Page 24 of A Cage of Crystal

“Different is a word for it,” Cora said. She’d been too consumed with her and Dimetreus’ fates to appreciate the luxury of Verlot Palace, but as she stared at the plain stone walls, bare wooden beams, and flagstone floor, she couldn’t help but admit Ridine left much to be desired.

Lurel bounced on the balls of her feet. “We can spruce things up, Highness. You’re the lady of the castle. It will be up to you to bring a…” She trailed off, frowning at a faded tapestry bearing a gruesome hunting scene that hung on the wall beside them. Her expression brightened as she met Cora’s eyes with a hopeful smile. “A feminine touch. That is what you’ll bring.”

“Your composure, Lurel,” Kevan said, tone gruff.

Lurel pursed her lips, steeling her features. In a softer voice, she said to Cora, “Might I take your cloak and riding gloves, Highness?”

“Oh…yes.” Even after spending over two weeks with a lady’s maid, she was still unused to being waited upon. Lurel unclasped Cora’s cloak and slid it from her shoulders while Cora peeled off her riding gloves. As she handed them to Lurel, she caught sight of Kevan staring at her bare hands, her tattooed palms now visible.

His lip curled behind his bushy beard as he addressed his daughter. “From now on, Lurel, be sure to keep an extra pair of gloves on hand so the princess always has something to change into.”

Cora bristled at the disdain in his voice. Was the sight of her tattoos so repulsive to him? Her palms tingled as if the magic thrumming through her veins wanted to show him exactly what he should fear. But the fiery urge quickly cooled to a simmer. She’d already chosen to bury her magic when she’d asserted her innocence before the inquisitors, convincing them herinsigmorawere simply traditional markings borne by the peaceful commune that had provided her sanctuary for six years. When she’d been pressed for more information regarding their magic, she’d feigned ignorance, claiming she knew nothing of magic herself. She’d sensed her questioners’ approval then, which had made Cora wonder if they cared less about the truth and more about her delivery of acceptable answers.

A rebellious fire burned in her belly. Holding his gaze, she rolled up the sleeves of her riding habit, showing off more of the black ink.

With a derisive snort, Kevan gave a shallow bow and departed.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, shall I show you to your rooms?” Master Arther said. “I imagine you must be tired from your journey.”

“I may have what many consider a befuddled mind, but I know how to find my own living quarters,” Dimetreus said, tone sharp enough to stiffen Cora’s spine.

Arther paled. “Yes, Majesty, I understand. It’s just…very few of the rooms had been kept with much care. We’ve focused our efforts on preparing living spaces for our most prominent residents, but not all rooms are ready for occupation. We are awaiting delivery of fresh linens before we can finish the rest of the rooms. In the meantime, we have assigned sleeping quarters that may not be what you were used to.”

Dimetreus rubbed his brow and forced a smile. “Of course. Lead the way.”

Cora eyed her brother as Arther led her, Dimetreus, and Lurel upstairs. Dimetreus seemed to have grown fatigued since stepping foot inside the castle. The tic still pulsed at the corner of his jaw, and his shoulders were nearly to his ears. “Are you all right?” she whispered.

He grunted his assurance, but Cora wasn’t so convinced.

She continued to watch him carefully as they proceeded past a dimly lit portion of the keep which was clearly uninhabited. The only light came from the pink blush of the setting sun that peeked through the occasional window.

Lurel wrinkled her nose and muttered something about a draft. She edged closer to Cora, hugging Cora’s cloak close to her chest. “I certainly hope the whole castle isn’t always this cold. It is summer, after all.”

They approached a well-lit hall that Cora was quite familiar with. One end led to her childhood bedroom, the largest guest bedrooms, and the king’s suite. As for the other end…

Cora’s pulse quickened as Arther turned to the left and entered another corridor.

Her feet rooted in place. Shadows gathered at the corners of her vision, her heart thumping with a dread she hadn’t felt since her last nightmare. Her sleep had been mostly dreamless since Morkai’s death, but now her mind rang with echoes of the past.

She knew where this hall led. Knew it ended in a single door. A bed.

And blood. So much blood—

Dimetreus stumbled, his hand clutching his chest. In an instant, Cora’s mind returned to the present. As her vision regained its focus, she found her brother’s face, twisted with anguish.

Arther doubled back, seeing that they were no longer following him. “Is everything all right, Your Majesty?”

Dimetreus’ voice came out strained. “Why isn’t there a wall here?” He blinked hard several times. “I…I thought there was a wall. This hall isn’t supposed to exist.”

Arther frowned. “There was no wall, Majesty. This hall was crowded with dusty furniture, but—”

Before Cora could think to stop him, Dimetreus charged past Arther into the corridor. Belatedly, she started after him, ignoring how the walls felt as if they were closing in on her. On trembling legs, she reached the dreaded door.

And found her brother slumped in the doorway.

Cora’s first reaction was relief. The room inside looked nothing like the one from her nightmare. The bed had been moved from its previous location, the linens elegant and new. Violet brocade curtains were drawn open to welcome the last glow of sunlight as it dipped behind the Cambron Mountains.

Cora’s muscles uncoiled as every remnant of fear faded away. In its place, calm settled over her, and her attention narrowed on her brother. She approached him with slow steps.

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