Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55602 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55602 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“Don’t be fooled by the hair. It’s not the effect of life-shortening tea.”
Nicostratus leans forward, whispering, “You mean . . .”
“I’m not dying.” Quin glances toward my hiding place. “Neither am I allowed to.”
“Your magic is blocked.”
“Mm.”
Nicostratus rises and comes to his brother’s side, hand glowing with rich magic. Potent enough to open a king’s spiritual meridians. He presses Quin’s shoulder; the glow sweeps over him and sinks inside.
I shuffle closer to the narrow gap, to better glimpse the brothers, and the screen wobbles—
I try to steady it but there’s nothing to grab without giving my presence away—
A gust whisks around the room, and Quin’s gaze darts in my direction as suddenly everything shifts and rattles and then is caressed until it’s still. The screen is back in its place.
“Looks like you’re free again,” Nicostratus murmurs. He returns to his seat, while Quin clears his throat and tells his brother—avoiding any mention of me—what happened during that time in the palace and up to this point.
Nicostratus lets out a shuddery breath. “I’ve worried, brother.”
“I kept much from you. Forgive me for that.”
Nicostratus bows his head. “You needed the act to look real. You’re well, that’s all that matters.”
“What also matters is that your position in the royal city is safe, with my son named heir. I’m relieved, knowing you are able to watch over my boy, and my queen.”
“They miss you. They mourn you. Uncle treats them with insincere kindness.”
Quin is quiet.
Nicostratus clears his throat. “I heard rumours you were sighted in this part of the country. When we got news of the outbreak, I had to check . . . I organised food relief and joined a newly established unit. They believe I’m a spiritless recruit.”
“You got past the redcloaks upholding the quarantine.”
“I wasn’t in a position where I had to interact with the captain. They checked the wagons, took some of the goods, and reluctantly sent us through. Then you spotted me and had me brought here.”
Absently, Nicostratus touches the end of his ribbon. “He would’ve wanted lives to be saved.”
My chest and my throat ache to call out.
Quin clears his throat. “Did the regent get the message about the wyverns?”
“He got it. He knew immediately you were the source. He didn’t seem pleased and he didn’t divulge his plans.”
Quin grimaces, and from my hiding spot, so do I. The regent had better take action, or . . . I shiver.
At a distant shout, Nicostratus tenses. “I shouldn’t be too long from my unit. They’ll wonder why.”
“Say you have family here. You were recognised by a cousin.” Quin’s straight back sinks against his chair and he smiles. “One day, we’ll be free to spend time without worries between us.”
“I’ll bring wine.”
“We’ll bring out the bows and arrows.”
“Best archer gets to make an outrageous request.”
“You’re not getting me to perform in the square again.”
Nicostratus laughs. “You played the flute so . . . uniquely.”
“Get out of here.”
Nicostratus stands. Pauses. “Uncle’s reach is growing,” he murmurs, his fingers brushing the ribbon tied around his head. “Hinsard is crawling with his men, and they’re not just watching—they’re preparing for something.”
Quin’s voice is clipped. “Then we’ll be ready.”
“My unit is moving south after this. I’ll break from them and head to Hinsard. Many of my people are there, too. I can send some to help you.”
“Too loud. When the gates reopen, I’ll slip out.”
“They have your image. There will be checkpoints everywhere.” Nicostratus laughs on a sigh. “Of course, you’ll have a way. What’s your plan from here?”
“The southern border—Commander Thalassios of the Wyvern division.”
Nicostratus’s eyes flicker as if in recognition. “You have dated information. Uncle has ordered half to retreat into Hinsard until further notice. Wyvern division is among them.”
“What is he up to?”
“Anything that saves him money.”
“He messes with our people’s lives and now he dares mess at the border?”
“That’s why I’m going. For more information; to find out what the situation is like.”
“Good. We’ll meet there in ten days. Wait—”
“If we cross paths publicly, I won’t know you.”
“That’s best.”
“One more thing,” Quin says.
Nicostratus hesitates at the door, glancing back. “Your mother? . . . Or his akla?”
I hold my breath. Quin waits for Nicostratus to continue, and he does. “Your mother wears a ribbon for you, too. His Akilah is saddened, but his vitalian friend visits her.”
I sag onto my haunches.
Nicostratus hesitates, then lifts his chin higher. “May I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“He tried to kill you under our uncle’s orders. Will you ever forgive him?”
“Brother—”
“No. What I really mean to ask is, will you ever forgive me?”
“What for?”
“For this.” He gestures to his silver ribbon. “For mourning him. Missing him, wishing he were still alive.”
Quin remains quiet for long beats, and my heart bangs so hard I wonder they can’t hear it.
“Was your love that deep?” Quin finally asks.