Page 17 of Thief of Dreams
Excellent. Sounds like I've walked directly into a war. It ought to be the perfect cover for my own intended crimes, but I can't help thinking the stakes suddenly got higher.
I Sift away through the shadows, seeking refuge in my own chambers.
Infiltrate the Court of Dreams, Father said. Steal the Dragon's Heart. It will be easy.
I shudder as I melt back into mortal flesh.
This task just became a thousand times more dangerous.
6
The next day, one could be forgiven for thinking anybody died within these walls.
Everybody is summoned to the audience chamber. It's far too early to be out of bed, let alone coherent, but I do my best, because the Lady Merisel would be just as thrilled as all the other females by the promise of time spent in the prince's company, even if she had to jostle for a place at his side. I might not have fooled Keir, but I cannot allow any of the princesses to start wondering why I'm here, if not for him.
I let them all crowd the prince.
No point fighting my way through that gauntlet of elbows and slippers stomping on my feet, just to catch a glimpse of his wit.
"I hear you managed to steal a moment alone with his Royal Studliness last night." Calliope appears at my elbow, and I didn't hear her coming. "Someone saw the two of you conversing in the hallway, and the Twisted Twins are up in arms. You ought to watch your back today."
"The Twisted Twins?"
"The leaders of the prince-hunting pack."
Ah. Ismena and Narcissa. I can't summon the hate today, however, for there's a gaping hole in their little coterie. Not that any of them look disconcerted by Altrea's death.
What if one of them summoned the creature? It would certainly explain the lack of concern.
"Did they happen to mention I was covered in Wyrdwolf gunk at the time?" I drawl wryly. "It took me three baths to get the wretched stink off me. Trust me. There was nothing romantic about it."
"Inconsequential details," she says, waving it away. "So what happened?"
I swiftly explain the night's events, leaving out the more interesting parts.
"A Wyrdwolf?" she asks dubiously. "Someone brought a Wyrdwolf into the court?"
"I believe the prince is investigating, and he's certainly roused his guards." There's an armor-plated guardian at every corner. "But you ought to watch your back, just in case." A thought occurs. "I'm not one for the courts. Do you know of anyone who might have borne Altrea a grudge?"
"You think it was summoned directly to kill her?"
"I don't know. Could be coincidence."
Calliope turns her gaze upon the other princesses. "Princess Altrea was of the Court of Fauna. I heard Narcissa call her a beast yesterday. There was no love lost between their courts—some old grudge, I think—but I don't know the specifics."
The princess of the Blood Court just keeps coming to my attention. Narcissa is cruel, but is she a killer? "Is she powerful enough to twist an Other World to her whim though?"
The sounds of excited gasps forestall Calliope's answer.
It takes a moment to work out what has them all so excited. Prince Keir has called for a hunt. Apparently we're all to go together; a chance for the prince to get to know us a little better.
Now the request to wear riding leathers makes sense.
Not that half the crowd has taken notice of it. There's more silk and ruffles around me than a milliner could boast.
"A hunt." Calliope screws her nose up. "I think I may abstain. There's been enough blood spilled of late." She heads toward the palace. "You'd be wise if you take my advice. I don't think any of us should be alone out there with... certain princesses."
I'm supposed to distract the prince today. Soraya wants a closer look at the palace. Besides, with so many guards suddenly at attention, the bright light of day is no place to make a move. Patience is a thief's best weapon, and there'll be plenty of time to make a move when the furor dies down. "I think I'll take my chances."
