Page 14 of Children of Blood and Bone

“Oh, it would be my pleasure.” Samara beams.

“Yes, but—”

“Amari.” Mother cuts me off with a smile so tight it could split her skin. “She would love to, Samara, especially before courting begins.”

I try to swallow the lump in my throat, but the very act almost makes me choke. In that moment, the smell of vinegar becomes so strong I can already feel the searing on my skin.

“Do not worry.” Samara grips my hand in her own, misreading my distress. “You will grow to love courting. It really is quite fun.”

I force a smile and try to pull my hand away, but Samara tightens her hold, as if I am not allowed to let go. Her gold rings press into my skin, each band set with a special stone. One ring feeds into a delicate chain, connecting to a bangle adorned with our monarchy’s seal: a diamond-studded snow leopanaire.

Samara wears the bangle with pride. No doubt a gift from Mother. In spite of myself, I admire its beauty. It has even more diamonds than min—

Skies…

Not mine. Not anymore.

Panic floods me as I remember what happened to my own bangle. The one I gave to Binta.

She did not want to take it; she feared the price of a gift from the throne. But Father raised the divîner taxes. If she didn’t sell my bangle, she and her family would’ve lost their home.

They must have found out, I realize.They must think Binta is a thief.That’s why she’s been summoned to the throne room. That’s why she needed to beescorted.

I jump out of my seat. The legs of my chair screech against the tiled floor. I can already see the guards holding out Binta’s delicate hands.

I can see Father swinging down his sword.

“Pardon me,” I say as I step back.

“Amari, sit down.”

“Mother, I—”

“Amari—”

“Mother, please!”

Too loud.

I know it the instant the words leave my mouth. My shrill voice bounces along the tearoom’s walls, quieting all conversation.

“M-my apologies,” I sputter. “I feel ill.”

With all eyes burning into my back, I scurry toward the door. I can feel the heat of Mother’s coming wrath, but I do not have time for that now. The moment the door shuts, I take off, hiking up my heavy gown. My heeled slippers clack against the tiled floors as I sprint through the halls.

How could I be so foolish?I chastise myself, swerving to avoid a servant. I should have left the moment that girl told me of Binta’s summoning. If the roles were reversed, Binta would not have wasted a heartbeat.

Oh skies, I curse, pushing myself past the slender vases of red impala lilies in the foyer, past the portraits of my royal ancestors glaring at me from generations past.Please be okay.

I hold on to the silent hope as I round the corner into the main hall. The air is thick with heat, making it even harder to breathe. My heart beats in my throat as I slow before Father’s throne room, the room I fear most. The first place where he ordered Inan and me to spar.

The home of so many of my scars.

I grip the velvet curtains hanging outside the black oak doors. My sweat-covered hands soak into the rich fabric.He may not listen.I gave up the bangle. Father could punish me in Binta’s stead.

A pulse of fear travels down my spine, numbing my fingers.Do this for Binta.

“For Binta,” I whisper out loud.

---