Page 169 of A Throne of Blood and Ice

When he shuts the door behind him, I figure it’s for the best.

For the rest of the day, I pretend to sleep.

But really, I just simmer.

CHAPTER54

BLAISE

It is a good thing that Ellie and Evander both are deep sleepers, even on the pallet they’ve made at the foot of the bed, because it allows me to sneak out of Evander’s quarters once night falls.

I know my way through the palace well enough, so that isn’t an issue.

I’ve snuck out of this place so many times, the occasions couldn’t be counted by the flecks of sand I could hold in my palm.

So I do, and with my hood I swiped from the servants’ closet drawn, I slip into the night.

With a lie on my tongue and murder in my heart, I make my way back to Mystral under the cover of night.

When I reachthe border of Dwellen and Mystral, marked by a stone slab engraved with the names of the kingdoms on each’s respective side, I don’t hesitate to pass over.

For a moment, I wonder if my bargain with Abra will set in, if it will seal up my throat and leave me wallowing for air.

But nothing happens.

Because I’m not breaking my vow.

I’m not returning for Nox.

I’m returning for Farin.

CHAPTER55

BLAISE

I’ve just reached Limerick, a sleepy town on the outskirts of Ermengarde, when hues of pink begin to blot the horizon.

My legs ache from exhaustion. I’ve been pushing myself all night hoping to make it to Ermengarde by daybreak, but the sun has outwitted me.

It’s with a chest full of needles and regret that I stop at a worn-down inn on the border of the city.

I’d have picked it anyway because it’s close to the Serpentine, and because it looks like the type of place that knows better than to ask questions of its travelers.

But the entire edifice is lacking windows.

It hints more at the activities that take place within the inn’s walls, but it’s exactly what I need if I want to avoid crisping in the sunlight.

The shabby door creaks as I enter. The inn is small, and the foyer serves as both a tavern and a place to pay the innkeeper, who stands behind the counter.

When I ask him how much for a room, he jerks his head toward a sign hanging on the wall behind him, but the script is so crammed I don’t bother more than a glance at it. Instead I offer the stout faerie with fox ears a stout purse I snatched from the back pocket of one of Othian’s drunk guards in exchange for a quiet room away from the bustle downstairs.

It’s only then I remember that whatever had words darting off in all directions my entire life has been cured by my vampirism. Sure enough, when I take the time to look at the sign behind the counter, I decipher the rates with ease and quickly realize I’ve overpaid considerably.

I wonder how long it will take for the urge to distract others from my literacy difficulties to subside.

“You sure ya don’t want dinner before you settle down? Help settle your stomach?” the innkeeper asks, more pleasantly now that he’s yanked my coin behind the counter.

I can’t help the way my gaze immediately dips to the crevice in his neck, but it’s rather hairy and does nothing to stir my cravings.

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