Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73154 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73154 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
He yanks me away from Mother, glaring. “She was recovering. She would’ve been fine.”
“She was in pain,” I argue, standing up. “There might’ve been long-term effects if—”
“When will you understand? These spells could kill you, kill us all.”
I’m overwhelmed by memories of River and the people of Castorvra. Those twelve would have died today if . . . And Mother . . . she’s my mother. She has always cared for me, given me everything she could. How could I not do the same for her?
I meet Father’s gaze. There’s no need for words. I turn away, kiss Mother’s hand, and walk out, leaving Father staring after me simmering with silent fury.
Akilah has prepared my room with a plate of cold cuts, but I have no appetite. I’m brimming with restless energy. I need to do something.
Mouth covered, I start distilling the cave fungi. After a few hours, I have a vial of spore-laced perfume. A calm washes over me. I whisper to myself, “I can’t be negligent again.”
Akilah bursts in, breathless. “Main gates. No delay.”
The cane again, to teach me a lesson?
I follow her and freeze. The whole household is on their knees in the main courtyard. In front of everyone?
A dozen redcloaks stand in neat lines, and an official in emerald green and black strides down the aisle, holding a scroll.
My gaze swings to Father, kneeling at the head of our family. He gives me a tired, disappointed look.
“Caelus Amuletos,” the official announces.
I scuttle forward, dropping to my knees. My heart pounds. I must find a way to take the blame. I could . . . pretend Father has disowned me. I’m only here to—
“Accept this royal decree,” the official reads, “Caelus Amuletos, son of Avonis Amuletos, is to be rewarded for his heroic actions.”
I look up in shock, then quickly bow my head again.
“Thirty pieces of gold and permission to attend this year’s examinations, with full privileges. End.”
He hands me the scroll. Trembling, I cradle it to my chest. It’s like leaping off a cliff into a sea of possibilities, with stars twinkling above. My grandfathers and River seem to beam down at me.
This is a dream come true. I can learn, travel, save lives. Maybe one day, I’ll craft new spells to cure even the most stubborn diseases. This is . . .
The feeling is intoxicating. I laugh, a wave of exhilaration rushing through me. “Thank you,” I say, my voice choked with emotion. “Thank you.”
“Thank the king,” the official replies.
The king? More like Prince Nicostratus.
Father rises, saying nothing, and exits with a final disapproving glance at me. The family disperses, and as the redcloaks march out I spot a familiar scarred aklo at the reins of a sleek carriage.
I dash to my rooms, snatching up the tear-shaped vial.
“What are you doing?” Akilah asks.
“Going to visit Skriniaris Evander. Pretend I’m asleep?”
She grins. “You’re allowed to visit the library now.”
“Even a royal decree won’t change Father’s mind. He didn’t say a word just now.”
She sighs.
“I’ll bring you cake.”
“Chocolate cherry pistachio.”
“You have expensive taste.”
“You can afford it now.”
I sneak through the gates, curiosity and determination clashing within me.
Scarred Aklo spots me and stirs; I stop him announcing me with a finger to my lips. He grimaces and lets me pass. I throw back the cloth hangings and dive onto the plush-cushioned bench in the carriage—Quin doesn’t so much as flinch. He glances up from the book he’s reading, meets my eyes, and returns to his text.
I slouch, folding my arms. “You’re no fun.”
“Just a moment.” He finishes the page he’s on, tucks a marker inside. “Are you headed somewhere? I can drop you off.”
I duck out the curtain and tell Aklo to head to the library. He stares at me vacantly, only picking up the reins when Quin calls out, “As he said.”
I pop back inside and sidle all the way across until my knee is missing Quin’s by only an inch. “Why are you here?”
The carriage starts rolling. “An extraordinary event just unfolded in the palace. The officials were moved by your heroism, but the court was evenly divided—some supported a par-linea entering official training, while others strongly opposed it. Ultimately, two factors swayed their decision.”
I swallow.
“Frederica’s letter of recommendation. And . . .” Quin’s lips tilt in a subtle, teasing smile as he lets the pause linger. “You saved Official Sinclais’s favourite nephew, Coralus. I believe you’ve earned his unwavering loyalty.”
I blow out a long breath. “So you came to tell me how lucky I am?”
He leans closer, his gaze locking onto mine, the shadows of the carriage deepening the intensity. “I came to see how you’d react.”
I can’t help it. I flush and smile stupidly; so stupidly, my cheeks hurt. I laugh, and quickly rein it in. “I mean, what is it you do in the palace?”