My phantom self moves through the shadows towards the palace, leaping from one pool of darkness to the next. I slip past the guards and underneath the palace door into the grand lobby. Finally, inside where shadows prevail, I rise, stretching to my full height. A servant girl hurries past me, and I wait, just a few inches out of reach until she moves on. I stick the shadows, walking along the walls and pausing in corners when mortals wander past me. The doors to the conservatory are open, and I see the messenger leave. Briar must be inside.
The conservatory is an excellent place for my shadows, and I creep through the bushes and trees until I’m only feet away from where Briar and Fera stand. I wait, eyes locked on the two women. Fera clasps her hands together in front of her and takes a deep breath, looking as if she’s smelt something unpleasant.
“Your betrothed didn’t come?” Fera asks stiffly.
“He elected not to, though he accepts your apology,” Briar says evenly. Her face is calm and assured. I suspect she would make a good stateswoman even if she can be timid.
“He has appalling manners.” Fera scowls. “But I confess I’m glad he didn’t. I have a message for your father, and I forgot all about it.”
"My father?" Briar's eyes widen, and she pales. I narrow my eyes. "How did he know I'm here?"
Fera waves a delicate hand impatiently. “I told him, of course, the same day one of my lady’s maids spotted you in the crowd at the market.”
“Are my sisters well?” Briar asks, holding a hand to her chest. Her throat bobs with emotion, but instead of melancholy, I feel anxiety through the bond. Briar is hiding something.
“They are, Rose is being courted by Prince Theodore of Czalla,” Fera says, jealousy tainting her voice. “But that isn’t what I’m meant to ask you. Your father is anxious to know if you’re well. What Kane said to him on the Day of your Collection upset him – he’s very concerned.”
Briar’s brows furrow. “What Kane said?”
Fera’s face crumples with pity. “Of course you don’t know – no one can get any word to you in the Underworld.”
I debate leaping out of my hiding spot and lacing Fera’s lips closed permanently but decide against it. I suspect Fera intends to tell Briar about my threat. I purse my lips, considering allowing Fera to finish. My heart pangs painfully as I imagine how Briar will react. If she isn’t involved in her father’s betrayal, she will certainly be devastated. I’m not sure I want to allow for that opportunity. The pain she feels will be the pain I feel.
“Kane, the monster, told your father he would break you,” Fera whispers, reaching companionably for Briar. Briar is limp, listening vacantly. “He said he would punish your father by making you his puppet to torture.”
Through the bond, I feel Briar's roiling emotions: confusion, sorrow, and disbelief. She stares at Fera, who looks on with pity. Briar allows Fera to take her hands in hers, but she doesn't grip them back. My heart squeezes painfully, and I wince. "I don't understand," Briar murmurs. "Why would he say that?"
“Because he’s a monster,” Fera spits out angrily. “Leave him, stay here with me. We can protect you from him.”
A laugh bubbles up in my chest, and I release it as I exit the shadows. "How?" I cock a brow at Fera. "How would mortals defend themselves from one of the Three? I'm anxious to know of this mortal threat."
She pales, dropping Briar’s hands quickly. “How dare you?” She cries out, trying to sound furious despite all of the fear I can taste dripping from her body.
“Shut up,” I snap, moving to Briar’s side. “Before I tear your tongue from your pinched, little mouth.”
Fera's lips clamp shut, and she backs slowly into the wall of bushes and tropical trees. "Guards," she whispers pathetically.
“So, it’s true then.” Briar’s voice is flat.
I pause, lips pursed. “There’s more you need to know.”
"Is there?" Briar asks. The words are strained as she holds back her emotions. But I can feel them storming inside of her, and it makes my throat tight. "You think that really matters?"
“He’s dangerous, Briar,” Fera says, regaining some strength.
I roll my eyes and snatch Briar’s wrist. I feel the pain I inflict on her streak through my own wrist, but I ignore it. “Let’s go,” I snarl, dragging her from the conservatory.
“Guards!” Fera screeches once we’re out of sight.
I hear armor clanking down the hall and growl irritably. Briar tugs against me, and I can feel it as anger courses through her petite frame. Scowling, I pull Briar into my chest and hold her fast. Soldiers appear around the corner, swords raised. Quickly, I call on my magic and transport us back to the inn. The air rushes around us, and I hear the soldiers yelling in the distance as we make our exit.
The instant our feet touch the floor of the inn, Briar writhes in my grip. She stomps her foot down hard on my shoe and pain lances up my leg. I hiss, tightening my hold on her, but it only makes her fight harder. “Stop,” I snap, pushing her away but squeezing her arms to her side.
“Let me go,” she says fiercely. I twist my leg to the side as she lashes out in a vicious kick.
“You
