When I’m convinced we truly have this moment to ourselves, I take a deep breath and say, “We should probably sit down for this discussion.”
We settle on the bed, and I recount the past days to her as quickly and clearly as I can. It takes a few tries. A lot of starting and stopping.
I don’t thinkIeven realized all the hell I’ve actually been through—not until I’m trying to put it into words. Surviving is like that, sometimes; just one foot after the other, until you make it to the other side and can finally look back at the distance you’ve covered.
Briar is quiet for a long moment after I’m finished talking,her head tilted toward the ceiling in thought. “So, the king at least took you seriously when you confronted him last night. That’s more than I would have expected from him.”
“He listened this time, yes…it hardly feels like we’re on even footing, though. He needs me, but he’s not being entirely clear aboutwhy. Or about the threats his city is under. He claims it’s just rebels trying to interfere with the bond Blight and I share, but…I don’t know. It feels like something bigger is building. And nothing about the royal family is clear. Even after spending all this time with them, I don’t trust any of them.”
“Well,obviouslywe don’t trust them.”
I stand and wander toward the door, again checking to make sure the princess isn’t lingering close enough to overhear us. We still seem to be alone, but I lower my voice as I step back to Briar and say, “This is a rare opportunity—to be standinginsideof these walls, in a position of power, instead of outside just trying to survive under the crown’s shadow. I don’t want to waste it.”
“Which means we need to better understand the inner workings of this palace and city…”
“Exactly.”
“So you need to get closer to the king and his secrets, somehow.”
“A thought that makes me want to vomit, honestly.”
“But the path to that closeness is clear, isn’t it?”
I settle back on the bed beside her, bracing a hand against the silk bedspread.
“You just need to keep working on your part of the agreement,” Briar continues. “The stronger your bond, your magic, your…whatever else you can gain from that dragon, the more leverage you’ll have in this palace. Which means freedom to explore and everything, right?”
I let out a sigh.
She arches a brow. “You were thinking the same thing, weren’t you?”
“Against my will,” I admit. “I was hoping you might have some other genius, alternative plan.”
“I am the genius between us, that’s true.” She yawns. “But I’ve got nothing this time. Sorry.”
In spite of her words, I feel a small smile curving my lips. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re here.”
“Me too. Though it feels a bit strange to say I’m glad to beanywherenear this damn palace.”
It does—but it also feels familiar and safe, sitting here with her like this. Like we’re sitting back at the Soot and Cinder, discussing our plans for another routine job over our usual drinks.
The normalcy shatters as Kestrel appears in the doorway and informs me that time is up, reminding me that I have obligations to see to.
And, unlike during our routine jobs, I find myself hesitating. I’ve rarely worried about whether or not Briar could take care of herself, but the shifting, treacherous currents of this palace make me reluctant to leave her alone.
“Sometime today,” Kestrel snaps at me.
Briar and I exchange a look.
“I’ll be fine,” Briar insists, quietly. With a nod toward the pillows, she adds, “I’m looking forward to getting some rest in a proper bed, actually; so the quicker you get the hell out of here and let me sleep, the happier I’ll be.”
I know she’s just trying to make me feel better about leaving, but I go along with it. “You look like you need aweek’s worth of beauty sleep, so this is probably for the best.”
She flashes me a rude gesture.
I blow her a kiss, we share a quick hug, and then I force myself to stand and walk away from her, even though my heart feels like it’s cracking, getting closer to shattering with every step.
Kestrel is silent until we reach the main floor. “You know, I have to applaud you for confronting my brother about releasing her. Most wouldn’t have been so bold. Or stupid.”
