A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 46, Brie,

2

just as a wave crashes on

the rocks below the castle.

3

I lunge for the jewels scattered across

the terrace, but I'm crushed to the

4

ground by the weight of the dragon's

foot on my back while the wave recedes.

5

So do my hopes.

6

This is it.

7

I failed.

8

I'm going to lose the Norwood and the

rest of Tambor as well with nothing

9

but my tattered small clothes as cover.

10

I cower on the terrace.

11

Bravo Reagan Thorn says

with three loud claps.

12

The Croker claps as well.

13

Surveying the scattered

gems with a greedy smile.

14

Reagan thorn waves to the dragon.

15

Bring me the jewels after stomping on

my back as if to warn me not to move.

16

The dragon stoops, to gather the stones.

17

Once again, they've been snatched from

my fingertips, ripping away apart of

18

my soul With a shutter, I squeeze my

eyes closed in the distance I hear

19

a familiar sound rolling slightly.

20

I glance up at the fading blue

sky grim circles overhead.

21

The sight of him does

nothing to raise my spirits.

22

Then I see him dive in seconds.

23

There is a whoosh of air as grim wings

across the terrace in my direction.

24

He flies with an open beak

directly towards the emerald

25

Reagan thorn has left on the table.

26

He snatches it at the same instant.

27

Reagan thorn swings at the bird.

28

I cry out in anguish as grim

is smashed into the castle wall

29

and doesn't move in the process.

30

The emerald flies from his beak

and rolls across the stone terrace

31

to within inches of my face.

32

I grab it, squeezing it hard in my fist.

33

For a fleeting moment, I feel something

like complete and absolute trust Before

34

I can do anything, the dragon has his

foot on my wrist, forcing my hand open.

35

The emerald is plucked from my fingers.

36

I draw a breath as it leaves me.

37

Reagan thorn laughs.

38

Fate has deemed it.

39

He bellows I am to be

the great corvex Corona.

40

I glance at him as he raises a

fist in the air, the croker smirks

41

and rubs her hands together.

42

You are to become a God, my Lord.

43

But how?

44

Tell me a Reagan thorn frowns for a

moment, and I suspect he isn't sure

45

how much he wants to say, but he goes

on tonight during the blood moon, my

46

daughter will be crammed Queen of Tambo

47

With my poisons, she'll be

completely under my control.

48

All of her power will be mine,

making me hold her of the Corona.

49

I gape tonight.

50

The blood moon is tonight, but

I didn't think the moon would

51

even be full for another day.

52

And the corvex, my Lord, the

Roker asks, sounding excited.

53

How will you gain that?

54

A Reagan thorn looks smug.

55

I will time the ceremony

so it takes place.

56

Just as the negative light of the

moon reaches its maximum potency

57

strengthened by the mosaic of the

crystals inside the dome, the light

58

will destroy the jewels of tambor.

59

I struggle to understand

what he's talking about.

60

The light inside the ulu increases

the power of any gem placed inside it.

61

They aren't destroyed.

62

Doesn't Reagan thorn understand

this as he continues speaking?

63

I roll to a seated

position with the jewels.

64

No longer a threat.

65

The order will have to recognize

me as the most powerful man alive.

66

Reagan thorn's.

67

Words rise to a crescendo as he speaks.

68

I will become the great corvex.

69

Yes, of course.

70

I think as I put things together,

the order despises the jewels.

71

If Reagan thorn can destroy them, he will

be seen as all powerful, but he can't.

72

That isn't what the am does.

73

The Croker claps her

hands gleaming at Reagan.

74

Thorn behold, our great spiritual leader,

she bows as if in reverence, Reagan,

75

thorn stands tall, his head turned to

the side, his hand on his coat lapel,

76

as if he is already basking in glory.

77

I want to yell that it isn't true.

78

Even if he could destroy the jewels,

the status of corvex Corona isn't

79

gained until the afterlife.

80

It says so in the LXi gloss, but I falter.

81

Could the LXi gloss be wrong?

82

Is there something I don't know.

83

The dragon who has gathered the stones

places them in Reagan thorn's outstretched

84

hand His eyes bulge with greed.

85

One at a time, he drops them

into his velvet bag, counting

86

in a sing-song voice as he does.

87

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

88

His eyes get darker.

89

Six.

90

His jaw hardens and his nostrils flare.

91

Seven.

92

There is no eight.

93

His anger is palpable as he slams

his hands down on the table.

94

He looks at me with venom in his eyes.

95

There's one missing with two steps.

96

He's in front of me, the tip

of his sword at my cheek.

97

Where is it?

98

Before I can summon my voice,

there's a ruckus from behind me.

99

Reagan Thorn.

100

Looks up.

101

Step aside.

102

Now jackal commands

the dragon at the door.

103

Reagan thorn lets his

blade fall from my cheek.

104

I don't move.

105

Let her through.

106

He says She may as well be party

to this jackal storms onto the

107

terrace, the fringe on her leather

pants flapping in the breeze.

108

She glances from me to the

velvet bag on the table.

109

Understanding shows on her face

she stalks towards her father.

110

Now that you've got what

you want, let the girl go.

111

A Reagan thorn's face hardens.

112

There's one missing.

113

She was just about to tell me

where it is, and if she tells you,

114

what will you do with her then?

115

Reagan.

116

Thorn shrugs.

117

Oh, what do you care?

118

you'll kill her.

119

Either way, won't you?

120

Father jackal has her hands on her hips.

121

Well, you can't, I forbid it with a whirl.

122

She grabs the velvet bag from the table.

123

I claim the jewels.

124

She says, as the next queen of

tambor, they are rightfully mine.

125

Her face is fierce as she

holds the bag in the air.

126

Reagan thorn's upper lip quivers lightly.

127

He brushes a strand of stringy hair from

his face and assumes a sad demeanor.

128

I'm sorry, my pet.

129

You are mine.

130

So what is yours is mine as well.

131

Without warning, Reagan thorn

lunges for the bag, but jackal steps

132

easily out of the way and holds the

stones over the edge of the terrace.

133

Ready to drop them into the sea.

134

Jackal don't I?

135

Squeal, panicked.

136

They'll be lost forever.

137

Jackal pays me no mind.

138

I'll make you a trade.

139

Father, are you an

imbecile Reagan, thorn.

140

Bellows.

141

How dare you bargain with me.

142

I'll give you the jewels for her.

143

And jackal nods towards me.

144

I blink.

145

Why would she care?

146

She's the reason I'm here.

147

This is all her fault.

148

a Reagan thorn, sneers, and grateful brat.

149

You would turn on your

father for a sniveling runt.

150

Perhaps I'll kill her right now.

151

And with a quick step.

152

Reagan Thorn is standing over me, his

sword pointed at my chest, ready to slide

153

through my ribs and pierce my heart.

154

He looks at jackal.

155

I look as well.

156

There's a long pause.

157

jackal.

158

By the jewels.

159

What?

160

Now?

161

My eyes jump around the

terrace as I try to think.

162

It wasn't until I asked Gray Nona's

Tambor name that I figured it out.

163

Nona was Nona Arradondo of the Glens Oak.

164

Glens to be precise.

165

That's why Noona gave her

rulings under an oak tree

166

The two women were one in the same.

167

The information confirmed what

I hadn't wanted to believe.

168

the baby didn't die as I was

told as a small child, I couldn't

169

be trusted with the truth.

170

What if I told my father, well,

I've got to tell him now.

171

Don't I?

172

Telling the truth is the best

chance I have of keeping brie safe.

173

I draw a breath and say the words, no,

father, you won't kill her because.

174

Because she's my sister

175

Brie.

176

Her words cause me to choke.

177

What kind of Wiley trick is this?

178

Why would she make such a claim?

179

You don't have a sister

Reagan thorn snaps.

180

I would know the tip of

his sword pierces my skin.

181

Sorry.

182

You are wrong.

183

Jackal says, as she plays with the

tassel on the end of the velvet

184

bag, Brie, she gestures towards

me Is Fallon's baby my half-sister.

185

What?

186

That's impossible, as my mind

denies it, my heart knows it's true.

187

lady Fallon didn't ask

the maid to take her baby.

188

She asked N Kona.

189

but if Fallon was my

mother, I gape at Reagan.

190

Thorn.

191

No, it couldn't be.

192

Fallon's baby died with her.

193

Reagan Thorn declares his face confident

as he looks down his sword arm at me.

194

The Croker, who I forgot was

even there, speaks up then.

195

But look, my Lord, she does

have Lady Fallon's countenance.

196

I see some hesitation in Reagan thorn's

face as he studies me in the waning light,

197

paying particular attention to my foot.

198

The disgust is obvious, but after a

moment, he lowers his sword slowly.

199

I scoot back until I'm leaning

against the castle wall.

200

think, what it would mean.

201

The roker goes on.

202

Dogmar isn't your only option for

Queen, There is a resemblance,

203

a definite resemblance.

204

Reagan Thorn says, stroking

the hair on his chin.

205

And I suppose her deformity could be

hidden with a suitably long skirt.

206

I'm no daughter of yours.

207

I'm murmur as I try to hide my foot.

208

Reagan thorn leers at me.

209

Prove it.

210

He says With a snicker, even if it

isn't true, I could pass you off.

211

You look enough like her.

212

He appears to be gloating.

213

Now I have two daughters with royal blood.

214

The thought is so ridiculous.

215

I almost laugh.

216

I don't know the first thing

about how to rule a country.

217

then I remember all of

Nona's governance lessons.

218

Did she know this would happen?

219

Was she trying to prepare me?

220

father, jackal, snarls.

221

Take the stones and let her go.

222

No Reagan thorn answers

like a spoiled brat.

223

Take the stones.

224

Jackal, yells, hurling

the bag at Reagan Thorn.

225

Before I know it, she has me by the arm

and is dragging me towards the door.

226

guards, Reagan thorn yells.

227

Something hard is slipped into my hand.

228

Trust the whisper.

229

Jackal.

230

Hisses in my ear.

231

Three dragons rushed towards us.

232

Jackal pulls a knife,

but more dragons arrive.

233

She can't hold all of them off for long.

234

In the turmoil, I glance at what she

has thrust in my hand, a stone pendant.

235

I stuff it in the top of my boot.

236

And look back at jackal.

237

A dragon has her by the throat.

238

Her face is turning blue.

239

Let her go.

240

I shriek.

241

Enough.

242

Reagan Thorn says the dragon.

243

Lets jackal slump to the ground

244

I crawl towards her, but a

dragon grabs me around the

245

waist and lifts me off my knees.

246

Lock my pet in her room, Reagan

Thorn says, with a dismissive wave.

247

Jackal is hauled from the terrace.

248

Reagan thorn studies me once again,

and I'm painfully aware that I'm

249

clad and only my small clothes.

250

unexpectedly.

251

There's a familiar squawk.

252

My head spins grim is on his

feet, ruffling his feathers.

253

He's alive.

254

Hitting the wall.

255

Only stunned him.

256

I want to shout with relief, but

the dragon's grip on me is too tight.

257

Grim hops to the terrace railing There.

258

He cocks his head to look

at me and clacks his beak.

259

no, I can't.

260

I'm just a little bird.

261

I managed to answer

262

His response comes to my heart like the

soft touch of a feather, but I trust that

263

you can without anything more, he flaps

off the terrace and into the sinking sun.

264

I blink them, blink again.

265

He trusts me.

266

Grim the corvex, trust me.

267

But ravens never trust anyone.

268

And yet that's what I heard.

269

Does that mean that the

Whisper trusts me as well?

270

With an unexpected surge of strength?

271

I twist and get the dragon's

forearm in my teeth.

272

I bite down hard.

273

He yells and knocks me away.

274

I stumble, wrenching my foot,

but managed to keep my balance

275

and glare at Reagan Thorn.

276

The brush at my heart has told

me everything I need to know.

277

I'm not brie, the twisted and abandoned.

278

I'm not even Brie Reagan thorn's daughter.

279

I'm Brie the healer of the Norwood

Brie who bested the Mabu at Naja.

280

Brie who ran the cataracts.

281

It's all clear.

282

I'm Brie of the black raven.

283

I say in a loud voice, Brie

who can hear the hesper.

284

I take a step towards Reagan thorn

and my voice drops to a whisper.

285

Your seed may have spawned me,

but I'll never be your daughter.

286

As I utter the words I know they are true.

287

It doesn't matter who my

father is or where I'm from.

288

It matters who I am.

289

What I do with that knowledge

and who I choose to trust.

290

Reagan Thorn shows no emotion as

he reaches for the dagger in the

291

bowl of apples and proceeds to

clean his fingernails with the tip.

292

Take her away, he says,

without looking up, the dragon

293

behind me grabs my shoulders.

294

I try to shake him off,

but his grip is too tight.

295

Where should I take her?

296

My Lord.

297

The dragon asks Reagan thorn,

ponders for a moment, then says,

298

put her in the queen's room

and have her made presentable.

299

Chapter 47, Brie with a

massive arm around my waist.

300

The dragon drags me down a long

hallway and into a dark room, made he

301

bellows as he releases me to the floor.

302

A serving girl appears and lights

a giant candelabra along with

303

a preset fire in the hearth.

304

I don't move.

305

When the girl is gone, the

dragon stalks out the door.

306

There is a distinct click of the lock.

307

Slowly I take in my surroundings

308

A bed draped in sheer curtains

sits in the middle of the room.

309

tassel cushions are piled on

the richly carpeted floor.

310

A fireplace rimmed in

gemstones is on one wall.

311

On the other is an enormous

wardrobe with a mere door.

312

I walk towards it

shocked at my appearance.

313

I'm thin and pale.

314

My hair sticks out in all directions.

315

Mart's coal has run in

streaks down my face.

316

Both knees are scuffed

above my green boots.

317

My boots remind me the pendant

318

I drop to the floor.

319

As I pull it out.

320

Could it be the s sardon Xs, the

last of the eight jewels of Tambor?

321

The stone is opaque, not translucent,

making it quite different from the others.

322

Red, white, and green stripes

run through it, just as Nona

323

described it in her parchment.

324

As I study the pendant, I

begin to wonder if this is just

325

another of jackal's tricks.

326

She might be trying to win my trust again.

327

Well, there's one sure way to know.

328

Holding out the stone,

I drop it to the rug.

329

It's there.

330

The ripping at my soul.

331

When the stone leaves my hand, I snatch

it back up, and the pain is gone.

332

That can only mean one thing.

333

I'm in possession of a

genuine jewel of tambor.

334

Closing my eyes.

335

I try to relax and feel its essence.

336

A yearning.

337

To be honest and truthful floods my heart

as if my character is being strengthened.

338

It kindles memories of noona, my myna.

339

What lesson was she trying to teach

me when she told me her story?

340

That sometimes you have to

leave your home, that you have

341

to stand for what you believe.

342

That an old woman or even a young

girl can be trusted to do the

343

impossible if only she will act.

344

I open my eyes and ponder the stone.

345

Nona had a choice.

346

She could watch her people suffer

at the hands of the invaders or go

347

with the queen and try to save them.

348

she chose to leave her oak.

349

She taught the people about

the whisper and they triumphed.

350

Soft spoken as the whisper is.

351

The order has driven it

from most people's minds,

352

But I'm sure there are still a

few people who can feel it and

353

more would if they had a chance.

354

Is this the reason Nona pushed me so hard?

355

Did she want me to wear the crown?

356

Teach the people to hear the whisper?

357

Could I do it?

358

Could I be queen?

359

The idea seems preposterous, yet

I wouldn't put it past Nona to

360

believe such a thing possible.

361

I look at the stone in my hand

and think of jackal again.

362

I don't know what game she's playing,

but it doesn't really matter.

363

I have a job to do.

364

Stop the coronation.

365

I stuff the sardi next back in the

top of my boot and look around.

366

I won't be able to do anything if I don't

get out of this room going to the window.

367

I pull back the curtain and see that the

full moon is just rising in the East.

368

I try the latch, it doesn't budge.

369

I go to the next window

with the same results.

370

I'm working on the third when horns Blair,

the doors of the ram watt of ion will be

371

opening and Nobilis will be filing in.

372

I glance at the moon again, there isn't

any sign that the blood moon is starting.

373

That's good because if I understood

the Pedallers book correctly,

374

once it starts, I'll only have

two hours before it's complete.

375

For now, at least, I still have time.

376

I'm trying the last window.

377

When I hear a key in the door

behind me, I turn just as a crew

378

of serving girls enter with buckets

of water with swift efficiency.

379

They pour the water into a

copper tub in the corner.

380

A basket of bathing supplies is left on a

cushion without a word or a glance at me.

381

They leave and I hear the door lock again.

382

I stare with longing

at the steaming water.

383

but I couldn't possibly take a bath.

384

Not now.

385

There isn't time.

386

Then I come to my senses and begin

ripping at the laces of my boot.

387

Yes, yes, I need to get going, but

I haven't bathed in over a month.

388

Surely I can take a few minutes When my

boots and small clothes are off, I slide

389

gingerly into the rose scented water.

390

The tub is big enough for me to completely

submerge a luxury I've never experienced.

391

I allow myself a moment to relax

before vigorously scrubbing at

392

my body and washing my hair.

393

The warm water does wonders for

my foot, and I carefully flex it

394

back and forth and side to side.

395

There was still a red welt on my

ankle where I caught it in the

396

clothes line, but it could be worse.

397

Even still, I worry

about what's before me.

398

Somehow.

399

I've got to get out of this

room and into the coronation.

400

Will my foot hold out?

401

If I damage it?

402

If I push it too far, what then?

403

I might never walk again, but

I've come such a long way.

404

Surely I can make it a little further.

405

when I slip out of the water,

there's a ring of grime left in

406

the tub, wrapping in a towel.

407

I step to the ward.

408

I'm relieved to find it

stuffed with dresses, at least

409

I'll have something to wear.

410

I rifle through the selection, looking

for something simple, but everything is

411

covered with jewels or lined with fur.

412

I've just decided on a black dress when

my eye is caught by the shimmer of silver.

413

Threads running through blue fabric.

414

Just like grim.

415

Attracted to a flash or sparkle.

416

I snatched the dress from

the wardrobe Despite it being

417

much too lavish, I slip it on.

418

It bags at the waist and drags on

the floor, but that can be remedied.

419

I'm sad to ruin the dress, but with a

tiny pair of nail scissors left in the

420

wash basket, I snip the fabric, then tear

the bottom of the dress is in tatters

421

around my ankles when I'm done, But at

least I won't trip over it from a chest.

422

I pull out a brown leather belt

with diamonds on the buckle

423

and fix it around my waist.

424

Next I find a pair of

peacock blue stockings.

425

They sag at the knees, but

they are soft and clean.

426

When I look in the mirror, I'm

shocked at the transformation.

427

The speckled finch is now

a radiant blue thrush.

428

But I'm not really a thrush am I?

429

I cock my head as I acknowledge

my latest Raven trick.

430

Who would suspect I'm actually a

corvex bent on stopping the coronation?

431

This returns me to my question,

could I be the next queen of tambor?

432

I blink as I think this over and then

shaking my head, I turn from the mirror.

433

Don't be ridiculous.

434

You are not queenly material.

435

despite my certainty, there's

an itching at the back of my

436

mind that it's what Nona wanted.

437

I lace up my boots and tuck in

the S Sardon Xs before I remember.

438

I'm still a prisoner.

439

I can't do anything until

I get out of this room.

440

I check each window again, shaking

them and fiddling with the latches.

441

They don't budge.

442

I go to the door and rattle it as well.

443

Nothing.

444

I purse my lips.

445

Nona would find a way out.

446

You'll fit the words come

like a soft brush to my heart.

447

I turn about in confusion

until I'm facing the fireplace

448

There I stopped to consider.

449

I suppose it would be possible if not for

the smoke, maybe I can put the flames out.

450

I look at the tub.

451

I've got plenty of water, but what to

carry it with in an instant, I've got it.

452

I soak my bath towel in the tub

and drag it across the floor There.

453

I ring the water out over the fire.

454

I use the same technique three

more times to my frustration.

455

When the flames are doused, the wood

continues to smolder owl pellets.

456

What now?

457

Then it dawns on me.

458

I just need the smoke out of the chimney.

459

I don't care if it fills the room.

460

Using a poker from the rack beside

the hearth, I scrape the smoldering

461

wood onto the stone floor.

462

Long, tendrils of smoke

drift up to the high ceiling.

463

There they begin to gather

in poisonous swirls.

464

I start to worry as soon as I've done it.

465

If I can't get out through the

chimney, I won't be able to retreat.

466

the room, will be full of smoke.

467

guess I just can't come back.

468

I say with determination, I

pull the back hem of my dress up

469

between my legs and tuck it in the

belt, freeing my legs to climb.

470

The stones in the hearth are hot,

so I kneel on the wet towel with

471

a deep breath to calm my nerves.

472

I stand up my head engulfed

in the darkness of the flu.

473

I don't want to do this.

474

I really don't, but I can't back

out now with tentative fingers.

475

I reached for a handhold.

476

The fire hadn't been burning long, so

while the stone is hot, thankfully

477

it doesn't scorch my fingertips.

478

The problem I discover is

that the inside of the chimney

479

is almost completely smooth.

480

I twist and turn stretching and

groping, but there isn't a notch

481

or crack to grip in the end.

482

all I can do is wedge myself

arms and legs on one side, back

483

on the other into the opening.

484

If I don't keep constant

pressure between my back and my

485

extremities, I slip As I look up

ash sprinkles into my eyes and nose.

486

Finally, I quit looking up.

487

It's too dark to see.

488

Anyway, besides I have a bigger

worry, Namely, what will I

489

do when I get to the roof?

490

Chapter 48, Bri, I make the

mistake of licking my lips as I

491

climb and get a mouthful of grit.

492

I spit and try to wipe

my face on my sleeve.

493

That's a mistake.

494

As my dress is completely covered

in thick black soot, perhaps

495

my raven essence is emerging.

496

I snort at the thought only to

grunt in the subsequent breath.

497

As I struggle to inch my way up, it

seems the higher I go, the tighter

498

the chimney gets on the next move.

499

My hand finds open air.

500

I slip and panic.

501

After a moment, I figure out

that the breach in the wall is

502

another chimney joining mine.

503

This could be good.

504

Maybe I can climb out somewhere

besides the roof, But where will I be?

505

I sniff the hole, but

there isn't any smoke.

506

I vacillate like a mug, lump up

or down roof or unknown room.

507

Finally, I drop feet first

into the new chimney.

508

I'm not sure what I'll find, but

surely it can't be worse than

509

ending up on the castle's crest

510

After some time, there's a hint of

light on a stone hearth beneath me.

511

I stop and listen nothing carefully.

512

I drop into the room.

513

The only light comes from a wrought iron

candelabra that stands in the corner.

514

Most of the candles have burned out,

leaving only a flicker of illumination.

515

There is a door on the

far side of the room.

516

I head towards it on my way.

517

I can't help but notice all the books.

518

Nona would be in heaven.

519

There's also a bewildering array

of herbs and powders stored

520

in bowls and stopper flasks.

521

Uncut jewels and crystals are

scattered among the piles of papers.

522

A copper pot rests on a small

brazier yellow smoke wafts

523

from it towards the ceiling.

524

The smell is sharp and stings my nose.

525

I'm reaching for the doorknob

when I hear footsteps.

526

For the love of rats, someone is coming.

527

I dive for a space between a large

wooden chest and the wall and

528

squirm down just as the door opens.

529

Please don't see me.

530

Please.

531

I squeeze my eyes shut

as if that will help.

532

at least three people enter the room.

533

It's my destiny of voice booms,

but the timing must be precise.

534

My heart skidders.

535

It's Reagan thorn.

536

This is bad.

537

Really bad.

538

Why didn't I go for the roof?

539

Yes, my Lord.

540

Someone answers.

541

I understand, but there's no accurate way

to predict the exact timing of the event.

542

As I listen, the room flickers with light.

543

As more candles are lit, I feel as if

I've heard the second voice before.

544

Then it comes to me and I almost gag.

545

It's the mabu that drank the girl's blood.

546

That isn't enough.

547

Reagan Thorn shouts.

548

If we had the book, don't mention

that book Reagan Thorn cuts

549

in, you know, perfectly well.

550

There was nothing I could

do when it went missing.

551

if the order heard I was searching for it,

that would've been the end of everything.

552

All I was going to say is that I have

no way of predicting the exact time

553

of the blood moon without the charts.

554

The mabu says, You'll just have

to stall Reagan thorn snaps.

555

But the nobilis will get impatient.

556

Yes, I know.

557

Reagan Thorn says There is a moment

of silence before a female speaks.

558

Shall I get the girl ready?

559

I recognize the voice of the

Roker Reagan thorn grunts,

560

then calls out guard the door.

561

Opens at your service.

562

My Lord.

563

A low voice rumbles, Bring

dog Mar right away my Lord.

564

The door closes.

565

mix, the ink strong.

566

I don't want any trouble

tonight as you wish.

567

The Croker says Shortly I hear

the sound of jars opening and the

568

grinding of mortar and pestle.

569

We need to discuss the ceremony.

570

The Mabu says, what do you have in mind?

571

You will give the jewels history

and perform a cleansing ritual.

572

Reagan thorn answers.

573

I don't care what else you do, as long

as the crown isn't placed on dog Mar's

574

head until the blood moon is complete.

575

I'm very well.

576

The mabu replies.

577

There's a knock Enter Reagan thorn calls.

578

heavy boots, clump in and

stop just inside the door.

579

My Lord, I have bad news.

580

There's a slight hesitation.

581

The girl in the queen's room is missing.

582

Well find her.

583

Reagan thorn roars.

584

She couldn't have gone far.

585

We'll have her soon.

586

You had better Reagan thorn's.

587

Voice is low and menacing and

I find it hard to breathe.

588

Jackal, I'm furious as

I enter the library.

589

If it weren't for the dragons at

my side, I wouldn't be here at

590

all, but my throat is bruised.

591

From the last time I tried to

resist my father, so I will comply.

592

For now.

593

The news that Brie is missing cheers

me somewhat, though I'm not sure she

594

has much of a chance of escaping.

595

I catch the distinct smell of blood and

look up to see the presiding mabu with

596

his serpent inked head, and purple robe.

597

Thankfully, he brushes past

me and out of the library.

598

then I see the Roker and

know why I've been summoned.

599

I spin in an attempt to get out the

door, but the dragon anticipates

600

my move and grabs me by the arms.

601

Let me go.

602

I yell.

603

Kicking at the dragon.

604

My father nods.

605

So the dragons loosen their

grip and I wrench my arms away.

606

No ink.

607

I snarl.

608

Especially not from her.

609

I don't know why the old Kroger was

sent away, but I won't have anyone new.

610

My father furrows his brows.

611

Why make things difficult?

612

Panic rises in the pit of my stomach.

613

I search the room looking

for a means of escape.

614

My eyes fall on the bag of jewels,

carelessly left on a table.

615

I tried to look nonchalant as I

slide up with my back to them.

616

I won't be drugged like my mother.

617

I say, hoping the words

will distract my father.

618

It works.

619

He turns away flaring

his nostrils Casually.

620

I grab the bag but my actions aren't

smooth enough because my father's rapier

621

is instantly at my throat, put the jewels

down and get on the Kroger's table.

622

I drop the bag, but don't move on

the table Now my father hisses.

623

what?

624

Are you going to slip my throat then?

625

Who will you put on the throne?

626

You've already lost my sister.

627

I don't know why I'm goading him.

628

Habit, I guess my father's rapier.

629

Flashes in front of my face and

I feel a sting on my cheek Before

630

the sword is back at my neck.

631

Without moving his blade, my father

reaches around me and grabs the bag.

632

I'll be putting these somewhere

safe, he says with a sneer.

633

Louder.

634

He adds.

635

Take her.

636

Knowing exactly what my father wants.

637

The dragon step forward and

force me to the croker's table.

638

I twist my head and see my father

drop the bag into a trunk by the door,

639

closing it with the click of a lock.

640

I struggle to no avail.

641

Soon I'm flat on the table,

and after that, I feel the

642

prick of a croker's needle.

643

It only takes a moment for

the effect to hit me shortly.

644

The dragons let go.

645

I watch as vine tendrils creep over me.

646

Soon my body is draped in leaves.

647

I'm aware that only I can see them, but

they weigh me down and block my vision.

648

I try to push them away, but if I move

or even think too much, the vines grow

649

thicker, return her to her room and

have her dressed for the coronation.

650

My father says, one of the dragons pulls

me off the table when I can't stand.

651

He grabs me by the back of my shirt

and drags me across the floor.

652

As I slide through the doorway, I notice

a dark face that looks almost like Bree.

653

Strange, what the drugs can do.

654

Brie Jackal's eyes look glazed as she

slides past me and I half expect her to

655

expose my hiding place, but she doesn't.

656

Soon the room dims, and I know most

of the candles have been snuffed.

657

I see Reagan thorn's, boots pass by,

followed by the croker's black robe.

658

The door closes I huddle in silence until

I'm sure they're gone without a sound.

659

I climb from behind the trunk.

660

All my senses are commanding me

to dash for the chimney, but I

661

can't, not until I have the jewels.

662

I try to open the trunk, but it's locked.

663

I look about searching the room

for something I can use to pry

664

it open On the table, I find a

small dagger and slip the blade.

665

Between the clasp and the padlock,

I'm pounding on the blade's hilt.

666

Just as the door opens,

there's no time to hide.

667

All I can do is crouch where I

am and hope the semi-darkness

668

conceals me The hulking silhouette

of a dragon stands in the doorway.

669

As he steps into the room, I think my

heart may explode with excessive pounding.

670

My only chance of escape

is to dash for the chimney.

671

I bolt knocking over a pile of

books and sending a flask of liquid

672

crashing to the floor, but the dragon

is fast before I can haw myself up.

673

He has me by the leg

674

and is yanking me down.