Page 13 of The Gilded Cage

Zuleeka collected the ropes Torell had cut, giving a low whistle. One of the men guarding the door entered the room and took them from her, handing over a fresh set before leaving again.

“Back in the chair,” Zuleeka repeated her order. “You were abducted, remember? You have a role to play, so put on your acting boots.”

“I —” Kiva didn’t know what to say. She’d planned to travel to Oakhollow in search of her siblings the next day, but now there was no need. Zuleeka and Torell were standing before her, the three of them finally reunited. She had so many questions for them, so many things they needed to discuss, which was why she croaked out a confused, “Aren’t I coming with you?”

Zuleeka snorted. “You can hardly spy on your prince from the rebel camp.”

Kiva stilled.

Dark eyebrows rose as Zuleeka said, “Don’t tell me you’re surprised. We have people inside the palace already, but Deverick — sorry,Jaren— has bigger trust issues than I do. There are things he doesn’t even share with the Royal Council, with hisfamily,or so my sources claim. But you have his ear.Youcan get to him in a way no one else can, learn things about him, about his plans, about where he’s most vulnerable. You can learn his secrets.” She paused before finishing, “And then we can use them against him.”

Schooling her expression, Kiva said nothing. Jarendidtrust her — and because of that, she already knew some of his greatest secrets. But for some reason, she held back on revealing anything. Now wasn’t the time, she told herself, almost convincingly.

“I hate to say it, but I agree with Zulee,” Torell said. “For now, you need to stay here. It’s safer for you this way, with them believing you were taken against your will.”

His gaze flicked to the bruise on her face, then traveled to the chafed and splintered skin around her wrists, his lips pressing together when he realized she wouldn’t have to lie to convince anyone.

Unlike Zuleeka, Tor didn’t say more about her spying, nor did he imply that she was only as useful as the information she gleaned. Instead, he wrapped her in another quick hug and whispered, “I’ll see you again soon. Promise.”

Stepping away, he pulled what appeared to be a silver mask from inside his cloak. Kiva didn’t get a good look at it before he turned to Zuleeka and said, “I’ll make sure our exit is clear. You finish up here —gently— then meet me in the alley. Be ready to run.”

Zuleeka gave a short nod, and Torell took off after one final glance at Kiva, silently reassuring her that he would keep his promise.

“Sit,” Zuleeka ordered Kiva, and this time she did as she was told. With hurried motions, Zuleeka bound her with the fresh ropes and pulled the gag up until it covered her mouth once more.

More knocks sounded above them, conveying enough urgency that even Kiva understood her sister would risk discovery by staying any longer.

“Tor doesn’t know this, but I’ve ordered a handful of our people to stay behind, just enough to put up a believable fight,” Zuleeka said. She tilted her head to the side and finished, “I’m sorry about this. He told me to be gentle, but this part needs to be believable, too.”

Kiva’s eyes scrunched with confusion, but then they widened with alarm when her sister unsheathed a dagger and, with no further warning, slammed the pommel into the side of her already injured face. Pain burst anew ... and then she succumbed to darkness once more.

CHAPTER FOUR

Clashing steel and heavy thumps from the hallway met Kiva’s ears as she slowly returned to consciousness. She uttered a quiet whimper, her sister’s parting gift feeling like a blade had pierced straight through her brain.

Nausea turned her stomach as the grimy room spun around her, the sensation easing only slightly by the time another loudthumpcame from just beyond the doorway, right before a figure rushed through it.

“Gods, Sweet Cheeks, you’re a mess.”

Relief and disappointment flooded Kiva at the sight of Jaren’s cousin, Prince Caldon, standing before her.

“I know, I know,” he said, moving quickly forward and reaching for her bindings, his golden hair shining in the dim light, his broad shoulders casting their own shadows. “You’re thrilled to see me. Delighted. Couldn’t imagine anyone you’d rather have here in my place. It pains me to say this, Sunshine, but you need to rein in your excitement. It’s embarrassing.”

Kiva groaned when all the ropes were cut away and he finally removed the gag. Unable to offer even the briefest of warnings, she leaned over the side of the chair — and vomited all over the moldy carpet.

Caldon swore and jumped away, sidestepping behind her to hold back her hair. “Usually people have a different reaction upon seeing me. I’ll try not to take offense.”

“Sorry,” Kiva said weakly, wiping her mouth and pressing a hand to the side of her head, the flesh hot and swollen and throbbing.

“Not your fault,” Caldon said, returning to face her. “That’s quite the shiner you’ve got yourself. But don’t worry, it only brings out your pretty eyes.”

Kiva groaned a second time. “Stop flirting with me, or I’ll be sick again.”

Caldon raised his arms in surrender, and Kiva’s vision finally focused enough to take in the blood splattering his body.

“Are you hurt?” she asked, inspecting him closely.

Caldon snorted. “It’ll take more than a few lousy rebels to cause me any real damage.” A distant sound had him cocking his head and listening intently, before adding, “But there are others on the way, and since you’re more damsel-in-distress-y than usual, we should go.”

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