Page 13 of House of the Raven
“So what is this all about? I’m very intrigued now,” Jago says.
“I’ve made a decision,” I start.
“What? Are you going to start playing the proper princess role and organize the All Saints’ masquerade?”
“No.”
“You’ll start attending official meetings with your father?”
“Of course not.”
“Um, you’ll marry one of the lords he lined up for you?”
“Gods no!”
“You’ll—”
“Will you let me talk?”
He puts both hands up in defeat.
“I don’t know how else to say it, so here it goes…” I pause, make sure it still feels right. It does, for the most part. “I’m leaving.”
His eyebrows go up, and he cocks his head as if waiting for more, but there isn’t any more to say.
“You… are… leaving,” he echoes, savoring each word, trying to tease out the meaning.
I nod.
“You already tried that, Val. He’s not going to let you live at the summer palace until you become an old crone.”
“That’s not what I mean. I mean… I’m lea-ving.”
Jago blinks rapidly, as if his brain is stuttering.
“Lea-ving,” he repeats. “Leaving? Leaving?” He hooks his thumbs together and flaps his hands as if they’re birds.
“Yes.”
He bursts out laughing.
“Quit laughing. I’m serious.”
It takes him a long minute to stop. “You…” he struggles to catch his breath, “you’re serious?” He sobers abruptly.
I cross my arms and give him ayou think you’re so funny glare.
“Val, I’m sorry, butthat’s unrealistic.”
Taking a step away from him, I let him have my meanest glare. “I thought you, of all people, would support me.”
He considers my words for a moment, then flaps his mouth like a fish before taking a deep breath. “You know I’m always here for you, right?”
Reluctantly, I nod. He really is.
“Well, listen carefully because this is me being here for you… that’s the worst idea you’ve ever had. You’re a princess. You know nothing about living outside these walls.”
“That’s not true.” I’m indignant. “I know more than Amira and many others who live here.”
