often, Veda, and wonder if you are keeping the mud beetles at bay, pesky things.
Yours,
Nico Denali, Heir to Bellona
The smile stretched across my face is inescapable.
Too soon, it falters.
I look at the long list of Basso names. Raevald was riding high on ego and brandy to hand this over to me. Also, he’s beginning to trust Heir Denali.
And I bet he has a copy somewhere because, even drunk on brandy and power, he’s not stupid.
I stare down at the letter, the list folded up within it. I almost throw the letter in the fire.
Am I being too risky?
My words alone could have me executed for treason, not to mention I’m secretly sending it to the enemy.
But somehow she got to me first. Bronwyn, whoever it is, Veda trusted they’d get her letter to me without endangering me. Even though we’re technically on different sides, she’d never put me in harm’s way.
I have to trust someone in this or else what the hell am I doing? And if I can’t trust her, trust that we’ll be able to set things right at some point in the future, then I’ve no business being here at all.
The risk is real, but it’s worth it to finally have contact.
Without another thought, I seal the letter in a blank envelope, scribble a V on the front, and wait.
But that’s no good.
I stand, walk to the door, and ring the kitchen bell.
Shove the letter in my pocket.
In a matter of minutes, there’s a knock at my door.
“Yes?”
“The kitchen sent me; we assumed you wanted your evening tea early?”
I’m fairly sure I recognize her voice.
Bronwyn.
“Oh, yes. Come in,” I say, keeping up the ruse just in case. I’m not going to react until I’m without any doubt it’s her.
The girl is tall like Bronwyn and wears a bonnet that covers her hair, which I can tell is light.
Maybe-Bronwyn’s head is down as she focuses on the tea tray. It isn’t until she sets it down on the table, asks me, “Sugar and milk?” and makes eye contact that I recognize her.
“Hey,” I say under my breath.
She gives a slight grin. “Hi.” Then clears her throat. “A selection of baked goods here—” She pulls the linen back to reveal an assortment of breads in a basket. “What you don’t eat, I’ll collect on the hour.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my lord.” Bronwyn gives a nod. I try to catch her eye—oh how I want to talk to her, find out how Veda is, if she’s seen her—but she’s completely committed to her role and reminds me I should be too.
I only nod back.
And she leaves.
I drink my tea, take the letter out of the envelope and fold it at least twenty times so it’s the tiniest square of paper and shove it inside the only blueberry muffin in the basket. I take the rest out, arrange them on the plate so it’s the blueberry muffin and only the blueberry muffin left. Sun almighty, I hope she understands it. I assume she’ll look for the note and not choose a piece of bread at random.
Yes, she’s not stupid, Nico.
Okay.
There’s a knock at the door. “Lord Denali?” Salazar.
“On my way!” I call. The last thing I need is him offering to dispose of the dishes.
I shrug into my coat, wrap my scarf once around my neck and leave. When I step outside into the hallway, Salazar waits, nose in his schedule. He’s donned a hat, his ginger hair peeking out under the sides. “Ready?” he says.
“Ready.” For what, I have no idea.
But if it’s another one of Raevald’s tests, Sun help me.
CHAPTER 14
VEDA
The walk from my cave to the map room is twice as quick as I remember. I’m not sure if I’m walking faster because I’m angry and determined or if I’ve just forgotten.
The closer I get, the more anxious I become. I’ve not spoken with the Sindaco since before I left. Before I uncovered his lies.
At the memory, I squeeze my mother’s spear inside my fist. I brought it with me for motivation. For strength. And because I can’t look at it without seeing his lies, which is why I must return it.
I’ll get the rest back eventually. This one belongs with him.
When I arrive at the door I consider walking right in but decide to knock. I suppose I shouldn’t completely start things off with a bad taste in both our mouths.
Though he did summon me.
“Come in,” the Sindaco calls.
When I open the door, the room is all shadows,