Page 55 of Untamed

I glanced at Monserrat to witness her reaction. Had she not informed her father about the cancelled engagement? When were her parents planning on making their betrayal known? Whatever the answer, it couldn’t be good for us.

“It’s not that.” Cosme crossed over the marble floor toward the newcomers in our group. “Señorita Minerva creates illusions. Señor Zichri cannot tell a lie, Señor Lucas creates wards, and Señor Jaime is a gifted musician.”

“Show me.” King Sebastian gripped the hilt of his sword in a casual manner.

A protest slipped to the tip of my tongue. “Dear King, would—”

King Sebastian’s face cracked into a smile. His focus was fixed behind me.

I twisted my head around. Minerva lifted a curved hand before her eyes. A hole ripped through the air in rays of purple and orange until what hovered before us was a sliver of sunset sky. It hung like a landscape painting made by the most detailed of artists, and a red bird flew into the atrium. The illusion dissolved in a blink, leaving me confused. Wasn’t she a portal maker? The bird flapped up into the arched ceiling and rested on a ledge above.

King Sebastian clapped. Queen Tatiana pursed her unimpressed lips, shifting a black fan to better applaud. Princess Monserrat stared in my direction. She must have been upset that I hadn’t kept my promise to her. She couldn’t have expected me to keep a secret of that nature from my family when she’d tarried so long.

“You, Señorita Minerva, have a delicious gift.” King Sebastian released his hilt. “Can you extend your illusionary reach?”

Minerva shook her head and clasped her hands in a most humble fashion. A pink hue blossomed on her cheeks, giving her an innocent appearance—hard to dislike.

I upturned my chin.

“And what of the other lady?” King Sebastian pointed to Laude.

Princess Monserrat said, “That’s her old maid. The one who can light a flame.” Condescension marked her tone.

“Well, we shall trust your word for the rest, Prince Cosme. Our servants shall show you to your rooms. We dine in an hour.” King Sebastian jutted his elbow out for the queen to clasp. The two strode down the dreary corridor lined with torches on both walls.

Cosme met Princess Monserrat’s gaze for the first time since we'd arrived. She maintained an icy stare, though a hint of something more quivered along her facial lines. Cosme followed the servant without giving his supposed betrothed so much as a personal greeting.

An uncomfortable minute passed as servants trailed Cosme with our belongings. I was about to follow, when cold fingers wrapped around my wrist. Princess Monserrat drew me into a hug. My spine went rigid.

Her mouth neared my ear, and I resisted recoiling so as not to draw more attention to her odd greeting. “Read this only after you’ve entered your quarters.” She stuffed a parchment into my palm and separated an arm’s length. A smile chiseled of pink stone graced her lips. She had a delicate nose, unblemished golden skin, and the countenance of a hawk.

Laude nudged my side with a question sprinkled in her blue eyes that were large as saucers. I mouthed, “Upstairs.” Never had I seen a lady in a fine dress climb the stairs faster than Laude on a mission to hear a secret. In her haste, she almost passed Cosme, but she slowed when she reached him. The tap-tap-tap of her heeled boots led me through a polished sandstone walkway.

A tall male servant opened a gilded door meant for royalty. “The princess’s guest quarters.”

Cosme cut in front of me and looked over his shoulder. “Wait here with the girls.” He signaled to Lucas and knocked into the servant’s side while plowing into the quarters. A minute later he reappeared. “All clear.”

When Laude bounded into the doorway, the servant with his hair slicked back and fine-lined mustache called to her, “Excuse me. These quarters are meant for the esteemed guests of the king and queen. You’ll be in a spare servant’s room.”

“No, she will share my suite.” I clung to Laude’s forearm, reassuring her with a gentle squeeze.

“But Princess—”

“Retrieve her trunk and bring it here.” I pursed my lips and lifted a challenging brow at the male servant.

The servant dropped his head in deference and retreated. I shut the door, turned the lock, and lifted the note from Monserrat for Laude to see.

Her downturned mouth flipped. “Open it.”

“Wait.” I let my gifting drizzle down my arms and spread from my body. A slight glow emanated off my skin. An instant connection formed between Laude and me, like an invisible rope from her heart to mine. Warmth vibrated from her and soothed my insecurities. As my power spread from my body, no more connections formed, meaning we were alone.

“Give it to me, I’ll open it.” Laude yanked at the corner of the paper.

I tugged back. “Let me.” My fingers couldn’t work quick enough to unfold the small paper. Laude’s finger glowed and sparked into a small flame, shedding light on the note.

Beatriz,

Meet me on the balcony alone after we dine. I have some news of much interest to you.

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