Queen of Secrets

6

They’d threatened Dahlia’s life, and since I’d been unable to complete the assignment, they were going to send my wretched stepbrothers to finish the job. I couldn’t stand back and let that happen, even if it meant losing my position in the Ravens or defying Kabel.

I yanked off one of my boots, trying not to groan from the tightness in my ribs. Inside the leather was a secret compartment holding a few small tools, including lock picks. Vermot and Corgin were fools for not searching me thoroughly. It wasn’t like this was the first time they’d locked me up—and I was nothing if not prepared.

I inserted the tiny metal picks into the lock, and within seconds the cell door was swinging open. I pulled my boot back on and crept out of the prison, listening intently for the sounds of anyone around me. Few people actually lived in the Ravens’ headquarters and most of our business was conducted at night, so I had little fear of being caught now that the sun was rising.

I had to move slower than usual due to my injuries, but managed to avoid anyone by ducking into side rooms or dark corners. One of the many hidden exits was only a few feet away, but then I heard Kabel’s voice say the word, “Princess,” and I stopped to listen.

“Do it tonight at the ball,” he said. “Our contact in the castle will get you inside.”

The ball. I vaguely remember hearing about a ball to celebrate the royal baby’s impending arrival. I crept closer and strained to hear more.

“Won’t there be a lot of people there?” Corgin asked.

“That’s the idea,” Kabel said. “Prince Nial wants to make sure there is no way to connect him to the murder. Make it dramatic and then get out.”

Prince Nial—Dahlia’s fiancé? He was the one who wanted her dead? Sun and Moon, she was in more danger than I’d thought. I had to warn her.

“It won’t be a problem,” Vermot said, his voice haughty.

“Feel free to make it…messy,” Kabel said.

Corgin let out a low chuckle. “My specialty.”

My fists clenched at my sides. I was going to murder every single one of them for even considering it. But first I needed to reach Dahlia. I backed up and spun around, only to come face-to-face with Traya.

“Going somewhere?” she asked.

I swallowed. I’d take Traya out if I had to, but I’d prefer not to harm her. “I’m leaving.”

“About time. Surprised you lasted this long.” She handed me a large bundle. “Here.”

I opened it up and found my weapons inside, which had been taken by Vermot and Corgin earlier. “Thank you.”

She gave me a sharp nod. “Years ago, the Ravens worked for the royal family to keep peace in Talador. We worked in the shadows, taking one life to save thousands.” Her lips pressed together in a tight line. “When Kabel became Master, everything changed. Damn shame it’s come to this.”

“Yes, it is.” I briefly clasped my hand on her shoulder, before moving past her to the door. She didn’t stop me as I slipped outside.

Pain shot up my side again and I briefly paused to get through it, before strapping on my weapons. The morning sun brought a touch of warmth to the streets of Ralston, and I set off toward the castle with slow, pained steps.

By the time I made it to the hidden tunnels that ran under the castle I was exhausted, but determined to make it to Dahlia. She and I had discovered these tunnels by accident when we were kids playing hide and seek in an old abandoned part of the castle, and years later we’d shared our first kiss in a secret room we’d uncovered behind some old rubble. We both swore we would never tell anyone else about the tunnels, that they would be our secret and no one else’s, and to my knowledge Dahlia had kept her part of the bargain. Even after I’d broken her heart and she’s become engaged to another man.

But if Prince Nial truly was behind this contract, Dahlia’s engagement would be over. She was slated to marry the man in a month and the thought of her with him made my skin crawl, but I couldn’t be happy about this betrayal either. Even if she ended things with him now, her brother would arrange another marriage for her eventually. No matter how this played out, she and I could never be together, and then was no sense in hoping otherwise. A princess couldn’t marry an assassin.

Five

Dahlia

I

stepped into the Queen’s Garden and spotted Fellina sitting on a bench beside the white lily-of-the-valley blooms. The garden was a gift from my great-great-grandfather for his young bride, filled with plants that could survive our harsh, cold northern climate. That was when the tradition of naming the royal daughters after flowers began, while the princes were often given other plant names. Queen Fellina looked up when I approached with a kind smile, one hand resting on her large stomach. The physician estimated it would be another few weeks until the baby was born, and everyone in the kingdom eagerly awaited the day. I wondered whether the child would have her golden hair and unusual amber eyes, or the dark hair and blue eyes that Balsam and I shared.

“Hello, Dahlia,” she said. “Won’t you join me? It’s a lovely day.”

“How are you feeling this morning?” I asked, as I sat beside her on the bench.

“As well as can be expected.” She rubbed her round, extended stomach. “I’m very ready to meet this little girl, but we have fifteen more days to go.”