Of Whispers and Daggers ✓ [TLRQ #2]

Chapter 14 - Leavi

The infirmary door slips shut behind Idyne's skirts, and I hurry to follow after. It's early, but I have no idea how early, and I need to be at the Mage's Room on time. Before I can get to the door, though, Illesiarr calls after me. "Maed Riveaux?"

I turn, the skirt of my new uniform twirling around my knees. "Yes?"

"What was the Lady here to see you for?"

I shove my hands into the dress's deep pockets. "She just had something she wanted me to do." Aster might know Idyne is here, and Illesiarr might know about me, but that doesn't mean the other royals know about Idyne—or that Illesiarr wouldn't tell them. I don't know if Aster can stall his sister's hand from the blade twice.

Illesiarr shakes his head a little, white hair swaying with him. "Stay out of trouble, Maed Riveaux. The prince asked me to watch out for you; I'd not like to let him down."

"Of course, Illesiarr." I edge toward the door.

His gaze stays pinned on me. "I mean it. In places of great power, things are rarely as they seem. Don't step on any toes. And stay out of Courtier's Circle."

My brow creases. "Where?"

One eyebrow creeps up. "The royals'—and their guests'—wing. West on the third floor. Only those with express permission are allowed. The servants themselves are handpicked." He stares at me as though to let that sink in, then returns to his mortar bowl. "These castle halls are not a playground, and neither do courtiers good playmates make. Watch carefully where you tread."

I murmur acknowledgement and hurry into the hallway. Dangerous or not, I doubt I'll be able to heed Illesiarr's warning. At least not if I want to comply with Aster's request.

The note in my pocket slides against my fingers as I walk. He must have slipped it into the uniform he sent me yesterday, but I didn't notice until this morning, putting it on.

Overlooked message carriers, he wrote in Avadelian, and one of the most vital resources in the castle. As a page, I am technically under no one's authority. Instead, the Crown simply grants us the right to work in the castle, and senders pay via tips. Carrying time-sensitive information headed anywhere people might be, you'll have almost unlimited access to the entire building. With so much passing through their hands, the penalties for spying—especially on anything considered confidential to the state—are harsh and fall squarely on the page's shoulders. So I'm not asking you to, and it's not something you should take on lightly. But if you happen to come across any information during the day...

I climb a spiral stone staircase, heading toward the east wing of the third floor. If it's a sneak Aster needs, then a sneak he'll have.

I just won't get caught.

When I arrive at the Mage Room, a woman at the door pulls a stack of notes out of her blue cloak. "These are yours to deliver, page." After dropping the string-bound bundle in my hands, she passes me a handful of wooden coins. "Return at lunchtime, and we might have more for you."