Page 76 of When the Wicked Sing
Mariana looked over at her but didn’t say anything. Instead, she studied her.
Ophelia shifted in her seat. “I only ask because I look at all these books”—she gestured to the library—“that couldn’t survive underwater. So, how do your people keep their history?”
Sitting back in her chair, Mariana crossed her arms. Her voice was calm and clipped when she answered. “Why does that matter to you?”
“It’s fascinating, that’s all,” Ophelia said, shrugging. “A culture without written records—it must be difficult, preserving your history over centuries.”
“We keep our knowledge to ourselves.” Her tone left no room for anymore inquiries.
Not knowing what else to say, Ophelia simply nodded and stared down at the swirly lettering of the book in her lap.
It was one of her favorites. The romantic tale of two lonely sirens who were split up during the infernal wars only to find their way back to each other by the end. Any time she had the chance to sneak into the siren library, she’d find it and rereadit for hours. At least until a spirit decided to pester her with gossip.
“You know, I admire your people’s ability to tell amazing stories.” Ophelia lifted her head to gaze lovingly at the shelves of books surrounding them. “They’re so beautiful. It’s heartbreaking that they’re locked away in here with no one to read them.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Mariana said with a lifted eyebrow. “To read books?”
Ophelia sighed as she stood up to put the book back. “I’m here as a friend,” she answered honestly, then faced Mariana, who scrutinized her from where she sat. “I want to help you search if you need it, that’s all.”
“That’s all?” Mariana asked, her monotone voice clearly conveying her disbelief.
“Yes. The faster we find out where the amulet is, the faster we can go get it and keep it safe.” She quickly lifted a hand toward Mariana. “Keep your people safe too. Helios cannot be allowed to return.”
Mariana’s mouth lifted like she was amused. “Let’s get one thing straight. You’re here to keep an eye on me and report back to your mistress that I’m behaving and not hiding any information I find. That’s why you want to help so badly, and we both know it.”
Ophelia lifted her head and pursed her lips. “Honesty and trust are appreciated, but Princess Halia—”
Mariana cackled. “Honesty and trust?Are you joking?”
Ophelia only stared at her, unable to think of what to say.
Mariana waved a hand through the air. “The princess wants the amulet, so her father doesn’t use it, ensuring she stays the heir to the throne. I get it. Doesn’t change the fact that she’s a downright evil bitch for not only holding my sister hostage but sending someone to abduct me and drag me all the way here just to do it all over again.”
Ophelia’s eyes widened as she stared in horror at what Mariana just said. “The princess is not—” She shook her head, unable to even whisper the words. “Listen, it’s true that her methods are … a bit extreme, and I will say that I do not agree with the way she handled the situation with your sister, nor do I condone what she’s done to you, but she has done admirable things for this kingdom since taking over as regent for King Stavros.”
Mariana crossed her arms and squinted up at her. “Like?”
“Like—” Ophelia stuttered, flustered when the words escaped her just as jumbled spirit voices began whispering vehemently into her ears. “Sorry,” she muttered as she closed her eyes, willing the spirits to calm so she could speak.
“What’s happening?” Mariana asked, her voice distant and muted behind the cacophony of voices.
Grinding her teeth, Ophelia forced the voices to quiet. She took a deep breath the moment her ears only heard the crackle of the fireplace, then opened her eyes to find Mariana staring at her with a confused expression.
“I apologize, the spirits were a little loud. As I was saying—”
“Spirits?” Mariana asked, then her eyes widened. “You’re from House Spirit. You’re a Seer.”
Ophelia nodded, holding her gloved hands in front of her. “Yes I am.”
Lifting a hand to her mouth, Mariana gazed at her with a stupefied look.
Irritation tightened her fists, and she quickly sat in the chair across from Mariana. “Look, I want to be your friend, I’m not lying about that. I really liked Astra. She was kind, and though, she, too, didn’t like to tell me anything, I could tell how much she missed her family.”
“Hmm, I wonder why,” Mariana muttered.
Ophelia ignored her. “I understand that feeling, deeply,” she admitted, thinking of her parents. Sadness gripped her throat, and she tried shoving the feeling back as she recalled why she had even brought it up. “I would do anything for my family, and I know you would too. Princess Halia saved me. She offered me a way to escape poverty and has done the same for so many. She works day and night to make sure this kingdom has everything it could need to thrive because everyone who lives in Aurelia is her family.”
Mariana’s eyes lifted to the painted ceiling like she wanted to roll them but had to hold herself back.
