Page 3 of Untamed

I reread the letter several times. My heart knocked against my breastbone as if begging for the letter to be false. Zichri had mentioned his investigation of the New Alliance. This group was our enemy.

Why would Monserrat share this with me? If this was found on her father’s desk, then Monserrat’s kingdom had been invited to betray us. Did her papá agree to this? I cracked open my dry mouth, unsure where to begin. “Who is the Black Knight?”

“I’m not certain.” Monserrat tucked her loosened curls and the gold sack into her updo.

“Is your papá going to speak with this Black Knight?”

Her stare met mine with an intensity I’d never seen in her. “Yes. We’re having a ball for him. Open the last note.”

From your friends in Aracibel to King Ezer, Queen Cottia, Prince Cosme, and Princess Beatriz of Giddel,

You are hereby invited to a masquerade ball on the rise of the second moon.

Be prepared for merriment, storytelling, and an enigma.

I huffed. “Why are we invited the same day as the Black Knight?”

Monserrat lifted her chin. “Papá doesn’t consult me on kingdom affairs. However, I believe it would be wise to decline attending the ball.”

“You haven’t alleviated my fears.” I handed the papers to Monserrat.

She cupped the bottom of my hand and the top of the parchments. “Keep them. I had to tell you. Papá longs to heal Mamá’s many ailments. Please don’t blame him for his devotion to his wife.” She released her grip on my hand.

Disbelief showered over me. An ache throbbed up the back of my head as if she had smashed a rock onto it. Aracibel had been a solid ally all my life. What would this do to Cosme? He’d never loved Monserrat like I loved Zichri, but there was affection.

A beat passed where Monserrat stared into the distance.

“So, it’s settled?” I kept my focus on her face to see if somehow this was a trick or a cruel game.

Monserrat remained crestfallen and focused on the sea. Sun reflected off tears glistening on her cheeks.

“Why?” I asked. The question tore between us like a dagger.

“Please forgive me for putting this on your shoulders. I couldn’t face Cosme with my shame, and I don’t believe the New Alliance is good. I’m staying the night here but returning home tomorrow.”

“What shame? This betrayal isn’t your doing.”

She turned toward me, keeping her chin high but eyes averted. “I must set a date with Cosme and walk through the motions. Papá will expect plans for our nuptials.”

“You’re still making arrangements to marry him?”

She visibly swallowed and met my gaze. “Promise me you won’t tell Cosme until after I leave.”

“But—”

“Promise me you’ll wait until I sail away.” Her delicate features pinched together in a plea. “I don’t agree with betraying friends, but I must also follow orders. Stay away from Aracibel. I’ll do what I can to prevent further actions against Giddel.”

My throat grew thick. Should I dare keep such a secret from Papá and Cosme? I nodded and tucked the parchment in my puffy sleeve pocket.

We climbed up a narrow path along the cliff wall toward the gardens. The firm set of my companion’s jaw bespoke the end of our conversation, though questions fired in my mind faster than a line of archers on attack. By the time we made it into the palace, I wasn’t sure if I should run straight to Cosme or if I should respect Monserrat’s wishes.

“Monserrat,” Cosme called from the stairwell and rose from his seated position as if he’d been waiting for us.

His friend, Lucas, also righted himself, adjusting his sky-blue doublet that matched his pale eyes. A spark lit in his gaze as I drew near, causing the world around me to feel nonexistent. I crossed my arms, lifted my chin, and kept my focus on my brother. I didn’t like how Lucas’s attentions stirred the murkywaters within me or how I noticed his strong forearms or the hint of a smile that graced his lips when I entered a room.

Cosme raked a hand over his dark-brown hair. His round eyes held a glimmer of question. “I expected to make the arrangements with King Sebastian. Should I be concerned?”

“Will you not settle dates with your future bride?” Monserrat asked in a regal tone.

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