Page 46 of The Court of Secrets
Blaise’s voice trembled my hands.
“I know you’re in there. I’m not leaving until you open the door.”
I blew out a long breath, then sighed. “One moment.”
I unlocked it and creaked the door open. Blaise was wearing blue robes, and his crown was hidden within his mess of curls. His expression was stony as he pushed past me. “Lock the door,” he ordered, then walked to the window. Looking out, something he did a lot when he was in any room—a trait we shared—he shook his head. “I’ll assume Cedric being taken away this morning to the tower means I was right. He did steal the Dagger.”
My shoulders slumped. In a way, I was glad Cedric was behind bars. I was pretty sure if he wasn’t, Blaise would have killed him. “Yes.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“No.”
He turned to face me. “Did you even ask?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Of course I did. I’m not an idiot. He wouldn’t tell me. He needs them to give to his family so they can keep them from Kiros. He thinks if we give them to Aqugar, he won’t give them back.”
“He’s right. Aqugar won’t relinquish them once they’re in his grasp.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Wait… you said them?”
I bit my lip. “He took the Sword too, the Sword of Impervius,” I said, as if he didn’t already know what I was talking about.
“You did the right thing, locking him up.” His jawline was sharper under the white light. It seeped through pale gray clouds, illuminating Imperia in a light glow.
My stomach knotted. “I know.”
“Let’s hope his family doesn’t find out.” He rubbed his forehead, decreasing the lines that had formed on his skin. “This is quickly turning into an international crisis, one Niferum could get dragged into.”
I sat behind the desk. “Because Magaelor doesn’t have enough problems without this.”
His gaze softened. He turned and closed the distance between us, then took my hands in his. “I’m sorry he betrayed you.”
“I’m not.” My expression hardened. “I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I won’t be trusting people from now on.” I cast my eyes downward. “It hurts too much. He’s not the first person to break my heart.”
He squeezed my fingers and leaned over. “He will be the last.”
“You can’t make such promises, Blaise.”
“I could kill him for it.”
“I would never forgive you.”
“I know.” He paused, then let go of me. “We will find them, the Sword and Dagger, and you can let Cedric go and send him back to Berovia. It’s more than he deserves.”
I didn’t respond. “I have meetings today. I can’t lock myself away forever.” I suppressed a nervous laugh as it climbed up my throat. “Everyone thinks being queen is a luxury. It’s not. It’s the highest form of public service, and one I feel is draining the life from me.” I wouldn’t admit it to anyone else, but between us, I felt like I could say anything. There was no judgment in Blaise’s eyes.
“You’re just getting your footing here. You’ve not been bred for this. This was your brother’s future for the longest time, and now you’ve been thrown into the role with little training. In time, this will all become easier.”
“I have some training,” I said. “You underestimate me. I just mean it can get a little overwhelming.”
He whistled out a breath. “You underestimate yourself, love.”
“I’ve already sent Adius and his most-trusted men to search for any place the Sword and Dagger could be stashed. For now, I must go about as if nothing is wrong.”
“If you don’t find them.” Warning laced his smoky stare. “I will use my own means to retrieve them.”
I didn’t even want to know what that entailed. I almost forgot. “Blaise… the tiara.” I remembered his gift. “Why did you send it?”
“It is yours.”
