Page 7 of House of the Raven
“I almost killed him,” I say.
It’s not an exaggeration. I was aiming for River’s femoral artery when I tried to stab his leg. If I’d only been a little faster, we would be having a completely different conversation—not that this is much of one. It’s more like alet’s give Valeria and Jago the meanest glares we can mustertype of situation.
Don’t they realize I’m already immune to their evil eye?
“You have betrayed my trust. Both of you,” Father finally speaks, his words lacking the anger I’m accustomed to.
This controlled lecture is far scarier than even that time he went blue in the face screaming at me.
I clear my throat. “Father, I—”
He cuts me off, putting a hand up. “I don’t want to hear it. I’ve been working all day to ensure the injured are taken care of and those responsible for this attack pay for it. I have neither the time nor the desire to hear empty explanations about your appallinglies.”
Amira winces. That is how harsh the last word sounds. It cuts me. Deep.
“I will deal with you later, Jago. Leave!” Father flicks a hand toward the door.
Jago rushes out without a backward glance.The coward!
Father goes on, “You promised me you wouldn’t leave Nido without the Guardia Real again, and today you nearly got yourself taken by the veilfallen.”
I consider denying it, but that would be another lie and not even a good one.
“From now on, you will be guarded from the moment you wake up till the moment you lay your head to rest,” he decrees.
“What? Within Nido’s walls? You can’t confine me to the palace.You—”
He looks back at my sister. “Find a couple of guards who can watch her day and night. Inform them they are responsible for her safety.”
I take a step forward. “I’m not a child. I don’t need constant supervision.”
“Your actions today make those words yet another lie.”
“You can’t keep me locked up. I’ve tried to respect your wishes, but life within these walls is not enough for me. I’m not allowed to go anywhere.”
“That is untrue. You’re welcome to accompany your sister and me.”
“You know I have no interest in stately affairs.”
“Instead your interests include dressing like a boy, playing in the dirt in dilapidated sites, and filling your head with things of no consequence.”
“Father…” Amira rebukes him in a quiet tone.
Tears prickle in my eyes. He has never talked to me like this, has never called me out on any of my interests. It isn’t fair, not when he’s always encouraged me to be myself.
“It’s time she hears it, Amira,” he says. “She turned twenty this year. She is most definitely not a child, even if she insists on acting like one. She is to marry soon. Don Justo Medrano has made a fine proposal.”
I do my best not to appear disgusted. “I have not agreed to that.”
“Your acquiescence may become unnecessary.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“I may not have a choice.” Father runs a hand down his jaw, smoothing his graying beard, a distracted motion that means he’s done with me. He stands up slowly and leaves without another word.
Amira sighs. “You really made him angry this time.”
She looks tired and her golden brown hair, the same shade as mine, is not as neat as usual. She probably pulled at it in one of the endless council meetings she and Father attend almost every day.
