Page 35

CHAPTER 34

M AMá ALWAYS SAID THAT the Ancient One could use even bad things to do something good. She was wrong. The bars jailing Laude and I squeezed every drop of hope from me. I planted my palms on my forehead, a headache throbbing from temple to temple.

“At least, we’re together.” Laude’s thin voice did nothing to ease the lump in my throat. But us together in the same jail cell had kept me from melting into the stone floor that reaked of filth.

I swallowed hard, trying to wash away my guilt at her being here. If it weren’t for me, she’d be in the palace, the safest place to be when the Himzos attacked. Why did I ask her to accompany me in the first place? How I wished to go back in time and be satisfied with choosing a husband. She wouldn’t suffer. Mamá would have let me travel to see my aunt in the north, and Zichri may have followed me there anyway. My imagination ran wilder than Laude’s unruly hair. Regrets jailed me in just as much as the gray stone on each wall.

One of the jailers plopped bowls of gruel on the floor, then marched down the hall without acknowledging our presence. The indignation of the whole thing churned in my stomach.

Laude ran to the bars and shouted at him, “You can’t keep us here. It’s a matter of life and death for all of us in Giddel.”

But the man continued to stroll down the hall and slammed a metal door without so much as a grunt in return.

“You will regret not listening!” Laude stomped her foot. “When the king finds out about how you treated Princess Beatriz, you will find yourself watching an ax fall on your head— if you survive the Himzo attack!” She kicked a metal bar and howled in pain.

“Stop that, Laude. He can’t hear you.” My voice sounded weak.

“But how do they not recognize you? You are their princess. It’s not like you hide yourself in the palace for no one to see. Even if they are unsure, why not look into our story? They should be interrogating us.”

Even in the dimness, I noticed red blotches blooming on her neck. A weak smile turned up at the corners of my mouth. Her passion was so contrary to my sulking. It reminded me of Lux’s remark about howI whined all the time. Now thatI thought about it, he had called me a whiner. Only he could have done that without me lashing at him. Am I still that person?

Silent minutes stretched, leaving me trapped in my own abysmal trenches—recalling every foul word I’d ever spewed, every terse look I ever glared, every judgment I’d made. Lux and I used to laugh at other people. It made me feel so much better than those in lower stations, and it elevated my own position when I longed to be esteemed and made worthy of a gift.

The door at the end of the corridor rattled. A slender man strutted in front of our bars and sneered. “I was awakened to attend to you. Speak quickly before I lose my temper and send you to the stump.”

My mouth grew dry. It had never crossed my mind thatwe could be sentenced to death on our arrival. Pushing off the ground, I worked up the strength to combat this. Will he believe me? What other evidence do I have besides my face? I pushed back my shoulders and lifted my chin—all that time practicing Mamá’s dignified expression needed to come in handy right now.

“Good sir. Your sovereigns are waiting to hear from their daughter. Bring in Myla, the head lady’s maid, and she will identify me. But if she finds me a stranger—which will not happen—send us to the stump.” I puffed out my chest, hoping beyond hope that he’d listen.

“That’s a mighty large request you make since our highness will require her closest maid.” His pale eyes bulged over his pointy nose. “But I will do as you ask when I get a chance. And she will come when she’s available.” He shifted toward the door.

“But sir! This is a matter of life and death.” I clasped the bars of my cell.

The man scowled. “You will not die if you are who you say you are.”

“You are transgressing against the king’s family. You will not get the luxury of the stump. Instead, my papá will pour out his wrath on you. And believe me when I say, your end will not be quick.” I inhaled a quivering breath, thankful that each word came out more forceful than the next.

He clenched his fists and turned toward the door.

My words hadn’t made an impact. I flashed an apologetic look at Laude. She touched my elbow, but instead of being comforted, I was mad. There must be something else I can do.

I trained my eyes on our jailer, who wasone boot out the door. A flow of energy rattled up my spine, and I focused it on him, squeezing it around him like an octopus’s tentacle. He audibly inhaled. I said to him through pressed lips: Say yes. It’s but one word. Still quiet, he wagged his head.

“For the kingdom’s sake, will you not check to see if I’m telling the truth?” I reached beyond my physical self again. This time whispers of rage screamed in his mind. Something about her reminds me of the queen. So does her arrogant manner. But what a dirty-looking thing! I can squash her with my pinky. Fitting for a giftless princess. I even have a gift. Why shouldn’t I weld the rails shut with my touch? A cruel laugh escaped his mouth. I stiffened at this, but I didn’t relent.

Through my mind, I commanded, Get Myla, and I may be lenient. Do nothing, and I will crush you .

He flinched in disbelief, but his face quickly contorted into a scowl. “I will burn you alive if Lady Myla doesn’t recognize you.” He slammed the door shut.

Had any of my outbursts ever looked so … foul? How I loathed those memories. This time, my heartbreak was not about my lack of gift but what I’d done.

I leaned in toward Laude. “Have you any reason to believe Myla would lie?”

Laude threw her arms around me. “Don’t be silly, Princess. We’re going home.”

For once, her squeals filled me with hope. Even though it lacked any decorum, and it might not be allowed ever again, I was happy for her show of affection. Back home, I only received kisses and hugs from Mamá, Papá, and my brother. Yes, there were the diplomatic greetings from other queens and princesses. Lux sometimes stole a handhold. But nothing like this … or being held by Zichri. My chest squeezed.

My tangled thoughts wouldn’t stop. The way his strong arms wrapped around me. The way his touch lingered—that one dance. My heartbeat kicked up to a gallop in his presence and swirled my insides into sweet nectar any time he looked in my direction. An ache radiated all over my body. Lock up the memory, Beatriz. Lock it up .