Page 32 of Court of Secrets and Flames

When I’m finished, I test the door. Locked, as I expected. “For my safety,” the king had said.

Sure. And I’m a three-headed alicorn.

More than likely, it’s so his guards can keep tabs on me. At least he assured me that I can roam as I please, as long as I have an escort. I need only to knock.

So, after a quick plea that Hyde isn’t the guard on duty, I bang my first on the door. Blair opens it, flashing me a wary smile.

Relief sweeps through me at the sight of his face. Though I haven’t spent much time with him yet, he gives off a trustworthy vibe. Maybe because he’s quiet but helpful when asked a question. He doesn’t put on airs or treat me differently than anyone else. Plus, so far, I haven’t caught him lying. As far as I’m concerned, that puts him in the top one percent.

Not that I trust him. Only my sister has my complete faith.

In the past, I trusted too easily—to my detriment. My mother. Sterling. King Xenon and the history taught in Aclaris.

But I learned my lesson. I won’t blindly trust in others again.

After glancing down the hall, I ask Blair to escort me to the Royal Archives. I need to understand more about this land that serves as my current prison.

He gives me a curious glance, then nods. I follow as he leads me through the twisting hallways.

As we walk through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, he greets the various servants we pass. Like the courtiers, the servants typically regard me with either awe or suspicion—often a combination of both.

As if to prove my point, two women wearing aprons over brown dresses hurry down the hall, their wide eyes watching me pass. As soon as they’re behind us, the whispers begin.

I grit my teeth and remind myself that directing a vulgar gesture at King Jasper’s staff would be bad form. Though my time at Flighthaven helped me grow more accustomed to strangers’ eyes on me after my childhood of isolation, being the center of attention still often makes me squirm.

“Do you often escort guests like this?”

“Sometimes.” He opens his mouth like there’s something else he’d like to say, but he doesn’t elaborate.

“Is it always this busy in the palace?” I count intersections as we pass them, attempting to keep track of our path. I needto memorize every nook and cranny in case I’m ever allowed to find my way around on my own.

Though returning to my former home would be dangerous—King Xenon is undoubtedly monitoring Flighthaven and Castle Axton—I doubt remaining here would be any safer. Will I ever be able to truly trust the people within these walls? If King Jasper speaks the truth, this is my homeland. Yet I’m not sure I belong here.

I’m not sure I belong anywhere.

“Usually. Depends on what’s going on in court and how many nobles and foreign dignitaries are here.”

“That makes sense.”

He stops before a set of ornate double doors. “Here we are.”

With a heavy creak, they swing open to reveal the Royal Archives.

Though I came here yesterday, I can’t help but drink in the splendor of the space like it’s my first time.

Before me lies a vast expanse of bookshelves, so tall they seem to scrape the heavens. The air, thick with the scent of parchment and dust, bears witness to countless years of wisdom. This treasure trove is far grander than Flighthaven’s library, despite its forlorn state.

At least a few years of accumulated dust and cobwebs cover the ancient volumes.

“Take your time.” Blair leans against the doorway with a yawn. “I’m here if you need me.”

A pang of guilt shoots through me for my escort. He’s probably been training or whatever it is Tirene soldiers do early in the morning.

“Sorry that you drew the short stick and got assigned babysitting duty. I could have waited until later in the day to come here. It’s just that, well, I don’t know who my guard will be later…”

He peeks into the corridor, then lowers his voice. “…And Hyde is about as friendly as a mountain cat with a belly ache.”

His whispered remark catches me off guard. I bark a laugh before slanting him a sideways glance. “I see I’m not the only one who’s been honored with Hyde’s company.”

---