The last tapestry was of Dax’s cousin, Safire. The new commandant. Her keen blue eyes peered out at Roa, as if trying to decide if she was a threat.
They were images of the king’s family.
But why keep them here?asked Essie, who’d been snooping around the room while Roa studied the tapestries. She came now to settle on the top of Dax’s bedpost.So far from the palace?
Roa didn’t know.
As she turned to face her sister, she found herself at the foot of Dax’s bed.
Roa looked down at the silky blue sheets and gold cushions. As she reached to touch the translucent canopied veils, she wondered how many girls he’d brought here, and if they’d spent the night in this bed.
She wondered what it would be like.
Maybe you should climb in and see,said Essie from her perch on the bedpost.
Roa’s face flamed. This was one of the few unfortunate consequences of their bond. Essie knew her most embarrassing thoughts.
Roa threw her a look.
What?Those silver eyes flashed.
Roa glowered at her sister, who radiated warm delight back at her.
Oh come on, Roa. I dare you.
You dare me? What are we, eight years old?
You,Essie shot back,are obviously scared.
Hot, sharp anger burst through Roa. She blasted her sisterwith it, then pushed aside the veils.
She considered the bed. Her heart beat wildly.
Maybe Roawasscared. Just a little.
Sliding off her slippers, she climbed onto the sheets and sat cross-legged, staring up at the white bird at the top of the bedpost.
There. See?
Maybe you should lie down,Essie said, teeming with mischief.Really test it out.
Roa gritted her teeth.Fine. She flopped stiffly back against the pillows.
The sheets were soft and smooth. They smelled like they’d been spritzed with rosewater, perhaps by one of the staff.
Roa closed her eyes, just for a heartbeat, breathing in the sweet, floral scent.
That doesn’t look so bad,Essie said.Maybe I’ll—
A heart-stopping sound cut her off: the creak of a knob, turning. The slow groan of a door, opening.
Roa’s eyes flew open.
Quick!Essie said, her voice full of laughter.Hide!
She flew out into the gardens. Roa rolled off the bed and onto the floor, humiliation flaring through her. She quickly slid underneath, her heart pounding so hard she felt certain it would burst right out of her chest.
“Roa?” Dax called.
