Page 86 of Crewel (Crewel World 1)

Helping me to the only armchair in the room, Jost waits for me to settle back, but I lean forward on the edge of the seat, my elbows resting on my knees, and hide my face in my hands. Across the room, Jost speaks into the companel in a low voice. They’ll be here in moments and then explanations will be expected. I don’t know what to say. My mind has stopped forming words and keeps replaying the ripple of water against Enora’s breasts.

‘Let me talk,’ Jost whispers, kneeling down next to me.

I turn my head and stare into his blue eyes. I wish I could sink into them and float away.

The guards arrive first, then a few maids, and finally Maela sweeps into the room.

‘Where is she?’ she asks like she can’t hear the muffled chaos in the next chamber.

Jost answers, which is good, because I’m not sure I remember how to talk.

‘You,’ she says to me, ‘stay here.’

I look up and glare at her. Not much of a chance I’m going anywhere.

Maela disappears into the bathroom, and I strain to listen. I think someone is crying. Probably one of the servants. Some poor girl rejected years ago.

I wait forever, and Jost stays crouched by my side. We don’t speak.

‘Adelice,’ Maela says, coming back into the room, ‘you found her?’ She lights a cigarette and blows the smoke down at me.

‘Yes,’ I say in a clipped tone.

‘And she was already dead?’

I clench my jaw and nod.

‘And the last time you saw her?’

‘Yesterday,’ I lie.

Her eyes turn to slits and she opens her mouth, but before she can speak, Loricel enters the room.

‘I’ve informed the medical department,’ she says to Maela. ‘As well as the main office. An investigator will be here soon. You are no longer needed.’

Maela turns to Loricel and lifts her chin. ‘I’ll decide that.’

‘No,’ Loricel says in a quiet voice. ‘I will. Enora was in Manipulation Services. You are

dismissed.’

Maela shoots me one withering look, but she slinks out of the room.

‘You found her?’ Loricel asks.

I sigh and squeeze my eyes shut. If Loricel was the one who sent her to be remapped, I shouldn’t be so glad to see her.

‘When was the last time you saw her?’ Loricel asks.

I open my mouth, ready to repeat the information I told Maela. ‘I saw her—’

‘Tell me the truth,’ Loricel interrupts. She’s already washed her face and without the carefully applied cosmetics and patching, the cracks of age are more visible. Her eyes sink back and her eyelids droop.

‘I saw her this morning,’ I whisper. ‘She was with Valery.’

‘Thank you,’ she says in a tired voice.

‘Loricel,’ I say, ‘you have to protect Valery.’