Page 36 of House of the Raven
Breathing unevenly, I find myself wondering if Orys is ensconced in Amira’s mirror, whispering evil deeds and curses into her ear while she brushes her hair at night.
Amira, what is happening? I need you right now. Father is gone, and I don’t know what to do.
I shake my head. “You’re wasting your time.”
The truth is, I don’t think I would find Orys even if I were able to see into every corner of Nido simultaneously. I have a feeling the sorcerer will reveal himself only when he’s ready to be found.
Instead of wandering Nido like a lost soul, I need to find Jago and tell him of my plan.
“Leaving Nido today is not the same thing as yesterday, Val,” Jago says.
We sit on a marble bench in the roof’s sparring courtyard, the sun directly overhead. Our voices are little more than whispers as we huddle under the shade of a young acacia. Cuervo is nowhere in sight, and I’m grateful for that. The less he knows the better. It’s best to keep things simple for him.
He did return after performing the task I asked of him and seemed to indicate everything went all right. Surprisingly, my mind is now at ease as far as the necklace is concerned—a good thing since I have many other things to worry about.
“Your father was going to let you go,” he goes on, “but from the way you described Amira’s ultimatum, I think she might chase you to the gates of hell to make sure you follow her orders.”
“I don’t care, Jago,” I say. “I’m not going to Aldalous. I’m staying right here in the capital.”
My plan to leave Nido is back on schedule. Amira—queen or not—isn’t shipping me away.
Jago rubs the side of his face, frustrated. “And what do you think you will find out while living among the rabble? They can teach you all about washing your own clothes, but they know nothing of your father’s secrets. You’ll be so far removed from Nido that you’ll be lucky if you catch a glimpse of Emerito’s parade of ridiculous outfits.”
“Nana can help.”
“What? Nana? She’s almost eighty years old, Val. Besides, it’s dangerous.”
Nana rescued me from trouble many times, but Jago is right. She’s too old now. I’m grasping at straws.
“I’ll figure it out,” I say. “There are people within the palace who might help me.” I think for a moment. “I can approach some of them while they’re out and about.”
“Oh, good. At least Nana will be safe. Who cares about everyone else!”
“You’re a jerk, you know?”
We’re quiet for a moment, then he frowns, looking worried. “I don’t know, Val.”
“If you’re afraid, you don’t have to come with me. I’ll go by myself.”
“Of course, I’m afraid. I’m a pampered royal, a low one in the scheme of things, but still a royal. It would be hard enough to live in thatwilderness,” he gestures in the general direction of the heart of the city, “without having to worry about threats on our lives. It will be quite another to survive with the queen as our enemy. Have you stopped to think about that? We’re too young to die.”
I want to be mad at him, but I can’t. I have no right to ask him to risk his life for me. Going against Amira might very well spell my end, but it doesn’t have to spell Jago’s.
“It’s all right.” I squeeze his hand.
“Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, I’m going with you.”
My heart leaps with elation. I would be lying if I tried to deny my fear. Having Jago by my side will give me strength. I sense a test lies ahead, and I must do my best for Father, to avenge his death and ensure his legacy isn’t tainted.
I throw my arms around Jago’s neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me so much or I’ll change my mind.”
I put my hands up and concede. “All right, let’s plan our escape.”
“Ominous but exciting. I have to admit that last part.”
Closing my eyes, I chew on my thumbnail. I need to go through everything in my mind before I start explaining. Once I’m sure of the necessary steps, I share my thoughts with him. “We’ll meet at midnight in the old chapel in the west wing,” I begin.
