Page 72 of Kingdom of Feathers

With that decision made, Basil sank into his bed more ready for sleep than he had been since Wren had flown at him in such desperation by the pond, three weeks before. His last thought, as he drifted into unconsciousness, was of the feel of her pressed against him, held in place by his instinctive grip, her expressive eyes full of unreadable emotions, and her breath coming in gasps as she tried desperately to tell him something he simply couldn’t understand.

Chapter Nineteen

Wren woke to the sound of a curtain being vigorously pulled across its rail. Blinking in the bright light that flooded the room, she pushed herself up into a sitting position.

“For shame, Princess Wren, to be still abed at this hour,” scolded her governess, moving from the window to Wren’s enormous four poster bed.

Wren just yawned, and the governess gave a sniff of disapproval.

“If you didn’t sit out in the damp air to all hours, you wouldn’t wake so late that you missed breakfast.”

Wren made no effort to respond. Her governess knew perfectly well that she wasn’t usually such a late riser. She’d sat with her brothers until after midnight—much to the displeasure of her attendant guards—because she wanted to sleep late, specifically so that she could miss breakfast. Lady Anneliese had been incredibly accommodating in helping her avoid Basil at lunch and dinner, but the noblewoman didn’t actually live in the castle, and it was a little much to expect her to be present in time to break her fast every morning.

A maid sailed past, bearing a silver tray, and Wren sniffed hopefully at the steam rising from it.

“Compliments of the Chief Under Chef, Your Highness,” said the girl with a smile. Wren returned it, warmed enough by the thoughtful gesture to ignore her governess’s snippy comments about servants forgetting their station and encouraging the princess to become slovenly.

Wren picked up a bread roll that was still hot from the oven, but it was only halfway to her mouth when the maid sent her a significant look. She nudged something else on the tray, and Wren was surprised to see a thick white envelope. Picking it up, she recognized the Entolian royal seal holding it closed.

“Found it pushed under your door when I came to light the fire this morning, Your Highness,” the maid said in an undertone. “It’s not my place to say it, but I know the signs of a lovers’ quarrel as well as anyone. And if I may be so bold, I don’t like to see Your Highness wafting around the castle so morose.”

Wren felt a flush rising up her neck at the implication that she was avoiding Basil because of some argument between sweethearts. If only it were as simple as that. But she couldn’t deny she was greatly intrigued at what would have caused him to push a note under her door. Waiting until her governess bustled into her own adjoining room, Wren ripped the envelope open and scanned the short letter inside.

Wren,

I would have liked to say goodbye and tell you all of this in person. But I wasn’t sure you would welcome it.

For a moment Wren’s vision spun. Goodbye? Had he left, then? She should be glad, she supposed. His presence was such a danger to the boys. But she’d been so close to showing him her true self. Not even a week remained of the curse’s six years! She looked down at the page again.

By the time you read this, I will have left, and I wanted to at least tell you that I’m not going back to Tola yet. I haven’t given up on solving our mystery, or—speaking as the brutally honest man you know I am—on figuring you out. The dragons gave me a great deal to think about when we spoke, and I’m following up on a lead they gave me. I won’t put more in writing, but I hope to return soon.

Basil

Wren stared at the page in growing horror. He was trying to figure her out? Of course he was. And the dragons had given him a lead! Had they been able to tell, then, just from looking at her? She’d been afraid they would sense the subtle thread of magic that presumably connected her to her brothers’ curse, not compelling her silence, which was purely voluntary, but allowing her to join their silent communication. The question was, had they been able to discern from that subtle thread the truth of her brothers’ situation?

She flew from her bed, dressing more quickly than she ever had in her life. Ignoring her maid’s astonishment, and the governess’s protests from the next room, Wren dashed into the corridor. The guards stationed outside her room sprang into action, hastening after her as she sped toward the gardens. She didn’t breathe properly until she caught sight of Caleb, floating lopsidedly across the surface of the water. It seemed whatever the dragons had told Basil, it hadn’t been enough for him to fully solve the mystery yet. But she couldn’t let him follow up on that lead, whatever it was!

Scanning the water, she recognized the sleek form of Bram, ducking down below the surface in search of food. Confirmation, if she’d needed it, that Basil had left Myst.

She waved her arms over her head, and her third brother finally noticed her hovering by the water. She could barely contain her impatience, but finally Bram was close enough for her to make contact.

Bram, did Basil leave Myst this morning?

He nodded his head in a decidedly non-avian gesture. Wren frowned at him, hoping that the guards hovering several feet away weren’t as perceptive as Basil had been.

Where was he going?

Not sure,Bram replied.I followed him far enough to see that he really was leaving the city. But he didn’t have his whole delegation with him, just that nobleman, the merchant enchantress and her husband, and a couple of guards. I assume they’re coming back.

It was Wren’s turn to nod.That’s what his letter said. But it might be too late by then.She chewed on her lip anxiously.I think I have to go after him.

That’s ridiculous, Bram told her flatly.Father will never allow that, and he’d be right.

Wren scowled. Her brother wasn’t wrong—she doubted there was any argument that would convince her father to allow her to go chasing after the Entolian king. But that was because he didn’t know what was at stake.

Do you think I’m going to sit here and watch for Caleb to die when Basil figures it out? Who knows what these dragons told him? He might be on the cusp of solving it right now!

It will all be over in a week, Bram argued.Maybe he won’t make any headway before then.

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