Page 129 of The Shadows Between Us
She’s singing.
I can’t make out the words with the horrid way the cells echo, but it’s probably some little tune sung to her as a child.
I suppose one has to pass the time somehow.
Once she hears our footsteps, she silences, watching us as we come into view.
She sighs dramatically. “Are you here to let me out?”
“No,” Kallias says.
“Well, then, let me know when you are here to let me out.” And she resumes her singing.
What the devils?
“You’re locked up formurder,” I tell her. “You should take this more seriously.”
Her voice cuts off again. “I’m not the one responsible for the late king’s and queen’s deaths. I’ve never raised a hand to Kallias. When the real murderer strikes again, I will be released.”
“You matched a description perfectly.”
“A description given by whom?” she asks.
Neither Kallias nor I dare to say, “A little girl.”
“Either it was from a highly unreliable source, or it was from someone who was in on it. Someone who wants you to think it’s me so you will let down your guard. Honestly, the person behind the attack has my utmost respect. I’m a perfect scapegoat. I have the means and the motive. But while I did want your dear father to suffer as he did, I’m not the one who killed him. And there’s no reason why I should want to killyou.
“If I were you, I’d be very careful. And honestly, perhaps you should take a closer look ather.” It takes me a moment to realize she’s speaking about me. “After all, love is an excellent motivator to kill.”
And then she resumes singing.
CHAPTER
28
Kallias and I join the rest of the nobles for lunch in the great hall. We need to be a strong and united front for all the courtiers to see. Kallias is undaunted by the attack on his life. He is as strong as ever. And everyone is here to witness it.
Save Vasco, Zervas, and Orrin, of course.
I lean forward in my seat. “Rhoda, where is Galen? Why isn’t he joining us?”
Rhoda turns her head to stare at the man leaning against the wall with the other servants. She pivots back around, a forlorn look on her face. “He wouldn’t come. Said it would put too much pressure and attention on me. Can you believe it? He’s worried about me!”
Kallias looks up from his meal. “You’re pursuing your manservant? Romantically?”
Rhoda meets Kallias’s gaze without shame. “I am.” She raises a bite of food to her mouth.
Kallias nods. “Would it help if I made him a lord? Gave him some land and a title?”
Rhoda chokes.
“I think it would,” I say.
Rhoda takes a deep drink from her cup. “Your Majesty, I could never ask such a thing!”
“If it would make Alessandra happy, then it’s already done.” Kallias switches his fork to his left hand. His right goes under the table.
To my leg.
