Page 114 of Echoes of the Raven
Don Justo looks him up and down with indifference. “You’re in charge of the prisoners. Watch them at all times until I relieve you. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Another salute, though his obedient expression falters as soon as Don Justo turns away. It’s clear he doesn’t like taking orders from someone who isn’t a superior, someone who never attended the academy. Regardless, he walks in my direction, rope in hand.
“I’m sorry, Your Royal Highness, but…” he says, holding out the length of rope.
“I know you,” I say. “You’re Enrique.”
He was under Bastien’s command when we went to Alsur and fetched me when Rífíor locked my sister in her room. I shake my head, thinking of how strange it is to think of the same male as two different people. Actually three, now. Four if I consider I once thought of him as River. He’s worse than a chameleon.
“Yes, Princess Valeria,” Enrique says in a whisper. “I don’t want to tie you down, but I have to.” He glances uneasily over his shoulder.
I blink at the guard. He has no idea I wasn’t shaking my head at him, but at my foolish thoughts. “It’s all right, Enrique. I know you’re following orders.” I hold my wrists out.
Without touching me, he guides me toward the tree next to Rífíor’s.
“Let me know if the rope hurts your wrists too much,” Enrique says apologetically as he bids me sit at the base of the tree and begins to secure the rope. He’s gentle, tightening the rope just enough to impede any slippage.
As he leans closer to test his knots, I ask. “How’s my cousin?”
A frown cuts across his forehead, and he’s quiet for an instant, then he says, “He’s fine.”
“Where?” I ask in a rush of breath.
“He—”
“No talking to the prisoners,” Don Justo’s voice booms across the clearing, causing Enrique to hurry and quickly move away to stand off to the side. He clicks his heels, back as straight as his rapier.
I sigh, trying to be grateful. Jago is safe. Now, I just have to figure out how I’ll get out of this tight spot. Surreptitiously, I peer up at Enrique. Perhaps he will help me.
Biding my time, I watch as guards mill about setting up a tent and avoiding Calierin’s frozen shape in the middle of the clearing. I have a feeling this is going to be a long night.
46
RÍFÍOR
“I could not have asked for a better Master of Magic, my dear friend.”
Korben Theric - King of Tirnanog - 1951 DV
The arsehole disappears inside the tent the guards set up for him. I strain against the ropes that bind me, trying to slip my wrists out, but the guard standing on watch places a hand on the hilt of his rapier, eyes flashing a warning. I relent. For now.
This turn of events is entirely unexpected. We should be on our way to the veil, but Calierin…
It is her fault we were captured. I glance at her frozen figure, hoping she stays like that forever. Despite her oath, I can’t trust her. I fear for Kadewyn. Did she kill him? I shake my head, dismissing the thought and praying to the gods he is all right.
What now? How do we get The Eldrystone back?
“Why did you give him the amulet?” I demand, throwing a sidelong glance at Valeria.
She doesn’t answer. She only glares.
“Because, unlike others,” Galen answers for her, strolling in our direction, a blade of grass in his mouth, “she holds family in high esteem, don’t you, Princess?”
Valeria’s mouth twists, her displeasure clear.
Of all people, why did it have to be Galen with his smug face and eternal carefree façade to ruin everything?
“Came to gloat?” I ask.
