Page 29 of A Cursed Son

Otavio rarely supervises our physical training, but he’s here, and hands me a short rope to jump.

Leaning close, he whispers, “Actions have consequences. You’ll jump until noon.”

“Thanks.” I smile at him.

It’s not like I’m going to complain—or that I’m even allowed to complain. And in truth, I’m grateful this is the type of punishment I’m getting, instead of being expelled from the guard.

He smirks, then adds, “To protect your skin.”

As if it wasn’t burned already. I nod and start.

Is it possible to keep jumping for four hours? Is he hoping I’m going to beg for some rest? I turn the rope and make it go over me, then jump slowly. In reality, he never said how fast I had to go, and he’s already heading to the door leading to the stairs.

Outside the canopy, Tarlia and Sayanne are climbing a wall made of wood with some rope hanging from the top of it. On the ground, there’s an area with a feathered quilt. They’re going to train jumping from the top of it, and I really wish I was out there, enjoying the thrill of the fall, imagining one day having to escape from a window after a daring adventure. Instead, I’m here, hiding from the sun.

The male substitutes aren’t training with us today, and I’m glad I don’t have to see Quin. I guess I’m not looking forward to some practice. Ugh. That conversation ruined everything.

Lord Stratson’s daughter then comes to mind, with her rigid posture. Dead? And was it Marlak’s fault? I agree with Ziven that attacking that manor doesn’t make much sense, but is there anything in Marlak’s actions that makes sense?

The dream comes to mind, with the mysterious tower beyond the Pit of Death. It could be anywhere. No, somewhere where there are monsters. Perhaps far north? And what is it he wants? He was interested in the chalice, at least for a while. Why would anyone who owns all the Crystal Court relics care about a stupid, worthless trinket?

Unless… It was not the chalice he wanted, but the beacon stone. He has loads of those, though. It could be a specific stone, perhaps connected to one of his relics. I’ll need to get back to our study room and read about them. If our books are correct, he owns at least three swords, a few daggers, a bunch of rings, some chalices, and the crown, which is supposed to be a simple circlet, and can only be worn by the true king of the Crystal Court.

Now, King Renel can’t wear it, since Marlak took it, and Marlak obviously can’t wear it, or he’d put it on and challenge the throne. I still don’t see how beacon stones or a tower can relate to that.

What I wonder then is how he was able to kill his family and escape the palace with all the treasure. Did he put it in sacs? Did he carry a trunk? Perhaps he used air magic and blew it all away. Didn’t anyone notice it? I need to check the books more closely, or perhaps ask Andrezza.

Even jumping slowly, I’m getting tired. There are only two guards up here and one of Otavio’s assistant. What happens if I stop and sit? What happens if I don’t? And if Tarlia or Sayanne get married, will it make a difference whether I can jump, prepare poisons, or defend myself?

Perhaps I always thought we’d be chosen for an assassination mission. I never doubted that I was the most qualified for that. But to seduce a king?

I jump and jump, my mind circling like the rope. And then perhaps I should realize that my skills are useful. How many people know poisons like I do? How many people can unlock doors? They wouldn’t squander all our training. I have to believe that Otavio truly intends to protect me. After all, he never told anyone what I was, he’s been coloring my hair since I was little. That takes effort, time, commitment. He wouldn’t throw all that work away and simply get rid of me. At least I hope not.

With that thought, I walk to the bench and sit, taking deep breaths. I’ve never disobeyed a direct order before, and I’m wondering what’s happening to me. Well, I’m tired, that’s what’s happening.

But sitting doesn’t stop the enigmatic questions from circling in my head. Would Marlak have attacked Stratson’s manor? It’s so illogical. But if not him, then who?

So far, nobody has mentioned the attack. I thought I was going to be interrogated again, but I heard nothing. Hey, I’d gladly sit indoors and answer a bunch of questions instead of jumping a stupid rope for hours. Maybe that’s why they haven’t called me yet. Maybe Otavio wants to make sure I’m sufficiently punished first. Or maybe they don’t think I’m hiding anything. Why question me again, when they already have all the information they need? And yet I have a queasy feeling in my stomach, as if something’s amiss.

Right as I think that, Otavio storms through the door, glaring at me, five guards at his heels.

Oh, shoot. I almost pick up the rope again, but it’s too late to pretend I was following his orders. I notice then that three of the guards are royal guards, wearing their typical black sash. They answer directly to the king and rarely come to this tower. The way Otavio’s glaring at me, I’m certain I’m going to be put in a cell or sentenced to death. Did they find out about Ziven’s magic? About my lies?

Andrezza also appears at the door, her eyes wide, and I exhale in relief. For some reason, I always feel safer when she’s around, but then the fact that both masters are here can’t mean anything good.

Otavio turns to a royal guard. “We will talk to her.” He then turns to me. “Follow us.”

Tarlia jumps down from the structure and approaches us. “What’s happening?”

“None of your business.” Otavio doesn’t even look at her.

I wave at her, and mouth, “Later.”

She nods.

I also wave at Sayanne, who’s on top of the climbing wall, looking at me and frowning as if worried.

Well, I’m worried too.