Page 18 of Mistress of Bones
“Wouldn’t you risk that and more for a sibling?”
Nereida’s features hardened, her mask back in place. Her rapier slid into its sheath as she turned to open the door. “Our deal stands. After we disembark, we’ll hire horses and go to Cienpuentes, to—”
“No.”
“Pardon?”
The bird attempted to flee, but Azul wouldn’t let it. It was a reminder, and reminders were always good when betting on one’s future. “You are capable,” she said, keeping her tone steady. Sneering would never do, and Nereida would see right through any attempts at false adulation. “And I need your help. Take me to my sister’s bones first, and I will do as you request.”
Nereida touched her rapier again. “You are free and on your way to Sancia, so you shall do as you agreed.”
“After my sister’s bones.”
“I had not taken you for an oath breaker.”
That hurt. Azul always kept her promises, no matter their shape. “I’m still willing to help with whomever you want me to bring back.”
Nereida’s fingers drummed against the grip of her rapier. “Where are these bones?”
Azul watched the other woman closely. Azul had no weapon, but with the element of surprise, she might be able to get within melee range. While she preferred daggers, she also knew how to throw a good punch. One had to, with Isadora as a sister. “Monteverde.”
“It’s on our way to Cienpuentes,” Nereida murmured. Her gaze sharpened. “You mean to bring back your sister and no other?”
“Only Isadora,” Azul assured her.
Nereida’s gaze fell to the bird, now calmed within Azul’s grasp. Figuring her point had been made, Azul opened her hands. The bird hopped over her fingers, then took flight in a burst. It flapped around the room until it found the freedom of the open door.
They watched it go, then Azul spoke: “Do you have siblings?”
Keeping her attention on the hallway, Nereida took her time to answer. “Yes.”
“A sister?” Azul asked when no more information was forthcoming.
“An older sister and a brother.” Finally, Nereida focused on Azul. “What is your point?”
“Do you love them? Imagine,” Azul said harshly, “what it would be to lose one of them.”
Nereida’s mouth tightened, but she must’ve found it within herself to imagine Azul’s grim scenario because she nodded. “We will travel to Monteverde and seek your sister’s bones, then you will fulfill your part of the agreement.”
“I give you my word.”
Nereida snorted. “Leave your word for duels and tales, Del Arroyo. It will do you no good outside of them.”
VIIAZUL
NINE YEARS EARLIER
They hadn’t let Azul see Isadora. Not after she’d woken up to find her sister hot to the touch and slurring words. Not after she had told one of the inn workers.
No, they had locked her up in another room and given her trays of food and a chamber pot and looked at her with pitying eyes while telling her to be a good child and stay over by the bed.
Azul didn’t like sleeping alone. She did it while Isadora was away, but now that they’d had to share a bed at the inn, it was so nice to stay up at night, talking about Isadora’s exploits at the Temple school and her words-and-swordfights with her year mates. If it were up to Azul, they’d travel from inn to inn forever instead of returning home until Isadora had to leave again.
When Azul had said as much aloud, Isadora had agreed wholeheartedly. She had promised that’s how they’d spend the days once she was done with the Temple: exploring together to their hearts’ content.
But now, Azul stood in her sister’s guest room to find the bedframe bare, the mattress gone, the room empty.
“Where is my sister?” She rounded on the inn’s owner, who had followed her into the room. The woman had been kind to them, jokingduring their dinners and assuring them they’d be safe at her inn. “Where is Isadora?”
