Chapter 33
The hidden servants’ entrance to Iellieth’s room shook. Marcon leapt up from the couch, hand at his sword hilt. “Scad,” Iellieth whispered. She hadn’t found any clues to his whereabouts in her room, and her mother had kept her distance, sending Bridget with a tray of food when it was time for the evening meal.
Iellieth ran to the door, fumbled with the latch, and flung it open.
A head of thin blonde braids and a glowing smile met her on the other side.
“Katarina!” Iellieth cried. She seized her friend’s hand and pulled her into the room. Katarina laughed, happy to follow.
“Marcon, this is Katarina, who you’ve heard so much about.”
“A pleasure—”
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Katarina spoke over Marcon’s greeting. “And who is this?”
It was the happiest she’d felt since her wo
