Page 59 of A Rose Among Snakes

I slammed the book shut, clenching my jaw and groaning through my teeth. Heavy footsteps sounded in the hallway, and I scrambled to replace the ledger and close the cabinet, coughing to muffle the squeak as it shut. I dropped to my hands and knees to scrub the nearest ink splotch on the floor just as Velian poked his head through the door.

"Any progress?" he asked.

"Yes, some," I answered, keeping my head down and hoping my breathlessness came across as exertion and not fear.

"I'll leave you to it then. Thank you, Mihrra." He paused like he was waiting for my reply, and when I continued scrubbing instead, he closed the door as he left. I sat back on my heels and blew out a deep breath, my body still tingling with alarm. What would have happened if he'd caught me?

I shut my eyes and lifted my face to the ceiling. I had hoped to find answers, but I ended up with more questions. A hare-brainedthought hopped around my mind, and as I got back to work on the stains, I decided to follow it.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Mihrra

The clock in the entryway chimed, announcing it was time for supper. I cleaned myself up and changed my clothes, stepping out of my simple black dress and apron and donning a navy blue gown with a round neckline and sleeves that stopped above my elbows. Noticing the hat Kezara bought me in the market, I plopped it on my head. Before leaving, I grabbed a small coin purse and looped the straps around my wrist, the coins jangling as I walked to the kitchen.

Mrs. Shulling glanced up from the table when I opened the door, squeezing past Mausette with a platter of roasted potatoes.

“Mrs. Shulling,” I said, “is there anything you need from me? I have business in town I need to address before everything closes for the evening.”

Her brows crinkled as she eyed the coin purse hanging from my wrist. “No, dear. Go on, if that’s what you need to do. I’ll notify Milner to ready the carriage.”

“Oh, no, I can walk. I don’t want him to miss his meal.” I tried for a cheerful tone to mask my nerves.

“Very well. Be careful, and please come back before nightfall. Have a good time, dear.”

“Thank you,” I said, almost tripping over myself as I hurried out of the kitchen. The hall was quiet as I made my way to the front door and closed it gently behind me. The walk into Port Deering was quick, thanks to the downhill descent, but my knees were shaking by the time I reached the bottom. My hands trembled as well, doubt seeping through me as I wandered the boisterous streets alone. I got lost a couple of times and was ready to abandon my plan when a wrong turn brought me face-to-face with a horde of Ziffem addicts squatting in the corner, tears streaming from their eyes due to uncontrollable laughter.

Countless, contradictory emotions were churning inside me when I turned down another alley and the ‘Readings with Regalla’ sign appeared up ahead. I swallowed hard as I raised my hand and knocked on the black door. There was no response for several moments. Just as I picked up my skirts to leave, assuming she was closed, the door creaked open.

Regalla looked me up and down with fists resting on her hips. “I had a feeling you would be back.” Her dark eyes glimmered with mischief, and I recognized the slight accent in her words. That, coupled with her tan skin and wine-red hair, made me wonder if she was from the territory of Quemina.

As I stared at her, I chewed on my lip and glanced back down the alley, second-guessing my decision.

“Come in, darling,” she cooed, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward her.

She closed the door, sealing me inside the suffocating room. Candles burned and the air was thick with incense, only addingto the claustrophobic atmosphere. Regalla sat behind the round table and indicated for me to take the upholstered chair across from her. As I sat, she stretched her tattooed hand out across the table, staring at me and waiting for me to place my hands atop hers.

When I didn’t, she took a deep breath and asked, “Why are you here?”

It was a good question. I wasn’t entirely sure, but my shaking limbs reminded me of my fears.

“I’m looking for answers.” I kept it vague so as not to give Regalla anything to latch on to. I needed to verify if there was any legitimacy to her readings.

“I can tell you did not heed my previous warning. Are you looking for insight regarding a handsome man?”

I kept my face blank and said, “No.”

“Well, perhaps we’ll give you some clarity there anyway. I can feel your confusion. Now, give me your hands, or else this will not work.”

I willed my hands to stop trembling as I rested them in her waiting palms, but there was nothing I could do for the clamminess. She wrapped her fingers around my wrists, closed her eyes, and started chanting like the last time. The candles flickered as if blowing in the wind, but there was not the faintest breeze. Regalla’s chanting grew louder, the words coming faster and faster, and my heartbeat followed suit.

The same sensation of the walls closing in pressed on my chest, constricting my breathing. Sweat dripped down my back asI fought against the urge to run. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping it would stop the anxiety bubbling up inside me. My legs twitched, muscles tense and ready to spring into action, and I was about to give in to my desire to flee when Regalla stopped. My lids sprung open to find her gaze locked on my face, but it was like she was looking through me.

“The girl… the girl is in trouble. Her trial has begun, but she will need your help.” She closed her eyes and swayed her head from side to side. I sat transfixed, unable to move. “You are getting so close to uncovering the answers to your father’s death, but it will not be what you expect.”

My mouth dried out. How did she know about my father?

Finding my voice I asked, “Where is Kezara?” Terror made the words come out harsh and demanding.

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