Page 42 of A Court So Dark
“Then you should be grateful you have it,” Naesala said.
“Oh, believe me, I am.”
We were quiet for a moment, observing Cardian’s sycophants.
“How can you stand it?” I asked.
“I focus on the little pleasures.” She held up her wine glass.
“They do have good food.” A pause. “But I need to get out of here. I need Cardian to go to Nerethien, so I can find Kalyll. Do you have any idea how long Cardian plans to stay here?”
“I’m afraid he’s not going anywhere, at least not for an extended period of time. He has some work to do in order to bend all the generals to his will. He and Mythorne want to attack and take over the smaller courts, but he can’t do that unless all the leaders agree. He’ll use fear, bribery, murder, imprisonment, or whatever means at his disposal, so it’ll take some time.”
I shook my head, desperation mounting. “We can’t allow that, and we can’t allow Kalyll to remain in the Unseelie capital. What do we do?”
“I have been thinking about that since your pixie friend came to visit me and explained everything, and I have an idea.”
My heart lifted, if only a little. “I’m all ears.”
“We will need a loyal male of about Kalyll’s build and height. I suggest his half-brother, Kryn.”
“Okay.” I didn’t know where she was going with this, but I hoped Shadow would be able to get in touch with the Sub Rosa through her network sooner rather than later.
I waited for the sorceress to explain further, but she just stood straight, her chin held high as she surveyed the guests, looking more regal than Cardian ever could.
“So what’s this plan?” I pressed her.
“Let’s sit.” She pointed toward a couple of chairs in a secluded corner. We sat down, and after she reassured me that her spell was still obscuring our conversation, she explained what she had in mind.
When she was done, I had to admit her idea was very clever and made my hopes soar even higher.
CHAPTER 15
DANIELLA
Ittooktwodays,but Shadow came through. Her network had been able to deliver a message to the Sub Rosa, and in a few minutes, I was going to meet Kryn. It worried me that Cardian’s spies could find my friends too, but Shadow assured me it hadn’t been easy and Cardian had his hands full with trying to wrangle everyone to go to war against the minor courts.
I left the Vine Tower through a service door with Larina. She was standing on my collarbone and hiding behind the ruffles of my veil. She’d been whispering instructions in my ear, guiding me out of the palace. Once more, I was glad to have her with me.
“Walk straight ahead for two squares, then turn right.”
“Squares?” I figured she meant blocks, so I peered ahead and then asked, “take a right at…” I squinted to read a hand-painted sign, “Floxen’s Apothecary?”
“Precisely.”
We made a few more turns, and the further we went, the faster my heart beat.
“Are we almost there?” I asked.
“You sound like a child.Are we there yet?” she asked in a high-pitched voice.
I smiled. It sounded like that was the universal question children asked no matter the realm.
Suddenly, Larina’s voice acquired an urgent tone. “Wait! Stop!”
My feet immediately came to a halt. I was paralyzed, adrenaline punching me right under the breastbone.
“Turn and face the window,” Larina urged. “Pretend to look at the pretty baubles.”
