Page 89 of Untamed

My fingernails dug into the velvet cushions, and I turned toward the whyzer’s silver goblet. He could have offered honey or mud or something useful for the wound, but that reminded me of just how perfect an opportunity this was.

Digging into the hem of my dress, I plucked out the tiny vial hidden there. I uncorked the bottle.

Footfalls approached.

Shaky fingers worked quickly to re-cork my vial. I couldn’t be caught.

The rest of my days I might become Whyzer Patro’s puppet. Maybe I’ll get a chance to visit the dungeon to make sure he doesn’t kill Jaime while I pretend to be queen in Pedroz and Whyzer Patro manipulates my every move. Laude, stop making up a future for yourself. This hasn’t happened yet.

A stout woman carrying a flower-printed dress entered. “Can’t have you looking like you cleaned the floors with your skirt.”

With the tender burnt skin on my shoulder, I’d never wanted to reject such a lovely piece of fabric more.

Chapter 38

Beatriz

“I’ll go first.” Zichriclimbed over the ledge, down a rope ladder, and into the rowboat.

My skirts whipped around my ankles and flipped up when I tried to copy Zichri’s smooth departure. I stepped onto the shaky floor of the small boat. Was this the right plan? Could we not come up with something better?

Minerva teleported beside Zichri, almost tipping the small vessel with her sudden appearance.

“We’ll circle around,” called a Pedrozian sailor in his red livery.

With a two-finger salute, Zichri bid the man farewell. Minerva did the same, though she hadn’t a need for the galleon to escape. No, the polished wooden ship tore through the sea so Zichri andI would have some manner of escape should Minerva fall. The thought left me queasy.

“Tell me again,” I turned to Minerva and Zichri, “why aren’t any of them coming with us?”

Zichri took the oars and rowed to shore. “We can’t hide theMagdelena, and we don’t know the terrain. She can’t sail without her crew either.” He sucked in a long breath, shifting forward and back as he rowed. “Minerva has a better chance at getting all of us out alive.”

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, still not convinced.

“Beatriz.” Minerva reached for my arm but stopped herself before touching me. “Whyzer Patro wouldn’t be overrun by these sailors.”

“How do you know?” My words came out harsher than intended, and my gifting dragged in anger from them both. I softened my tone. “I truly do want to understand why only three of us are sneaking onto the grounds.”

The invisible connection between Zichri and me still held its tension, but my words had pacified something that brewed within him. Minerva’s connection almost became invisible, sunken in on itself. I tugged on the line and her chin lifted.

Tears welled in Minerva’s rounded gaze. “This is my fault.”

“You couldn’t have stolen Laude and Jaime. You surely did not turn Aracibel against us. You did not force Prince Hugo to love power more than his family.” I leaned closer to Minerva and gripped her wrist in what I hoped was a comforting gesture. “None of this is your fault.”

“You are too kind, but you have no idea how much of this involves me. I’m supposed to protect the relics, and I’m not sure I’ve done it well.” Her chin fell to her chest. “I brought the relics out of Himzo in the first place.”

“What did you say?” The air in my lungs stilled.

Zichri jumped into the hip deep water and dragged the boat onto the shore.

“I-I—” Her jaw tightened, and she grabbed at her throat.

“You’re still cursed by him.”

The boat shifted as we hit the sand. Zichri offered a hand. “We’ve got to hide the boat before we’re seen.”

Minerva and I hopped onto the hot sand and lifted the front end while Zichri lugged the back. We flipped the boat and placed giant leaves over the white vessel. Without a word, Zichri brushed the sand to hide our steps from view and carved three lines in the tree beside the rowboat.

“Now, we walk.” Zichri had a seriousness on his handsome face that seemed far too tragic for his natural disposition.

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