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“What does that even mean?” the man asked.
I took a deep breath as though I was trying to calm myself. I wasn’t actually angry, I had no reason to be angry at these soldiers for simply doing their duty the right way. But showing hesitation was not an option... I had to act like a spoiled lordling so they did not suspect my intentions.
“It means what it means,” I said cryptically. I had heard divination masters speak like this before. The implication of knowledge regarding unknown futures had to be the subtext. The guards did not know the subtleties of the art of divination. And I had to pretend as though I did. “I need to do this now. Feel free to tell the queen that you are the one keeping me from my duties.”
The guard cocked his head.
He had no way of speaking to the queen, I knew. But he could tell someone who could reach her and then, I would be in trouble. The queen would expect an explanation and I wasn’t sure if mine was going to be sufficient to persuade her.
“You should let him go, Alamte,” another guard left the guard station next to the gate and approached the two guards standing before me. “He is favored by our queen.”
I did not recognize him, but could see that he knew exactly who I was.
My initial plan to sneak out without arousing suspicion had failed already. The new guard gave me a look that told me he would say something about my odd request to go out in the middle of the night.
My backup plan would have to do.
Tonight was important. I had to risk it.
“Thank you, soldier,” I said. “Our queen will appreciate your help.”
He gave the sign and the other guards moved away gruntingly. I did not look at them as I hurried outside.
The sound of the gate closing after me felt like an accomplishment in itself.
I was finally free. Not free in the sense that I could do anything I wanted to, or go anywhere I wished, but free in thought; the queen’s mind magickers could not hear my thoughts outside the palace gates.
I reached the bottom of the incline leading out of the palace gates and stopped. The night had settled some time ago, and the streets were less crowded than what I was used to. I reached the house after a long walk.
The door had been left open. The darkness on the other side looked eerie, but this was where I needed to be.
I ignored the prickling of my skin and entered the courtyard.
It was empty. The moonlight fell on the well, and the water’s surface moved uncannily.
The smells of the house welcomed me, trying to stir memories despite my resistance. But would not work tonight; I turned away from the courtyard and after climbing the stairs, I found myself in the hallway leading into the bedrooms.
It was dark here. I did not even notice her until I mistakenly kicked her leg.
I stopped and looked down.
A servant girl was sitting on the floor with her back to the hallway wall, her eyes wide open and breathing constant. I did not recognize her. Her gaze was empty and her mouth moved awkwardly with each breath. Her legs had been extended into the hallway casually and that was what had almost made me trip.
This part had not been a part of my vision, but I knew that I wouldn’t trip and fall. That was not how she would notice me for the first time tonight.
The servant girl did not stir as I silently walked over her.
I knew that they were going to be in their room but I could also hear them as I took a left. Once I reached their door, I paused for a moment to listen.
“Where is she?” the woman asked, her tone cold and professional.
For a moment, no response came. Then, a little shriek...
“We don’t know,” Mother replied, huffing as though she had been the one who shrieked. “We are not lying!”
She was in pain. I could tell. It wasn’t likely to be physical pain, but sometimes, physical pain was preferable.
“Silence!” The woman spat the word. “I am not talking to you. I can hear your hateful thoughts. I know what you did. I’m talking to Oren. Tell me, how could you let this happen?”
