Page 79 of House of the Raven
I nod.
“What does he have to do with any of this?”
“Hells if I know.”
“I’m so confused.”
After I explain everything, Jago is flabbergasted. “This plot is thick as Bastien’s arms, Val.”
“I wouldn’t know about that.”
We sit in silence for a couple of minutes, then I say, “Your plan sounds good. I need to think.”
“Good.” He climbs to his feet and offers me a hand. “Maybe we’ll think of something on the way to thislittle inn I know.”
I’m wrapped in a sheet, my hair loose, wet, and smelling of lavender. My stomach is full, and the sweet, yet spicy taste of anise still lingers in my mouth. Jago is out, getting me new clothes, and Cuervo stands on the windowsill, shifting his weight from one talon to the other.
“Thank you, Cuervo. That was the best tomato soup and the best bath I’ve had in my entire life, and I owe it all to you.”
“Val, friend,” he croaks.
“You’re my friend, too.” I reach out and pet his neck with the back of my index finger.
“Oh, Cuervo, what do I do? How do I free my sister?”
I still refuse to believe she’s doing all of this of her own volition. She loves me and loved Father and only Orys is to blame. And all because of my mother’s necklace.
“Necklace,” Cuervo croaks as if reading my mind.
Doing a double take, I look at him in surprise.
“Yes, Cuervo. The necklace is the key. The necklace that River called anamulet.”
“Amulet,” he repeats.
“Yes, amulet. Are you keeping it safe?” I ask.
He bobs his head up and down.
I pace the room, the length of the sheet trailing behind me. “What is so special about that necklace? Maybe it’s worth a fortune.” I shake my head. “No, that’s not it.” I’ve seen some of the courtiers wear far more valuable pieces. “Maybe it has some sort of power like I initially thought? But if it does, why did Father let it be my toy after Mother died? I have to find out more. But how?”
Frustrated, I collapse on the bed, lay my head down, and get some much-needed rest.
When Jago returns with my clothes, I’m awake. My hair is dry, cascading in waves over my shoulders. He has two paper-wrapped bundles, which he sets on the dresser that sits in the corner.
“I got some of your favorite leggings and tunics from Woven Whimsy Wear. Also, a dress in case you decide you need a real disguise.” He winks. “I think everything will fit. I have your measurements, cousin.”
“What time is it?” I ask. There’s no clock in the room, and I’ve completely lost track. When I woke up, a possible plan was sitting in front of me, some crazy idea I must’ve hatched in my dreams. Now, I’m restless to act.
“Thirteen hours.”
“Good. We still have time.”
“Time for what?”
“. We’re going to the library.”
He scratches his head, making his blond hair stand on end. “Not my favorite place. Why the library?”
