Page 83 of House of the Raven
He shrugs. “As long as you’re willing to spend a lifetime here, going through all of these books shouldn’t be a problem.” He yawns hugely.
“Eithermake yourself useful or go back to sleep.” I pick up the next book and dive in.
Jago takes another nap.
We repeat this process for another two hours. With every new pile of books, my frustration grows. After his third nap, Jago complains about being hungry.
“I’ve never seen anyone so consumed by his own physiological needs,” I snap at him.
“We’ve been here too many hours already. It’s unnatural.”
“Leave then. I don’t care!”
He looks guilty at that. “I’ll stay, and I’ll help.” He reaches for one of the books and begins turning the pages, his honey-colored eyes moving quickly from left to right, then back again.
Another hour passes. I find the mention of something that catches my attention and makes my heart leap.
Someone coughs lightly. “Excuse me, señor, señorita, it is now closing time.”
I glance up from my thick tome, bleary-eyed. The red-headed man who was servicing the counter earlier is here, looking apologetic. For the first time, I realize the library is quieter than quiet. It seems we’re the only ones left.
Jago lets out a sigh of relief, stands, and stretches his arms to the ceiling, a little roar sounding in the back of his throat. “I guess we’ll have to come back tomorrow.”
I shake my head. “No. Time isn’t a luxury we possess.”
He shrugs, glancing from me to the librarian as if sayingwhat do you want me to do?
I stand and reluctantly shuffle from behind the table. It was ambitious to think I would find what I needed here, and even more so to imagine I would find it today. Still, I hoped. Maybe if I had a few more hours… a thought occurs to me.
The librarian is staring fixedly at the floor. I stop in front of him, and he startles. His gaze lands right on my cleavage.
I clear my throat.
The ceiling becomes very interesting to him.
“Dear Erudito,” I say, “I very much need to continue my research.”
“I’m sorry, señorita, the rules are strict.”
“But surely, you can make an exception in my case.”
Jago comes closer and hisses in my ear. “What are you doing?”
The librarian finally looks me in the eye. His gaze roves over my face, and I see the moment he realizes who I am. How could he not when that huge portrait of me hangs in the vestibule so prominently for everyone to see?
“Princess Valeria.” He bows deeply, his right forearm draped across his middle. “My apologies, Your Majesty. I didn’t recognize you.”
“It’s all right… um…”
“Erudito Manuel Pineda, Your Majesty.”
“It’s all right, Manuel. You were busy doing your job as you should be. Now, about overlooking that small rule for me, will that be a problem?”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. I will remain here for as long as you need me to allow you to continue with your very important work.”
“Oh, you’re a dear.”
“And if you need any help, I’m at your service.”
