Red Ruse

Chapter Thirty Three

Mare

The fabric is taut between my fingers as I slice through the ruffle, letting it join the rest on the floor. My legs have room to breathe now, a half-skirt and loosened corset, and I make the most of it as I stride down the hall. The bracelet blinds me to the cameras. Elara's whispers are finally quiet.

I exhale. Gwendolyn gave me only the haziest of sketches, the pieces I need to escape without compromising anyone else. I barely trust her, but I have few other options. A Samos, she had the standing to avoid interrogation. A Samos, she had the plans to the palace memorized.

Tempted as I am to flatten against the wall, a queen must act like she belongs. I hold my head high as I stride past portraits of Calore kings and their wives, all grave and severe. Maven's isn't up yet, and mine never will be.

Were I a fool, I might've mourned.

"Excuse me."

My neck hairs stand on end as a hand brushes my neck, nearly tugging at the pins in my hair. Atara still wears a dove on her shoulder, eyeing me with something I can't place. "What's with your dress?"

I grimace, steadying my breath. "We, uh–" I press a hand to my cheek, flushing. "Maven got a li'l carried away."

"Oh." She blinks. "I don't suppose he . . . "

My nails dig into my flesh, and I withdraw. I'd forgotten the morning, the lies, the silence that spoke for me and won me their sympathy. I've had months to polish my court voice now, months to stick my feelings in a box. "None of your business."

She bites her lip. Behind her, Elara's portrait looms, eyes that turn my skin to ice. You made this wound yourself, she seems to snarl again. Now bleed.

"Huh." Atara circles me, raising a brow. "What is my business, then?"

I don't have time for this. "Leave us alone, Viper." I try to sidestep her, but she blocks me with ease. "I need to wash up."

"I'll go with you." Her hand closes around my arm, tentative, then tight. "You're queen now. You'll need a Silver to guide you through it."

I bristle. "I'd rather die."

She snorts. Her dove flaps its wings, settling on her hair. "You will within the week if you keep up that attitude."

I steady myself, breaking free of her grip. "I dismiss you, Viper." I straighten. "You wanted me to be queen. Now obey me."

A beat passes.

She grits her teeth. "You're trying to escape, aren't you?"

I stiffen. The letter opener still rests at my hip, hidden by the remaining ruffles. "Why would I be escaping?" I toss my hair, dragging a pin free. It falls to the ground, and I gesture towards it, feigning surprise. "Pick that up, will you?"

Her dove fidgets, and she scowls. "I'm not a servant."

"I gave you an order, Atara." I smile, tugging free another pin. I don't even pretend it's an accident this time. "This is your life now." Two more fall to the floor, skidding at her feet. "So long as I stay within the palace."

Her lips part, and I wonder if she'll do it. If she'll let me go, find a way to pin the blame on someone else. But her sense is greater than her pride, and so she kneels, fingers trembling as they close around the nearest pin.

My foot holds no mercy as it collides with her stomach.

Atara gasps, clutching the tile, dove screeching as it takes flight. I sprint down the hall, cover be damned, fumbling for some latch that will let me lose the bracelet. A bird would be no match for my sparks. A bird would be no match for a Mare uncaged.