I didn’t recall it looking like that before. Had it happened when I’d thrown the book?

And, more importantly, what was poking out of the fabric? I squinted and picked at the fabric.

Paper. There was a piece of paper tucked inside.

Carefully, I shook the book and the paper moved. It was loose, not part of the book at all.

Roar had said he and his brother hid notes in their books. The warden had searched this book in particular for a message after his family died on their journey to the southlands. Had I found one of Brogan's last messages to his younger brother?

My stomach clenched, and I shut the book. No matter how furious I was with Roar, reading such a note felt wrong. Too personal.

And yet, I reached for the book again, but before my fingers grazed the cover, a knock came at Vale’s door.

“Vale? Neve? Are you decent?”

I snorted, recognizing the voice. Saga had come calling.

As Vale was washing, I answered the door and foundthe pink-haired princess standing before a Clawsguard, a small flask in her dainty hands.

“Come in,” I said. “Vale’s bathing.”

“Seems you might need to as well,” Saga teased and wrinkled her nose. “Did you go running or something?”

I waved her inside and shut the door behind her. “Vale was training me in the way of the sword. I still need to bathe.”

We strolled into the suite. I was glad Vale and I cleaned up the blood and shattered glass. I did not need more questions.

Saga’s eyes widened at the mention of sword-work. “Not a bad idea.”

“You say that like you’re surprised.”

Saga chuckled. “I’m not. Vale’s the least erudite person in our family, but he is still very intelligent. And sensible. I’m more surprised that I didn’t think about him training you.”

“Stars, you’re humble,” I teased and gestured to the flask. “What’s that? Not Dragon Fire, I hope?”

Saga shivered. “The next time I see a bottle of Dragon Fire will be too soon.” She held the flask out to me. “You need protection. More than just physical.”

“And? What is it?”

“The potion that helps keep my mother from your thoughts. It’s called a Mind Rönd. It came from the White Tower today, so it’s fresh. It shields your mind from attacks.”

The same one Roar gave me without my knowledge. Ialmost wanted to deny the Mind Rönd potion on that fact alone, but too much was on the line.