Page 115 of Exquisite Monster

“Where will he lead them?”

Isaelle laughed quietly. “We learned as children the best way to distract and get rid of the guards. There’s more than one place in the palace where it’s easy to lock them behind a door if you’re fast enough.”

She held the real key, and though I knew the vault was below ground, I wasn’t prepared for the sight of the stairs disappearing intonear darkness. Faint torchlight lit the stairs in front of us, but the fear still clogged my throat. Squeezed my lungs.

“This way.”

You are not there,Sirrus said, though his voice was soft and distant.And we will burn Avimont to the ground before you will ever be trapped inside it.

I took a shallow breath and followed. Around the first curve of stairs there was far more light, and this place mercifully did not smell like water. Simply dry earth. Like being in the library at Skalisméra. I could do this. I could do this.

She leaned in. “Two more. One here. And one at the doorway to the second vault.”

We stopped concealing our footsteps. Isaelle hadn’t been sure how much of Avimont or the palace guard was aware of her departure and absence, but on the chance it had been kept quiet, acting normal could help.

“Stars, I haven’t been down here in a while. But I know that bracelet is down here somewhere. I can’t wait to show you.”

“It sounds beautiful,” I said, putting on a laugh. “But if you can’t find it, it’s all right. I didn’t expect it to be in your dungeon.”

Isaelle snorted. “Trust me. This is much nicer than the dungeon.”

The guard was blank-faced with shock. “Princess?”

She stopped right in front of him. “What are you doing? Move.”

“I wasn’t told you would be visiting the vault.”

“Why would you be? I can visit the vault whenever I like. I have a key.”

He flushed and stammered. “They usually tell us so there’s more light and such. You shouldn’t be in the dark. I can?—”

I stepped around her and punctured the skin of his arm with the dart. We both caught him as he fell, and I winced at the clattering echo in the cavernous space beyond.

“I wish he’d just stepped aside.” She sighed. “I am permitted to go anywhere I want and yet I am questioned at every turn.”

“You don’t have to explain it to me. I’m more than familiar.”

We passed pedestals with art and vessels full of gold and jewels. It looked like the plunder of a thousand battles. A hoard.

“For what it’s worth, knowing Andaros even a little? I would have chosen the dragons too.”

“I have no regrets.”

Our last obstacle spotted us the second we turned the corner, and he startled just like the last one had. Isaelle turned on her royal charm. “You can stand down. It’s only me. I need to go inside.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. You aren’t permitted inside this vault.”

“According to whom?”

He swallowed. “According to the king.”

Isaelle crossed her arms and made sure the vault key was visible in her hand. “The last time I spoke with my father, he assured me I could go anywhere I like. He even gave me a key. Why would he do that if I’m not allowed inside?”

“I-I don’t know, Your Highness. I just know I’m not permitted to let anyone but His Majestythrough.”

He paled in the face of her glare. “Should we go and see him now?”

“His Majesty is not in residence.” Then he frowned. “You should know that. Should you not be with him?”