Page 71 of Unbetrothed

“That’s a mighty large request you make since our highness will require her closest maid.” His pale eyes bulged over his pointy nose. “But I will do as you ask when I get a chance. And she will come when she’s available.” He shifted toward the door.

“But sir! This is a matter of life and death.” I clasped the bars of my cell.

The man scowled. “You will not die if you are who you say you are.”

“You are transgressing against the king’s family. You will not get the luxury of the stump. Instead, my papá will pour out his wrath on you. And believe me when I say, your end will not be quick.” I inhaled a quivering breath, thankful that each word came out more forceful than the next.

He clenched his fists and turned toward the door.

My words hadn’t made an impact. I flashed an apologetic look at Laude. She touched my elbow, but instead of being comforted, I was mad.There must be something else I can do.

I trained my eyes on our jailer, who wasone boot out the door. A flow of energy rattled up my spine, and I focused it on him, squeezing it around him like an octopus’s tentacle. He audibly inhaled. I said to him through pressed lips:Say yes. It’s but one word.Still quiet, he wagged his head.

“For the kingdom’s sake, will you not check to see if I’m telling the truth?” I reached beyond my physical self again. This time whispers of rage screamed in his mind.Something about her reminds me of the queen. So does her arrogant manner. But what a dirty-looking thing! I can squash her with my pinky. Fitting for a giftless princess. I even have a gift. Why shouldn’t I weld the rails shut with my touch?A cruel laugh escaped his mouth. I stiffened at this, but I didn’t relent.

Through my mind, I commanded,Get Myla, and I may be lenient. Do nothing, and I will crush you.

He flinched in disbelief, but his face quickly contorted into a scowl. “I will burn you alive if Lady Myla doesn’t recognize you.” He slammed the door shut.

Had any of my outbursts ever looked so … foul? How I loathed those memories. This time, my heartbreak was not about my lack of gift but what I’d done.

I leaned in toward Laude. “Have you any reason to believe Myla would lie?”

Laude threw her arms around me. “Don’t be silly, Princess. We’re going home.”

For once, her squeals filled me with hope. Even though it lacked any decorum, and it might not be allowed ever again, I was happy for her show of affection. Back home, I only received kisses and hugs from Mamá, Papá, and my brother. Yes, there were the diplomatic greetings from other queens and princesses. Lux sometimes stole a handhold. But nothing like this … or being held by Zichri. My chest squeezed.

My tangled thoughts wouldn’t stop. The way his strong arms wrapped around me. The way his touch lingered—that one dance. My heartbeat kicked up to a gallop in his presence and swirled my insides into sweet nectar any time he looked in my direction. An ache radiated all over my body.Lock up the memory, Beatriz. Lock it up.

CHAPTER 35

THE DOOR UNBOLTED WITHa metallic clang. I held my breath. Did they send for Myla, or were we dead?

The jailor’s meaty hand reached through the crack first, and he swung the door open. A woman stalked to our cell, her hooded cloak brushing the rough stone floor. Once in front of us, she swept her hood back. Myla’s blond hair was pulled tight into a bun, and her small, brown eyes narrowed over a gaping mouth. The jailer fumbled for his keys.

“Release them at once.” Myla tapped her foot, waving her hand at him.

The man, though a head taller, squirmed under Myla’s scrutiny.

“How dare you lock up your princess? Her mother and father will not take this offense lightly.” Myla continued whipping her words at him.

The jailer clinked through his belt with rings of skeletal keys and stabbed one into our door, exuding a sickly yellow feeling through his pores. Laude’s cheeks bubbled in delight.

Thunk. The cell door swung open. Laude flourished for me to walk first and curtsied. It reminded me I boasted a title again. I tipped my chin up high and pinched my lips into a pout. That gesture no longer felt as dignified as I had thought it looked—especially not after Zichri’s comments. But habits were hard to break.

The jailer bowed his head. “My most sincere apologies, your Highness.”

Myla dropped a quick curtsy. Her eyes quickly locked on my filthy clothes. “What. Are. You. Wearing? No wonder these stumps don’t believe you’re the princess. Is that grass in your hair? Laude, do something about those locks of hers—now!”

“We haven’t the time.” I brushed off Myla’s hand and shifted a meaningful look toward the exit. More important matters needed handling—like an enemy invasion.

Myla strode ahead, and I followed close behind. Laude’s footfalls scurried close at my back. Two burly men in green livery bowed their heads when we passed them.

Tension pulsed through the air, so I reached out, feeling with that invisible tentacle. It was more like swatting with a limp napkin. There had to be a better way to work with whatever flowed through me. The men’s foreheads beaded with perspiration, and a small twinge of pity poked within me. Passing them, I whispered, “Be at peace.”

We exited the hall, and I took one last glance back, seeing the burly men wearing confused smiles. There was something satisfying about helping them—even if they were brutes. I strode to catch up with Myla.

“Put your hood up.” Myla stopped mid-road until I obeyed. “We’re taking you to Laude’s room to change. No one should see you like this.”

---