Page 45 of Ruby & Onyx

The tingling in my fingers grows, and it feels like a tantalizing warning.

A lie it is, then. “I asked her about the necklace. It reminded me of my mother’s, and she was going to tell me more about its history. Apparently, it came from Umbra.”

Her brows knit together, scrutinizing.

“Can you promise me that nothing will happen to that woman?”

“Of course, dear. If what you say is true, then she has nothing to fear.” She plasters a smile on her face that seems forced, and we let the conversation die there.

If one good thing came from today, it is that I know now to be on my guard with Liliana.

Chapter 20

Iwake the next morning feeling agitated by dreams that I cannot remember and fatigue leadens my bones. Moose, however, appears undisturbed by my restlessness as he lays conked out and belly-up on the pillow next to me.

“Morning, Radya!” Gemma cheeps cheerily as she parts the curtains. Viola beelines to the wardrobe with a determined and slightly gleeful look. I think she likes thumbing through clothes, picking and pulling pieces until she finds a look that meets her standard. Every time she examines a dress, her eyes flicker with delight. I considered telling her that I am perfectly capable of dressing myself, but I don’t want to strip her of that tiny pleasure.

“Any plans for today?” Gemma asks.

“Not really.” A normal Sunday morning in Carcera would begin with setting up my stall in the market and end with gardening. Neither of those options are in the cards here, though. What else am I supposed to do? Sir Magis won’t be in today, and I have no intention of returning to the market. Are there duties that I’m meant to carry out? Shouldn’t I be doing something productive? My head is too frazzled to determine what that might be.

“It’s a nice day out. Maybe you could take a stroll by the sea?” Viola holds out two dresses in front of her – one is delicate and stiff, the other light and flowing. She pauses as if waiting for my answer before deciding which to hand me.

My ears perk up. The sea, yes, I could explore the sea. My last attempt to swim was disrupted by Olly, but he’s long gone now. Might I actually have a moment to myself? “That’s a great idea!”

After hearing this decision, Viola decides on the lighter dress and carefully places the other back in the wardrobe. Then she lays it on the chair and places a pair of sandals on the floor below it.

An idea comes to mind as Viola and Gemma buzz throughout the room. They are the only two people in this palace that I trust. Given the shady handful of people that I’ve met up to this point, that’s not saying much. But my gut instinct says that they are good people. Trustworthy and honest. Both of those qualities seem to be in short supply around here. And so, I decide to let the questions lingering on the tip of my tongue crawl forward. “Can I ask you something?”

They both stop what they’re doing and turn their attention toward me. “Of course,” they say in unison.

“Do you know anything about prophecies?”

Gemma fiddles with the blanket in her hand, and Viola’s wings begin to flutter. But it is Viola who answers, hesitant and anxious. “What about them?”

“Yesterday in the market, I met a woman who said something strange. When I asked her what she meant, she mentioned a prophecy but never explained the meaning. Guards seized her before she could tell me more, but I left with the strangest feeling. And… well, to be honest, there was a vendor back in Carcera who said something similar. Do you have any idea what that could mean?”

The twins exchange a look that lasts a few seconds too long, making me wonder if they share thoughts through some twinly connection. They nod to each other and then Gemma responds, “There might be a book in the library. If you can take it without anyone noticing, it might help to answer some of your questions.”

Is there a book regarding the prophecies in the library? Gods, even if there was, how would I find it among the thousands of books in there? “What book should I be looking for?”

“There’s a prophet…” Viola says, but her voice trails off before she finishes the sentence. She and Gemma once again appear to be locked in a mental conversation. Their eyes flare and narrow, and their hands flick with subtle gestures.

“Davina!” Gemma finally spits out.

Viola shoots her a disapproving look.

“There’s a book. I can’t remember the exact title but look for Davina,” Gemma explains, eliciting another warning look from Viola.

Viola throws her hands up into the air with a huff. “Gemma! We swore the blood oath to not speak of it!”

“What is a blood oath? And why would you be sworn against speaking about a book?” I fear that I already know the answer. A life built on lies can only be upheld by more deceit.

“You’re putting us in a very dangerous position, Radya,” Viola grumbles, pouting and folding her arms across her chest.

“A blood oath is a magically binding contract. Everyone in the court, as well as the staff, swore an oath to keep matters regarding your particular histories from being shared. If any of us were to share too much, then we would forfeit our lives.” Gemma hesitates as if she’s afraid of going too far, saying too much. “But if you happen to find the answers you seek in a book, then I would be blameless. And a dearly departed author cannot be held responsible, either.”

Viola appears to be shouting mental expletives at her sister.

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