Page 47 of Esperance

“Would you like me to find a servant to take it to your room?” the older man asked.

A line from the Rising’s message raced through her mind:It would be best not to remove the book from the library.

“Is there a quiet place I can read it here?” she asked.

“Of course.” Felinus pointed down the aisle. “There’s a table around the corner.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

“Just let me know if you need anything else, my dear.”

While Felinus ambled back toward his book cart, Amryn totedZerrif’s Voyagearound the corner and to the table he’d indicated. There was no one around, and not even a whisper of sound. She was close enough to a window that she didn’t need the aid of the nearby lamp, so she didn’t bother lighting it. She settled at the table, lifted the leather cover, and began flipping through pages.

About midway through the book, she found a mention of Sibet. After she turned a couple more pages, she found a loose piece of paper—a handwritten note.

She leaned in to scan the words.

Messages will be left in this book. Return it to the shelf when you are done, and destroy all messages before you leave. You will know there’s a new message if you see a pin in the bottom left corner of the painting of the late High Cleric Sahrind. If you must get a message to me, leave it inTheOde of Saint Feyjinn.I will find it.

Make arrangements to volunteer in the museum. Gain access to the storerooms and locate the empirical seals. Do not remove them. Press them in wax so we can make replicas. Caution is imperative. Take your time, and alert me once copies have been made.

Use your husband’s connections to befriend those whom it would benefit us to monitor.

Together, We Will Rise.

The message was cryptic enough that, if it had been accidentally discovered, it could not be traced directly back to her. But for her, it was pointed.

The Rising knew she was married to Carver Vincetti, and she was to use him to get close to Argent and Jayveh. She also had her mission, which made her heart race.

Her part in the rebellion had truly begun.

Chapter 14

Carver

Carver stood with Argent and Jayvehin their sitting room, re-reading the letter Jayveh had handed him.

The message was from the rebels, and had been left for Jayveh to find after Argent had left to visit his grandfather; something he did first thing every morning.

The note had been slipped under the main suite door, so Jayveh hadn’t seen who had delivered it. It was sealed with a single drop of crimson wax, which gave them no further clues.

Princess Jayveh,

I’m pleased to inform you that, as per our conversation the other day, I have located the painting you inquired about.The Cliffs of Ovairis located in the south wing of the gallery, and it is indeed exquisite. I hope you enjoy your study of it.

Do let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Carver finally looked up. “I’m assuming you already went to the painting.”

Argent nodded and handed over a smaller piece of folded paper. “This was pinned to the back of the frame.”

Carver took it, though his frown was deep. “You should have sent for me immediately.”

“You couldn’t have come with us,” Argent said. “What if someone saw you?”

Jayveh snorted. “You shouldn’t have come with me, either.”

Carver wholeheartedly agreed.