Page 76 of The Gilded Cage

“Now, t-tell me what you’re doing,” Tipp demanded, his hands on his hips.

Aware that he’d worked in Zalindov’s infirmary long enough to recognize that Caldon’s state wasn’t natural, Kiva settled on a half-truth. “He’s been watching me like a hawk since Jaren left. I just needed some space.”

“So y-youdruggedhim? He’s been n-nothing but kind to us —allof his family have b-b-been nothing but kind. And now you g-go and dothis?” His voice rose. “Why,K-Kiva?”

Kiva used the guilt she was feeling in an attempt to sway Tipp, sharing another partial truth. “There’s someone I need to visit, and I didn’t want him coming with me.”

“Who?”

It was a risk, Kiva knew, but she trusted the young boy to keep her secrets — if she asked him.

Somesecrets, at least. Not all of them.

And so she said, in a whisper, “My family.”

Tipp’s anger vanished. “Yourw-what?”

“I have a brother and sister living just out of the city,” Kiva answered, thinking it safer to share about Zuleeka and Tor rather than offer any mention of Delora. Her siblings were well hidden and desired to stay that way, whereas her grandmother was a wildcard. “I want to go see them.”

Tipp’s freckled brow furrowed. “Caldon could have t-taken you.”

“I haven’t seen them in ten years,” Kiva said, lying now. She made her lip wobble — not difficult, considering how dreadful she felt. “I don’t know if they’ll want to see me after ... everything. And if they turn me away, I’d like to lick my wounds in private. That’s why I want to go alone.” Quietly she finished, “He’s only sleeping.”

Tipp was looking between her and Caldon, deep in thought. “This is important t-to you, isn’t it?”

Kiva nodded. “More than I can say.”

That, at least, was the truth.

The young boy remained silent for another minute, before finally nodding. “I’ll c-cover for you.”

Kiva blinked with surprise, but Tipp wasn’t finished. He headed toward his bedroom, talking to her the whole time.

“Everyone thinks h-he’s with you today anyway, so I’ll k-keep Ori out of here, and if anyone a-asks, I’ll say Cal was out late last n-night and is sleeping it off.”

Tipp returned to the sitting room carrying a pillow and blanket, carefully draping the latter over the prince, and lifting his head for the former.

“If he w-wakes up before you return —”

“He won’t,” Kiva said. “I’ll be quick.”

“If h-hedoes,” Tipp continued, “I’ll tell him you thought he m-might be sick and you left him to r-rest.”

Kiva’s eyes welled with gratitude. “You won’t say anything? About where I’m going?”

“I get the f-feeling you’d like it kept secret.”

Kiva was too choked to do anything other than nod.

“If it’s important t-to you, it’s important to m-me,” Tipp said quietly, walking over to wrap his arms around her waist. “We’re in this t-together, Kiva. Always.”

She pulled him close and only released him when he started to squirm, after which he sent her a gap-toothed grin and pushed her toward the door.

Needing no further encouragement, Kiva hurried outside and headed directly to the stables. Caldon had taken her out on horseback for two of the last three days, so the royal grooms didn’t ask questions when she politely requested they saddle her a mount. Within minutes, she was trotting along the path, waving to the guards as she passed through the front gates, and riding out into the city.

Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief, turning north to finally,finallyseek out her grandmother.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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