Page 74

“No, Vishku. I?—”

Sindri was upon him, hands reaching into the folds of his tunic. From them, she extracted a small leather-bound book and waved it around. “Then what’s this? It’s not helping you with your duties.” She tossed the book on the table and shook her head. “I should send Prince Vale and Princess Neve from the House of Wisdom. But I’ve given my word and would hate to disappoint the new princess.”

The dwarf threw his hands up to reveal misshapen fingers on each hand. “Only here could someone get in trouble for studying!”

“You’re meant to be serving the House of Wisdom for a prior offense.” Sindri scowled. “Shall I add another punishment for not doing your job? This one with a chaperone.”

“Skies, no,” Duran murmured. “I won’t do it again. Promise.” He picked up the book and handed it over. “I apologize, Vishku Sindri.”

For a moment, the vishku said nothing, and when it seemed like she would deny him, she took the book. “I want this room done before dinner.”

“Th-that’s too soon!” Duran sputtered.

“Prince Vale and Princess Neve wish to speak with you. After they leave, you’d better work quickly.” Though Sindri’s tone was strict, I caught a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “And see them out when you’re done, Duran.”

Vale and I nodded our appreciation, and the vishku left. The moment the door to the corridor shut behind her, Duran let out a frustrated whine.

“I should have been a blacksmith!”

“You never would have lasted.” Vale laughed. “Your father would have been tough on you—tougher even than Vishku Sindri—and you wouldn’t be able to spend hours and hours just reading.”

Duran shuddered. “You’re right. Plus, the forge is hot. Stars, I hate that.” His annoyance seemingly out of his system, Duran turned his big blue eyes on me. “So, you’re the new princess? You really chosehim?”

A laugh burst out of me. “I guess I did.”

“A delight, fair Princess Neve. Seeing you with this lug tells me that there’s hope for me yet.” Duran winked at Vale, who shook his head as though he expected nothing less than the dwarf’s sass.

“We need your help, Duran,” Vale said.

“I assumed so,” the dwarf replied, palms up and his eyes to the sky. “I’m always getting this one out of binds.”

“What a tall tale.”

“It’s been true—at least twice.”

Vale cocked his head as if reaching farther back into the recesses of his memory. “Yes, well, this request has to do with my new wife and must be kept secret.”

Duran’s countenance shifted. The playfulness dimmed. “Secret, eh? Why?”

“Because,” I piped up, “it’s illegal.”

The dwarf opened his mouth, but I cut him off.

“And before you ask, I cannot tell you why I require it.”

He shut his mouth, then opened it again. “Do you possess mental magic?”

“No.” It wasn’t even a lie, not as far as I knew. “It seemed a natural thing to ask, after being confronted with illegality.”

“Hmm, she’s far too clever for you, Vale.” The dwarf used Vale’s given name. Only those in the Aaberg family and Vale’s other close friends did the same. Well, and Sayyida, but she didn’t adhere to many social norms.

“She’s cleverer than you know,” Vale replied, and as heat rose in my cheeks, I looked away to gather myself. “Now, about why we’ve come. Are you willing to help us, even if there are legal ramifications?”

Duran took a moment, his right hand fiddling with his long white tunic before nodding. “You’re lucky I love you like a brother.”

“That I am.” Vale inhaled. “Duran, can you acquire a dose of the Liar’s Salvation potion?”

The dwarf’s eyes widened. “Why would you need that?”