Page 56 of House of the Raven
When she leaves, I eat my rice, chewing carefully. I still can’t forgive Father for arranging this marriage and concealing it from me, but at least he had decided to let me go. Amira on the other hand… she wants to ensure I find no escape from this distasteful duty.
Too bad!
I have a different duty in mind, and it involves avenging Father and bringing Amira back to her senses. One way or another.
15
VALERIA
“The child is blind. There is nothing to be done. I am sorry.”
Eda Villanueva - Human Midwife - 25 BV
The next morning, I feel awful from lack of sleep. Before going to bed, I spent a couple of hours going around the house while the guard Bastien posted at my door followed me around. He appeared embarrassed the entire time, clearly uncomfortable with his orders to stop the princess from escaping.
We ran into guards and servants belonging to Don Justo. They watched us with curious eyes as I explored the many sitting rooms and museum-like spaces that held a variety of paintings and sculptures of clashing styles, the mesh of artifacts giving the impression of someone trying to pass as an art connoisseur and accomplishing the exact opposite.
I hope anyone who saw me assumed the guard at my heels was there to protect me and make me feel comfortable while I navigated my supposed new home. But if they suspect my plan is to run as far away from Don Justo as humanly possible, maybe they won’t blame me. The problem is… based on my nighttime explorations, I decided that escaping the villa is virtually impossible. There is no gap in the wall, and there are too many guards everywhere. It was this realization that kept me from sleeping andhad me tossing and turning all night, though it wasn’t all for naught. I did come up with a feasible plan. I only hope it works.
I leave my bedchamber in search of Ynes and find her in the ample kitchen, directing the cook and maids, and instructing them in all the tasks to be performed for the princess and Don Justo’s arrival later that evening. When she notices me standing by the entrance, she and everyone else curtsy and bow their heads.
“Good morning, Princess Valeria,” she says. “I didn’t expect you to wake up this early. I thought you might be tired from your travels.”
“On the contrary,” I say, putting on a vapid air, “I feel incredibly refreshed. It must be the ocean breeze having a positive impact on me.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Your Majesty.” Ynes turns to the others and claps her hands, causing them to blink and stop gawking. “Everyone, get to work.” They shake themselves and do as instructed, some disappearing through side doors and others turning to the counters to knead bread and chop meats and vegetables.
I flip my hair to one side. “Ynes, I would like breakfast delivered to my room as well as help getting dressed.”
“Certainly, we will be there shortly.”
“Thank you.” I whirl on my heel and leave, sashaying and looking all around as if I expect butterflies to start circling around my head. It’s an act I’ve delivered a million times. Those who know me don’t fall for it, but I can still get away with it every now and again.
My guard follows me, frowning. He can tell something is up, and I have no doubt he will run to Bastien to tell on me. There’s nothing I can do about that, however, so I resolve to be more clever than him.
After breakfast, I instruct the maids Ynes assigned to me to find my lilac dress in my luggage. After they get it freshened and ready to wear, I let them do my hair and makeup. They are delighted to help me as I regale them with stories from Castellina and the royal palace. They want to know about my sister. Is there a dashing king somewhere vying for herlove? Will she ever come to visit me in Alsur? Will I need their help when I go back to visit the capital?
Throughout the interrogation, I keep a friendly expression, even if their questions hurt. My father isn’t ten days dead, and he’s already forgotten. I’m glad when they leave me alone.
Carefully, I examine myself in the mirror and approve of their work. I definitely look like aproper princess. Father and Amira would be proud. I have always preferred trousers and leggings. Most of all, I prefer comfortable shoes, as opposed to the ones my feet are stuffed in at the moment. No way I’m going anywhere in them.
I’m on the way to the closet to exchange the heels for boots when there’s a knock at the door. Jago pops his head in after a moment. I asked Ynes to deliver a message for me. She frowned when I told her I wanted to see him in my bedchamber.
“Perhaps,” she suggested shyly, “you should meet him in one of the sitting rooms, Your Majesty.”
I know she’s only looking out for me. From the slight edge of fear in her expression, I can tell that inviting any man to my bedchamber, even my cousin, would be an issue Don Justo would take offense to.
To pacify her, I said, “Don’t worry, I won’t give Don Justo any reason for displeasure.”
Ynes gave me a gentle smile, full of relief. It makes me wonder if she has suffered at the man’s hands.
Jago blinks at my dress. “What is this all about? Have you decided to play by the rules and give the don what he’s expecting?”
I glare at him.
He puts his hands up. “Sorry, it’s just it’s been a while since I’ve seen you in a dress like that one.”
I go into the closet, kick my shoes off, and gather the clothes I left on one of the shelves. Sitting in an armchair, I slide the leggings undermy dress, stuff my feet into a pair of woolen socks, then put on my comfortable boots.
