Page 90 of The Court of Secrets
She looked around once we emerged in the courtyard. “Where’s our things?”
“On a ship.” I couldn’t help but grin. “We have new company.” I licked my dry lips as sharp winds stole their moisture. “Remember me telling you of Aquarius and his crew? They’re here. They were found at Moorestown Docks and brought to the dungeons but were released last night.”
“It will be interesting to go by sea.”
“They’re experienced sailors. Our luggage has already been loaded onboard. We only need a carriage to take us to the docks. Their ship was brought to the main port.”
“I look forward to meeting with the people who saved your life.”
“You will have that in common,” I replied and walked with her to Blaise’s carriage. Looking out over the inky-blue sky, I sighed. Morning was barely emerging, the sunlight not yet revealing the curves of the waves or the tall black buildings of Imperia. Stars disappeared as it slowly lightened. The Dagger of Ruin and Sword of Impervius were with Blaise, wrapped carefully, as well as the Amulet of Viribus—locked in a trunk so no one would be tempted or cursed.
“Blaise spoke to the mer king. He’s explained we are retrieving the final Object and will have it all shortly.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “I was concerned after the last sinking.”
“The mer have become more vicious,” I said. “It’s the curse the mer king and Blaise share.”
The black curtain moved back, revealing Blaise’s tortured gaze. He wore a blue tunic with black buttons and patterning. His tousled black hair was unkempt around his crown of silver. When he saw me, the pain in his expression diminished, and a smile was forced. Sympathy and guilt guided my smile back.
“Good morning, love.”
I shook my head with a grin. “Always in such a good mood.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He arched a dark eyebrow, a glint of excitement on his face. “I’m taking my girl back home.”
My heart lurched.
Morgana looked between us. “I don’t mind taking another carriage.”
“Nonsense.” He grinned, opening the door. “Both of you, in.”
I inhaled deeply, pulling the ties of my deep-red traveling cloak around my neck, and gave one last look at the castle’s arched entrance and stone steps before stepping in after Morgana. Blaise took my hand, sitting me next to him. His fingers landed on my knee as the carriage grumbled and the horses neighed.
“Aquarius and Bella are probably nervous,” I said, now that the three of us were alone. “They felt like they couldn’t go into Niferum before, when they found me attacked by the feral fae.” I glanced at Blaise. “Because of you.”
He smirked. “Are you surprised to learn I have enemies, love? If so, I fear I may have misled you. I’m not the good guy.” He winked, and I rolled my eyes.
“Be nice to them.”
“They saved your life.” He squeezed my fingers, lifting my hand to his mouth, and pressed a kiss against them, warming the cold settling against my skin. “If they are friends of yours, then they’re friends of mine.”
I leaned over, pressing my lips against his. His lips curled into a smile as we kissed. I pulled away, my cheeks heated. Morgana was sitting across from us, kindly averting her gaze to the window as if she had no idea what we were doing. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done for me,” I whispered because it meant more that way, like a secret held between us. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The corner of Morgana’s lip twitched as she suppressed a grin. I moved my gaze to where she was sitting.
“Did you pack the books?” I jolted, realizing I’d forgotten.
“Yes.” Morgana’s brown eyes regarded me, matching the golden and dark hues in her hair. She was taller than me, as tall as Blaise who stood at six foot. Her small waist and hips leant to a willowy appearance. She was beautiful. I couldn’t understand why Licia would turn his back on her when she was clearly interested in him. He wasn’t good enough for her in any way, yet he was the one rejecting her. I shook my head.
“Something you want to share?” she asked, titling her head.
“Nothing.” I swallowed thickly. What she told me about Licia was between us, and not even Blaise would hear it from my mouth. She wasn’t used to being vulnerable, and she’d trusted me with something that made her feel that way. She and I were the same in that regard.
I peeked behind the curtain as we rode over the old bridge and into Imperia. Tall buildings illuminated as the first rays of orange wavered the horizon. The first bustles of morning could be heard as the briny, salty air whipped through the curtain. As we traveled through the market, the scent of basil, smoke, and coffee overpowered the smell of the sea. Coffee was newly imported and could only be found in the richer parts of Magaelor, such as Imperia. In Berovia, I remembered, it was more common, at least at the castle. I recalled Kiros drinking it on more than one occasion.
Red-and-white striped awnings stretched over long tables, where lunas placed their fabrics or foods for sale. The people behind the stalls hollered deals at the early passersby, while customers haggled back. Eggs were stacked in baskets at one stall. They were a delicious shade of golden brown and were jumbo size. I wondered if we got our eggs from that farmer at the castle.
