Page 95 of Untamed

His cold black eyes shot like daggers in my direction. “No, let’s eat.”

The stout cook pushed her food cart across the room toward us. Judging by Whyzer Patro’s calming breath, she must have been Eloisa. The lady set a tray before each of us and took off the covers. Steam twirled through the humid air like snakes ready to strike. Then she poured water and wine in glasses. “Anything else, Whyzer Patro?”

He waved her away with a flick of his wrist. I waited for him to pick up his fork and knife, which took a while. When I lifted my utensils, I cut a slice of meat and eyed Jaime. He copied my motions, but Whyzer Patro seemed to do the same. How was I going to get the whyzer to eat without having Jaime do the same?

Then, I placed the sliver of meat in my mouth and chewed. The delightful flavor played along my tongue and inspired a groan from my throat. Having not eaten for days, this was the best food I’d ever tasted. My mouth watered, and I longed to stuff the whole plate down my throat.

I lifted my wine glass and winked at Jaime. He took up his own glass. Whyzer Patro did the same. I pretended to drink butdidn’t let the liquid touch my lips. Having seen Prince Hugo’s nearly immediate response, I was sure something would happen in a couple of minutes if they drank.

The meal went on and on in this same fashion with neither man taking anything that I did not. Sweat trickled from my hairline with such dangers in easy reach. Once I finished the meat and tostones, I moved on to shuffling the oily vegetables that smelled of garlic and onion. The aroma begged me to take a bite, and I did.

I needed a cup of water to clean my palate, but the only liquid in front of me was Whyzer Patro’s spirits. The small vial jutting into my stomach from under my corset remained a constant reminder of what I’d done. The other vial on my left side remained in the hole I’d made in my dress. Though I had an antidote, I had no idea if I’d get to administer it in time to save myself or anyone else.

Bruno stormed into the dining room. “She’s gone too.”

Chapter 42

Beatriz

Zichri held my handtight as I clung to his shoulder. We slipped through the cell when they let Jaime out and tiptoed through the dungeon passage. When guards rushed by, we pressed against the rough walls. I poured confidence through our connection into Zichri while giving away the fears that sprung from our hearts. The guards showed no indication of being able to see us. We only had one move. Find Minerva.

“How could they have gotten out?” The bald guard shouted at three others.

“No one left the cell through the gate, and there are no holes.”

“What were their giftings?”

They continued to argue as we tiptoed our way to a bend in the passage. Zichri peeked into the slit of a metal door to see whowas inside. We’d already checked several other cells and hadn’t found Minerva yet.

Stomping echoed and squeaky metal rang across the space. The guards rechecked the rooms all the way at the other end.

Pitching my voice low, I pulled Zichri to my level. “She’s gone.”

He nodded. “Or she was moved somewhere else.”

We had to flee while the guards were searching the cells and making enough noise to conveniently cover our footfalls. I repositioned myself behind Zichri, still pouring my energy into his skin. We couldn’t risk being separated and had no idea the limits of Zichri’s ability or my energy store.

As we made it to the main floor, sunlight poured over our heads and through our bodies. I still couldn’t see Zichri, and he couldn’t see me either. Whatever had happened, his ability to remain invisible and extend invisibility to those he touched, still worked in the brightest of lights.

He led me through another passage. A grunting caught our attention, and we stopped in front of a plain wooden door. He opened it. Inside a small servant’s quarters, Prince Hugo lay on a narrow bed with mouth agape and his dark gaze fixed on the ceiling.

Zichri rushed to his side, disconnecting from my hold. I closed the door behind us.

“Hugo, Hugo?” Zichri pitched his voice low. “What’s wrong?” He got to his brother’s side with concern pressed into the arches of his eyebrows.

His brother’s empty stare shifted slowly toward Zichri. A hint of recognition seemed to shiver along his cheek. “Don’t know.”

“We’ve got to get you out of here.” Zichri positioned his brother in his arms and lifted with a guttural sound escaping his throat. “This won’t do. Can you walk?” He tried to get Hugo propped up on his feet, but Hugo’s muscular body wilted.

This man had been strong and vigorous the last time I’d seen him. He had a cocky grin and a whole team of soldiers with him. He would have killed Zichri in an instant if he’d had the chance, and yet Zichri wished to help his brother. The invisible cord buzzed with desperation from Hugo.

“Stop,” Hugo said in the faintest of whispers. “Leave me.”

“Brother, I forgive you. You can repay me by trying.” Zichri repositioned Hugo, but his brother still smacked to the ground.

Tears welled in Zichri’s eyes as he bent and cradled Hugo’s head and torso. “Do you remember when we were kids and you taught me to use a slingshot?”

A shaky breath escaped Hugo’s mouth. “Yes. You hit Agustín.”

---