Page 146 of A Lord of Snow and Greed

“Except be faithful to the Cruel King,” Vale spat back.

I swallowed dryly. Thank the stars I hadn’t told him about my ancestry.

As if she intuited my thoughts, Emilia cast a sidelong glance at me. “The Falk family was good to me, and despite what others say, King Harald was not all bad.”

Grateful for her, I changed the topic. “Emilia, you wouldn’t have non-healing potions back here, would you?”

“Some. What are you looking for?”

“Liar’s Salvation.”

Emilia blinked. “I’m human, as are most of those whom I treat. We don’t need a potion to lie. And even if it would still be good, Queen Revna would never keep such a potion on hand. It’s illegal.”

“I know.” I also knew that once my magic appeared, it might give away my secret. Even if I was out of Avaldenn, I could be in danger. It all depended on how Vale took the news.

“I wish we could wait to leave until we meet your friend and get the Liar’s Salvation,” I spoke cryptically to Vale. Emilia might do anything to help me, but that didn’tmean she would protect Duran. I hated having to be so careful around both of them.

“It’s not worth it.” Vale slipped off the table. “I can have Luccan pass a note to Filip, and he’ll get the potion tomorrow. They’ll send it on to us. I promise they’re trustworthy.”

Emilia snorted, which earned her a glare from Vale. I held up my hands, not wanting to deal with their animosity when their goals were the same—to keep me safe.

“Vale, if you can run, I think we’d better get moving.”

“I’m ready,” he said. “The clothing?”

Emilia nodded to the pile, which she’d set on a smaller table that had likely once been littered with healing tools. “Choose what fits.”

We went to the table, and the moment Vale picked up the first shirt, he stiffened.

“What isthis?”

He needn’t ask. While the shirt was midnight black, the amethyst cuffs embroidered with silver hawks made it all too obvious that the clothing was from House Falk.

“What else did you expect her to find back here?” I whispered.

“King Harald wasn’t quite as big and muscular as you,” Emilia added. “But that’s one of his larger tunics. I hope it works for you, my prince.”

Vale’s cheeks reddened.

“Put it on,” I hissed. “You’ll be wearing a cloak over the tunic, anyway.”

He grunted but complied, tossing on the tunic andthen the plain black cloak Emilia had found for him. Once Vale was taken care of, I turned to the pile of clothing Emilia had gotten me. She’d chosen pants rather than dresses. To the touch, the material was very fine—something only nobility used.

“Queen Revna and King Harald hunted together often when they visited House Skau’s castle, so she had excellent outdoor wear. You’re the same size as her.” Emilia came up beside me and pulled a sweater out. “This will be warm too.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, fingering the thick sweater and pants my mother used to wear. I pulled the trousers on beneath my nightdress and turned to face the wall when I shimmied the dress over my head and slipped the sweater on. It was indeed warm. Quite soft too. I ran a hand over the material of such good quality that it looked as good as new, though no one had worn it in decades.

We gathered our weapons and put on our thick cloaks. I eyed Vale. “Are you sure you’re fine to go?”

“Once we’re out of the palace grounds, we’re flying,” Vale replied, his wings lifting from their compressed position.

“Agreed.” Vampires were the fastest creatures in Isila, but they didn’t have wings. “Emilia? Can you show us the best way out of here?” I only remembered how to get back to Vale’s suite, which would be the opposite of useful.

“Where would be best to exit?” Emilia asked.

“The eastern side of the palace,” Vale answered.

She let out a hum and then nodded. “There is a way that will lead you to the outside.”

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