Page 51 of Echoes of the Raven
I would never forgive myself. There has to be a way to dissuade her. I have to keep trying.
21
VALERIA
“I wish she would show more interest in official matters. Perhaps with time.”
Rey Simón Plumanegra (Casa Plumanegra) - King of Castella - 19 AV
The next morning, I wake up to Cuervo’s croaks out on the balcony. The door is closed due to the fall chill, and he hates that. Yawning, I get out of bed and walk outside. A shiver runs up my arms when the air hits me.
“Good morning, Cuervo.” I kiss the top of his head, and he preens and sways from side to side. “You’re so lively today.”
“Treasure safe,” he reports, as if he clearly understands how important this knowledge is to me.
“Thank you, friend.”
Cuervo jumps off the railing and flies away. He looks like a bird with a purpose, and I feel a bit jilted by his abrupt departure—not that I can blame him. I have been too busy to pay much attention to him. Before all of this started, I used to spend a lot of time with him, exploring the city, playing, and feeding him. Now, I wouldn’t get to see him if it weren’t for his morning visits, however short.
Hoping I can make time for him soon, I take a quick bath and dress in black leggings and a gold-embroidered burgundy tunic. They are thenicest set I own, formal enough for a council meeting. I finish the look with a tight braid.
After much thinking about what I should do to help Amira, I decided it’s time to stop skirting my duties, even the most loathsome ones. I had hoped to live a carefree life, where I only had myself to worry about. I never wanted to be responsible for the welfare of others. An obstinate bird was as far as I was willing to go, but just as my sister’s future looks nothing like what I imagined, mine is morphing as well. I don’t like it, though my decision to take up my spot on the council as Father always wanted is not entirely selfless. If I’m able to put Amira’s life back on the right path, perhaps mine will be set straight, too.
Walking with purpose, I leave my bedchamber. Yesterday, I checked the schedule and know there will be a meeting in one hour. This gives me enough time to visit Nana and enjoy breakfast by her side, next to the warm hearth in her bedchamber.
Like usual, she’s up early, warming her old bones by the fire. Today, there’s a cart topped with hot tea and honeyed rolls next to her rocking chair. Depending on how she feels every morning, she makes her way to her favorite dining hall by the kitchen or requests breakfast in her room. Today, it seems, her joints aren’t cooperating, and she’s staying in.
There are extra teacups and rolls on the cart—enough for four. Amira, Jago, and I visit her whenever possible, especially around mealtime, and she ensures there’s always enough food for everyone.
After kissing the top of her head, I serve myself tea and sweeten it with three sugar cubes, then place a roll on a small saucer and sit across from her. She smiles at me and sips from her cup, rocking gently.
“You look smart this morning.” She scans me, focusing on my polished black boots. “There isn’t even mud on your soles.”
I take a large bite of my roll and mumble, “I’m attending a council meeting this morning.”
She sets her teacup down. “Did I understand you correctly, dear? Council meeting, you said?”
I nod.
Calmly, she sets the teacup back on the cart, pondering the news. By her confused expression, I assume that Amira’s plan to confine the fae hasn’t reached her ears.
“Amira is trying to do something I don’t agree with,” I say.
“Child, are you sure it is wise to oppose your sister? She’s only beginning to get her sea legs as queen. She will not appreciate her younger sister undermining her authority.”
I’m glad for Nana’s immediate disapproval. Now I know exactly why I came here this morning. I need her opinion, her judgment. She’ll be my guiding force today. If she still thinks I’m wrong after I tell her what Amira is planning, I will relent.
Thinking my words carefully, I say, “She has changed much lately, Nana. Sometimes, I don’t recognize her. Father’s untimely death was a huge blow to her, and I think the attack from Orys Kelakian warped her perception of the fae.”
Nana doesn’t interrupt. She simply nods, encouraging me to continue, so I do.
“Because of this, she has developed a plan torelocatethe fae. This is what she calls it, but in truth, her plan means their extrication from society and their imprisonment behind secure walls.”
As she takes everything in, her gaze drifts to the burning logs in the fireplace. She twists her hands together, rubbing her aching knuckles, and as she digests my words, her expression slowly shifts, inviting deep grooves of worry to her forehead.
After a long moment, her rheumy eyes meet mine again. “She must indeed be tremendously changed if this is her plan. I haven’t seen her but a couple of times since your father died. I must admit she seemed haunted, but I attributed it to the demands of her new role. You’re notin an easy position, Valeria, but I certainly understand your desire to act now. We must fight to uphold our values, and I know well what yours are.”
“You and Mother always taught us to respect everyone, to treat all as equals, no matter their race or creed. Why has Amira forgotten that?”
