Page 92 of Court of Secrets and Flames

An anger unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed from her before blazes in her eyes. “He’s imprisoned you like a criminal.”

“I’m okay, I promise.”

The anger in her eyes turns to concern. “Whatever the king wants, just do it. That’s the quickest way to get out of here.”

Anxiety skitters down my spine. If only it were that easy.

I swallow, trying coat my mouth with enough moisture. “Could you tell me something? Where is the prince? Is he…all right?”

“I…” She glances around the space, gaze settling on the ancient tome atop my mattress. “Why do you ask about his welfare?”

Oh no. Is Rhiann aware of why the king put me in this cell? “I thought…that maybe…he was imprisoned somewhere too.”

She gives me a long look, like she’s searching my soul. “No. I’m not sure I’m supposed to know this, but he and Agnar left hours before you were,” she wrinkles her nose, “detained, sent away on some mission for the king. Knox doesn’t know what his brother’s done. I imagine he’ll be livid when he finds out Jasper imprisoned you. I only found out today.”

Relief sweeps through me. Sterling’s okay.

He’s safe.

“Maybe.” I don’t want to lie to Rhiann, because I am absolutely certain Sterling will indeed be livid. But I also can’t confirm our relationship, even if the king already suspects it. “I would hate to be in the middle of those two in a fight.”

“Indeed.” She runs a finger across the stone wall. “This is utterly appalling. Have you been eating?”

“I have.” Not much, but I’d rather not rile her up even more.

Rhiann scoffs, the most unladylike sound I’ve ever heard her make. “I doubt it’s been much. I’ll try to speak with the king.”

“No, please don’t! I don’t want you to get into trouble on my account.”

“It’s no trouble, Lark.” She heaves a sigh. “No promises, though. The king can be very stubborn.”

After Rhiann leaves, I try to rest. Since I’ve been in this cell, I’ve gotten little sleep. My entire body aches from the paper-thin mattress and lying on it is almost like being on the ground.

Despite the uncomfortable accommodations, I’m mentally and physically exhausted. Soon, I drift off, claimed by a dreamless sleep.

I don’t know if it’s been minutes or hours when a voice calling my name wakes me

I sit up, squinting in the dimness to make out whoever is outside my cell.

Blair.

He peers through the bars, concern on his boyish face. “Are you all right?”

“I’m okay.” After stretching and working the kinks from my sore muscles, I stand and cross the short distance to the bars. “How long have you been here?”

“About an hour. I intercepted Rhiann, and then I snuck down here when no one was looking. I wanted to let you rest longer, but I was starting to worry.”

“It’s just,” I run a hand through my tangled, unbrushed hair, “I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“I can imagine.” His soft brown eyes radiate sympathy. “I’m sorry. I wish I could do something.”

“It’s okay. Truly. I’m just glad Sterling isn’t being punished too. Rhiann was here earlier, and she told me he and Agnar were sent away on a mission for the king.”

He nods. “They were. Once Knox is back, well, it might not be pretty, but I know he’ll get you out of here.”

His grimace makes me fret. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want him to be punished on my behalf. I worry what the king will do to him.”

Blair kneads the back of his neck. “Let Knox worry about the king. He could be gone for a while though, so you may need to sit tight. In the meantime, you just keep your chin up. Everything will be all right. I’d better go now, though. We don’t want to risk angering the king more.”

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