Total pages in book: 222
Estimated words: 210715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1054(@200wpm)___ 843(@250wpm)___ 702(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 210715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1054(@200wpm)___ 843(@250wpm)___ 702(@300wpm)
The Obsidian Veil served as the Crimson Empire’s CIA. They obtained their trainees young and put them through a crucible of physical and mental conditioning so extreme it would make seasoned Marine Corps drill instructors weep. Avaria had been sent to Rellas to infiltrate Eagle Roost. Instead, she went AWOL. The Veil tried to kill her a few times, but she murdered them instead and eventually found a home with the Shears.
“Would you like to know how you die?” I asked.
Avaria pondered me.
“Within two years, the Crimson Empire pours over the border like a tide. Solentine’s father dies in battle trying to stop them. Solentine loses his grip on reality and refuses to leave Izarn’s body. As you try to drag him away, Theodoros of Gavalia, who rides with that legion, recognizes you and shoots you with his bow. The arrow takes you in the back, and when you fall, his horse stomps over you and crushes your skull. You knew he was a vindictive little shit when you ratted him out for stealing that knife from Vasilianus. He’s been waiting years for his revenge.”
She stared at me.
“I’d like to keep all of that from happening.” I picked up a stack of papers. “I have a list of names here. I need to know everything about these people. Who they are, what they do, what weaknesses do they have that someone with Ulmar Hreban’s resources could exploit. The High Court Session begins on the twenty-fifth this month. We must give this to them with some time to spare so we can all survive and live happily ever after. Do you think you could help me with that?”
“Yes,” she said.
“Thank you. Before we begin, I know he isn’t your favorite person, but have you heard from Everard lately?”
She shook her head.
I still had no idea if he was dead or alive. Worry gnawed at me like a hungry snake and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.
I sighed and went to work.
CHAPTER 40
REDBERRY 20
No peeking,” Kaiden warned, leading me forward.
“No peeking,” I promised, keeping my eyes firmly shut.
“You look amazing, my lady,” Clover said.
“Stunning,” Erodel said. “You have nothing to worry about.”
Kaiden let go of my hand. There was some thudding.
“Ready,” Will said.
“You can look now,” Kaiden announced.
I opened my eyes. Everyone was in the courtyard. The sky above us was golden with afternoon sunshine.
“Good job!” Shana told Clover.
“This way,” Lute called. I turned and saw myself in a full-length mirror he had dragged into the courtyard.
Oh.
After the dress had come out of the dye vat, Clover had taken off the sleeves and gone to work. I wasn’t allowed to look at it, and when I asked her how it was going, she made growling noises and shooed me away.
The dress was amazing. The color turned out to be a breathtaking rust, almost as deep as Isadau’s hair. The neckline was a variation of a Queen Anne, but instead of the triangular shoulder pieces, the embroidered straps were rectangular, flowing into complex bell sleeves, layered with rust and cream and bordered by wide bands of gold thread embroidery. The chain of Digi’s amulet was hidden under my neckline.
The fitted bodice transitioned into a light-as-a-feather outer skirt, slit on the sides to expose an even thinner cream skirt underneath when I moved. A two-inch-wide embroidered cloth belt caught my waist and from it, on a cord of a deep beautiful blue, hung the wooden puck of the Demarr crest. Clover had matched the color scheme with uncanny precision.
The hair from my temples was gathered up and plaited into an elaborate braid, leaving the rest of it free to drip down my back in wavy locks. I’d had to sleep in wooden curlers, and it was hell, but my hair looked spectacular—shiny and wavy. Clover had woven a matching blue cord into it and secured the whole thing with a cascade of tiny gold chains. I had done my own makeup and adjusted it with her feedback to match the Rellasian formal occasion standards. My shoes were tiny blue slippers with little heels.
It was as if all of my fantasy princess fantasies had somehow come to life.
I looked . . . I looked . . .
“You can’t cry, my lady!” Clover snapped. “You’ll ruin your face!”
“I won’t cry,” I promised.
Kaiden rolled his eyes.
“What do you think?” I asked him.
“You’re pretty,” he said.
“I’ll take that.”
Erodel offered me his arm. He was the picture of elegance in a silver doublet edged with light blue. A slender sword hung on his hip. Companions weren’t allowed at the joedurar, but as a ranowen, he could escort me all the way to the doors.
“It’s time,” he said.
I took a deep breath and put my hand on his elbow. We started toward the door, with Lute and Will following us. Both wore the Demarr shade-down of darker brown.