Page 85 of The King's Man 1

Mouth covered, I start distilling the cave fungi. After a few hours, I have a vial of spore-laced perfume. A calm washes over me. I whisper to myself, “I can’t be negligent again.”

Akilah bursts in, breathless. “Main gates. No delay.”

The cane again, to teach me a lesson?

I follow her and freeze. The whole household is on their knees in the main courtyard. In front of everyone?

A dozen redcloaks stand in neat lines, and an official in emerald green and black strides down the aisle, holding a scroll.

My gaze swings to Father, kneeling at the head of our family. He gives me a tired, disappointed look.

“Caelus Amuletos,” the official announces.

I scuttle forward, dropping to my knees. My heart pounds. I must find a way to take the blame. I could... pretend Father has disowned me. I’m only here to—

“Accept this royal decree,” the official reads, “Caelus Amuletos, son of Avonis Amuletos, is to be rewarded for his heroic actions.”

I look up in shock, then quickly bow my head again.

“Thirty pieces of gold and permission to attend this year’s examinations, with full privileges. End.”

He hands me the scroll. Trembling, I cradle it to my chest. It’s like leaping off a cliff into a sea of possibilities, with stars twinkling above. My grandfathers and River seem to beam down at me.

This is a dream come true. I can learn, travel, save lives. Maybe one day, I’ll craft new spells to cure even the most stubborn diseases. This is...

The feeling is intoxicating. I laugh, a wave of exhilaration rushing through me. “Thank you,” I say, my voice choked with emotion. “Thank you.”

“Thank the king,” the official replies.

The king? More like Prince Nicostratus.

Father rises, saying nothing, and exits with a final disapproving glance at me. The family disperses, and as the redcloaks march out I spot a familiar scarred aklo at the reins of a sleek carriage.

I dash to my rooms, snatching up the tear-shaped vial.

“What are you doing?” Akilah asks.

“Going to visit Skriniaris Evander. Pretend I’m asleep?”

She grins. “You’reallowedto visit the library now.”

“Even a royal decree won’t change Father’s mind. He didn’t say a word just now.”

She sighs.

“I’ll bring you cake.”

“Chocolate cherry pistachio.”

“You have expensive taste.”

“You can afford it now.”

I sneak through the gates, curiosity and determination clashing within me.

Scarred Aklo spots me and stirs; I stop him announcing me with a finger to my lips. He grimaces and lets me pass. I throw back the cloth hangings and dive onto the plush-cushioned bench in the carriage—Quin doesn’t so much as flinch. He glances up from the book he’s reading, meets my eyes, and returns to his text.

I slouch, folding my arms. “You’re no fun.”

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