Page 116 of The Gilded Cage

“So shewasable to help?” Torell said, relief filling his features. Zuleeka’s, too. “That’s great, Mouse.”

“It’s not permanent,” Kiva warned. “She only gave me enough to last until tomorrow. I have to go back to get some more.”

“You’re seeing Delora again tomorrow?” Zuleeka asked.

Since Kiva had just said that, she only nodded in confirmation.

“I know this is a big ask,” Zuleeka said, “but I’ve been thinking about this since we last talked about it and, well ...” She took a breath. “Do you think you can try to bring the dagger back with you?”

A short, incredulous laugh left Kiva. “Uh,no.If I show even a hint of interest in that blade, Delora will toss me from her cottage.”

Probably into the swamp.

With Mr. Chomps.

Kiva shuddered.

“It’s just ...” Zuleeka brushed a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I told you that the rebels recognize it as a symbol of Torvin’s reign, and we all know how powerful symbols are. With Mother now gone” — her words caught slightly — “having it in our possession will help boost their confidence in us as their new leaders. The Corentine Dagger returned to its rightful heirs.”

Kiva saw the validity of what Zuleeka was saying, but she still argued, “If Delora refused to give it to Mother, why would she give it to me?”

“She’s a cranky old bat who’s holding on to that blade out of spite because she hates our bloodline, and yet, for some reason she’s helping you,” Zuleeka said. “That must mean she likes you, at least a little.” She then begged, “It couldn’t hurt to ask, could it?”

Kiva thought of Mr. Chomps again and winced. But then she relented, “I can’t promise anything, but if Delora’s in a good mood, I’ll see what I can do.”

Zuleeka smiled. “Thank you.”

Looking at the brightness radiating from her, Kiva found herself wishing Zuleeka would act like this more often.Thiswas the sister she remembered from her childhood, the girl who had feelings and cared about things, not the hardened commander of the rebels. Perhaps there really was hope for them yet.

“We need to go,” Torell said, peering in the direction of the water. “The dockworkers change shifts soon, and someone might see us if we wait around too long.”

Zuleeka glanced at Kiva. “Do you feel safe getting back to the palace on your own?”

Despite having grumbled earlier about the likelihood of being murdered, Kiva answered, “I’ll be fine.”

Zuleeka nodded, then informed her, “We’ll set up a meeting with the other rebel leaders to talk about our next steps. It might take some time — the camps are scattered all across the kingdom, and this is the kind of conversation we’ll need to have in person.”

“You have more than one camp?” Kiva asked, surprised.

Zuleeka looked amused. “We’ve been growing our numbers for years — you didn’t think we’d all fit outside of Oakhollow, did you?”

Kiva felt a sliver of unease, but she was comforted by knowing there was no plan in motion, no action the rebels could carry out — not yet.

“We’ll be in touch again soon,” Tor told Kiva. His features were again stoic, as if he’d returned to his decade of resigned acceptance.

“I’ll let you know if I learn anything else in the meantime,” Kiva said, though she wasn’t sure she was telling the truth. The lines had blurred, good and bad no longer seeming so black and white.

“For now, just focus on keeping your cover and suppressing your magic,” Zuleeka said, before quickly adding, “And please do try convincing Delora to hand over the dagger. The value of it ...” She trailed off, her longing expression saying more than words.

“I will,” Kiva promised.

After quick goodbyes, Zuleeka and Torell took off deeper into the narrow alleyway, disappearing into the blackness, while Kiva turned and headed out the same way she’d arrived. Walking swiftly, she’d barely made it one building along when a cloaked figure stepped out from the shadows, the large male form causing her pulse to skyrocket.

Without thinking, she reached down and yanked Naari’s dagger from its holster.

But then the figure lowered his hood, revealing the familiar face of Caldon.

“Gods, you scared me.” Kiva forced a laugh and lowered her blade. “I thought I was in real trouble.”

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