Page 137 of The Shadows Between Us
I toss my head out the window, so I can glare up at the simple man. “And what do you think will happen when the king dies, and I tell the council you could have prevented it?”
He still looks unsure.
“I have fifty necos in my purse,” I say.
At that, he turns the horses around, and we veer back up the mountain, this time at breakneck speed.
IDON’T KNOW WHATI’m doing.
Kallias is going to kill me. The moment he sees me, I’m dead. Notlong ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated to save myself, even if it meant someone else’s death. I still would—if it were anyone except for Kallias.
I hate him.
But I love him more.
He needs to know the truth. Even if he kills me for it. He needs to know who murdered his parents. It wasn’t Zervas, and it wasn’t Leandros. It wasn’t even Vasco, but he must be involved somehow. I don’t quite have the whole of it figured out.
But I know enough.
I leap from the carriage once we reach the palace again. I curse the skirts that impede my speed. If I had just worn pants today—but I hadn’t thought I’d be running anywhere. I just remember what Kallias did the last time I wore skirts…
The sun has long since set; the palace is as quiet as a tomb. Guards stand watch at every opening into the palace, but I suspect they haven’t been told of my treachery yet. None prevent me from entering, and fortunately I don’t spot the three who delivered me to the library to await the king’s judgment.
I’m panting by the time I reach the corridor—our corridor.
“Is the king in his rooms?” I ask the guards on watch.
“No, Lady Stathos. He hasn’t turned in for bed yet.”
My voice turns into a growl. “Where is he?”
“We’re not assigned to his personal guard. I couldn’t tell you.”
“The king’s life is in danger. I need to know where he is now!” But yelling doesn’t help. It doesn’t suddenly give them the answers I want.
I turn, flying back down the stairs. When I hear the guards follow, I shout back, “No, stay put in case he does turn in. Do not leave your posts.”
Where would he be this late at night? If he doesn’t have any meetings, where would he go?
He was in the library the last time I saw him, so I make my waythere instead. But on a hunch, I change course halfway there, making for the queen’s sitting room instead.
His mother’s day use room.
I curse myself for my foolishness when I don’t spot any guards outside the doors. But then, what if Kallias ditched his guards?
I plunge into the room at full speed, the door slamming into the wall behind it. A pair of arms catches me before I go sprawling on the ground.
“Alessandra?”
I push myself out of Kallias’s arms, still fearful of the way he treated me when last we saw each other. “You’re alive!”
He gives me a look like I’ve gone mad. “Yes.”
“Where is your guard?” I get the words out around heaving breaths.
“I gave them the night off. With all the threats against me dealt with—includingyou, I might add—I thought I’d have some time without them. Never mind that, what are you doing back here? I—”
“You’re alone?” I say over the top of him.
