Page 19 of Shadow and Bone (The Grisha 1)
“Not what you expected?” Genya asked with some amusement.
“I just thought …” But what had I thought? Did I really think I belonged in Grisha robes?
“The King expects to see a humble girl plucked from the ranks of his army, an undiscovered treasure. If you appear in a kefta, he’ll think the Darkling’s been hiding you. ”
“Why would the Darkling hide me?”
Genya shrugged. “For leverage. For profit. Who knows? But the King is … well, you’ll see what the King is. ”
My stomach turned. I was about to be presented to the King. I tried to steady myself, but as Genya hurried me out the door and down the hall, my legs felt leaden and shaky.
Near the bottom of the stairs, she whispered, “If anyone asks, I just helped you get dressed. I’m not supposed to work on Grisha. ”
“Why not?”
“Because the ridiculous Queen and her more ridiculous court think it’s not fair. ”
I gaped at her. Insulting the Queen could be considered treason, but Genya seemed unconcerned.
When we entered the huge domed hall, it was crowded with Grisha in robes of crimson, purple, and darkest blue. Most of them looked to be around my age, but a few older Grisha were gathered in a corner. Despite the silver in their hair and their lined faces, they were strikingly attractive. In fact, everyone in the room was unnervingly good-looking.
“The Queen may have a point,” I murmured.
“Oh, this isn’t my handiwork,” said Genya.
I frowned. If Genya was telling the truth, then this was just further evidence that I didn’t belong here.
Someone had seen us enter the hall, and a hush fell as every eye in the room fastened onto me.
A tall, broad-chested Grisha in red robes came forward. He had deeply tanned skin and seemed to exude good health. He made a low bow and said, “I am Sergei Beznikov. ”
“I’m—”
“I know who you are, of course,” Sergei interrupted, his white teeth flashing. “Come, let me introduce you. You’ll be walking with us. ” He took me by the elbow and began to steer me toward a group of Corporalki.
“She’s a Summoner, Sergei,” said a girl in a blue kefta with flowing brown curls. “She walks with us. ” There were murmurs of assent from the other Etherealki behind her.
“Marie,” said Sergei with an insincere smile, “you can’t possibly be suggesting that she enter the hall as a lower-order Grisha. ”
Marie’s alabaster skin went suddenly blotchy, and several of the Summoners got to their feet. “Need I remind you that the Darkling is himself a Summoner?”
“So you’re ranking yourself with the Darkling now?”
Marie sputtered, and in an attempt to make peace, I interjected, “Why don’t I just go with Genya?”
There were a few low snickers.
“With the Tailor?” Sergei asked, looking aghast.
I glanced at Genya, who simply smiled and shook her head.
“She belongs with us,” protested Marie, and argument broke out all around us.
“She’ll walk with me,” said a low voice, and the room went silent.
CHAPTER 7
I TURNED AND SAW the Darkling standing in an archway, flanked by Ivan and several other Grisha whom I recognized from the journey. Marie and Sergei backed away hastily. The Darkling surveyed the crowd and said, “We are expected. ”
Instantly, the room bustled with activity as the Grisha rose and began to file through the large double doors that led outside. They arranged themselves two abreast in a long line. First the Materialki, then the Etherealki, and finally the Corporalki, so that the highest-ranked Grisha would enter the throne room last.
Unsure of what to do, I stayed where I was, watching the crowd. I looked around for Genya, but she seemed to have disappeared. A moment later, the Darkling was beside me. I glanced up at his pale profile, the sharp jaw, the granite eyes.
“You look well rested,” he said.
I bristled. I wasn’t comfortable with what Genya had done, but standing in a room full of beautiful Grisha, I had to admit that I was grateful for it. I still didn’t look like I belonged, but I would have stuck out much worse without Genya’s help.
“Are there other Tailors?” I asked.
“Genya is unique,” he answered, glancing at me. “Like us. ”
