Blooms of Darkness (The Broken Prophecy Book 1) by Anna Applegate & Helen Domico

Author:Anna Applegate & Helen Domico [Applegate, Anna & Domico, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Hunched over with my warm, purple and gold quilt around me, I made a scene, clutching a teacup from Elisabeth as she escorted me back to the main hallway of the palace.

“Call me immediately if you begin to develop a fever,” Elisabeth said, loudly enough for all to hear. Adjusting my quilt, she patted my arm and gazed lovingly into my eyes. A moment later, she turned and disappeared down the hall.

Coughing and sniffling, I shuffled my feet slowly.

“Princess.” Fredrich’s boisterous voice echoed down the hallway, already grating on my nerves.

It took all my willpower not to flinch, but this had to be done. I knew he’d be the nosiest and would spread the word of my “sickness” the fastest.

I timed this orchestrated fake parade perfectly, with his daily walk amongst the castle halls after breakfast. A walk most other contenders tried to avoid, as they found him as insufferable as I did.

“You’re ill?” he questioned, trying to establish where Elisabeth had disappeared down the hallway. “How is your healer unable to assist you?”

I wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from my brow. “I would never waste our healer’s time with something as insignificant as a few aches and a cough. She has far more important things to tend to than a simple cold. It’s nothing a few days in bed can’t fix.”

“How noble of you, Princess,” Kade said, sauntering over from his perch atop the stairs. If I so much as glanced at him, I’d likely ruin the ruse. “May I help you back to your room?”

“There’s no need to make a fuss.” I shifted, standing taller and grasping my quilt in one hand while I balanced the tea in another. “Don’t you gentlemen have things you could attend to while waiting for the next trial? It seems like the perfect opportunity to get to know others from around Brookmere and improve our overall relations. Trade agreements would be most logical while in person, if I do say so myself.”

“Of course, Princess. What a fine idea. Even if you did get the idea from me.” Fredrich touched the tip of my nose with a finger. “I see my words have value to you.”

I may actually be sick if he continued babbling on.

“Well, if you'll excuse me, I’m just going to lie down and rest for the remainder of the day. I look forward to seeing you both once I am well. Good day.” With a quick bow of my head, I slowly hobbled down the remainder of the corridor, pausing to clutch my quilt tighter as I climbed the stairs to my chamber.

The act was complete. I made it to my chambers, closed the door, and laughed to myself at how easily Frederich had bought our tale. With a sense of purpose, I quickly changed into my Hidden Henchman ensemble, clasping the cloak around my shoulders. I kept my mask tucked away in the inner pocket of my cloak. I wouldn’t need the cloak or the mask for

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