Academy for Courting Curses - Tara West Page 0,83

the city in the back of a farmer’s wagon. After discovering he’d found a job at the prison and was living with a family in town, she’d written him often, not minding that he never wrote back and praying her letters brought him some peace. Not until after Alexi’s bonded brothers visited her that fateful night, carrying her brother’s shield, had Romulus finally sent her a letter. From that moment on, they’d kept up a steady correspondence. Though she didn’t want to take advantage of a friend, she was hoping he would remember her kindness to him over the years and return the favor. The child’s life depended on it.

“What has brought you out of your temple so late at night?” he asked, concern marring his wide brow.

She decided to get straight to the point. “I’ve come to inquire about the slave child who was attacked by the dragon.”

He backed up a step, looking uncomfortable while scratching the back of his head. “What about her?”

Wringing her hands together, she looked at him with pleading eyes. “Is it true she will be put to death?”

He grimaced. “Probably so.”

Kyria felt as if her heart had imploded. Clutching her chest with one hand, she braced herself against the wall with the other. “That’s not fair.”

“I know it isn’t.” With a groan he dragged a hand down his face. “Tell me, were you the heroic priestess who defended her?”

Holding back tears, she nodded.

Grasping her shoulders, he smiled. “I knew it had to be you. You have your brother’s fighting spirit.”

“Is there anything I can do to commute her sentence?” she pleaded.

Romulus shrugged, averting his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m just the jailer. I’m not the decider of fates.”

“Damn.” She kicked a wet pebble against the stone wall. “Who is?”

“The district judge will decide in two days.” His bushy brows drew together. “And he’s none too lenient.”

“There must be some way I can override his decision.”

“The only way is to appeal to the prince. He overseas judicial matters.”

The prince? She’d never even met him. Coddled by the mad king, he spent most of his time secluded within the castle. “How do I do that?”

“I’m not sure you can.” Romulus shifted, darting a glance at Jade. “He’s got his hands full with the rebellion.”

Damn. How could she have forgotten the rebellion? This past summer the Dragon Defenders, the army her brother had died serving, had declared their outpost at the treacherous pass a sovereign city because of the king’s unfair treatment. Though they’d been rebelling against the king on and off for three years, they’d had a tentative truce until their quarrel had started up again. This time they said they would no longer negotiate with the king, that he must agree to all their terms, including recognizing their sovereignty. Among other demands, they said the king must pay them back taxes for protecting the city from a dragon invasion or they would abandon their posts. She’d always thought they had been bluffing. She knew from her late brother and his brothers-in-arms that defenders took their oaths seriously. Then a dragon had breached Sawran’s city walls.

Had the winged dragon been let in by the defenders, or had it simply flown over Perculi straight to Sawran? Either way, she suspected the king and prince had their hands full. If she couldn’t count on receiving help from the prince, then she would find another way to save the girl.

Batting her lashes, she coyly bit her lip, hoping a little harmless flirting wouldn’t compromise their friendship. “What if she were to escape?”

“You know I can’t do that.” His cheeks colored, and his lips thinned. “It would be our necks in the noose if we were caught,” he said sternly. “I might consider risking my own life, but I won’t jeopardize yours.”

Curse Romulus for caring about her! “Don’t worry about me,” she said. “My brother’s legacy will protect me.” At least she sure in ten hells hoped it would.

“Kyria,” Jade hissed, “the guards!”

She spun around to see two temple guards barreling toward them.

“Hey, you two!” one of them yelled.

“Dragon balls! Run!”

Snatching Jade’s wrist, Kyria picked up the hem of her long tunic and tore off, only making it a few steps before Jade slipped and tumbled with a shrill cry, pulling Kyria down with her. Jade landed on her bottom and rolled on her side when Kyria fell on top of her with a grunt. Kyria slid off her friend and looked up at two pairs of angry eyes, blinking back