Page 168 of Bride of the Midnight Prince

He nods. A whimper escapes his lips. “My sister! I cannot get her out!”

I flex my jaw. “Take me to her at once.”

Chapter 53

Rahk

Thetailorwasn’thardto find. He smells of dry chalk and lingering traces of indigo dye and woad—a distinctive scent that allowed me an easy trail to follow through the mingling throngs of people. I track him through the lower levels of the palace to a staircase that leads to the upper floors.

But, as I expected, I don’t get far before someone stops me.

A flash of purple robes draws my attention to the top of the staircase. There, with a cold lifted chin and luxurious robes, thelumirallight catching on his yellow hair, is the Starborn Prince.

“Caspar,” I say, inclining my head.

He frowns at me, descending one stair toward me. “Rahk of the Nothril Court. I cannot say I was pleased when I heard you had come. Are you here to claim my city?”

I lift both of my hands. “My presence is not a declaration of war.”

He takes his time coming down the stairs, never once taking his eyes off me. He’s not as tall as I am, nor as broad, but there’s a sharp cunning in his gaze as he looks me up and down. “Then what are you here for?”

“I follow the trail of the Ivy Mask. It has led me here.”

“The vigilante who frees the human slaves?” His mouth twists. “I do not know why he would come here. We have few human slaves. His time would be better spent at your Court.”

“Have you detected any signs of his presence?”

“Beyond the Valehaven tailor being here?” He chuckles. “Nothing.”

I’m impressed. How long has he known about the tailor?

“You’re surprised I know about the Ivy Mask’s accomplice. I have my sources who keep me informed. It’s not difficult to put the pieces together, as you’ve clearly done yourself.”

I acquiesce a nod.

Caspar strides past me, tossing over his shoulder. “I have work to return to. Send a servant to me if you need anything. But please don’t kill or capture the tailor while in my city. He’s the best on this side of the Veil, and you will put me out considerably if you destroy him.”

I shake my head. “I won’t touch him. He’s not my current quarry.”

“Good.”

I take the stairs two at a time, following my nose, threading through scents like unraveling a tapestry, until I find the tailor on the twelfth floor of the palace. The entire floor appears to be Caspar’s private rooms, surrounded by a balcony that overlooks the city on all sides. The tailor is in the prince’s large wardrobe room, bent over a maroon coat of exquisite make. He does not notice me, quiet as I am.

I slide the only door shut and press my hand to the lock. My mouth moves, my voice the barest murmur, and then the seal flares to deep blue before fading back into the wood.

“Who is there?” The tailor’s muted voice permeates through the door. His footsteps are hurried. The doorknob turns, catches, jiggles. Then a fist bangs against the door. “The Tailor of Valehaven is in here! You must let me out!”

I turn on my heel and stride back the way I came.

“I am getting you tonight, Ivy Mask,” I growl under my breath.

Kat

Theboytakesmeup several flights of stairs to a small antechamber attached to a fae woman’s quarters. When he cautiously pushes open the door—while I watch for sign of anyone approaching—he cries, “She was right here! She couldn’t leave because of her mistress. But now she’s gone!”

I grit my teeth, casting about wildly for any sign of where the girl could have gone.

Instead of finding the girl, I see the beginning of a shadow appearing at the end of the hallway from where we came. There is a head, and the hilt of two swords rising above either shoulder.

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