Crown of Secrets (The Hidden Mage Book 1) by Melanie Cellier

Author:Melanie Cellier [Cellier, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Luminant Publications
Published: 2020-10-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

I slept badly that night, something I determinedly blamed on my nap during the day, ignoring the frequency with which a certain pair of brown eyes intruded on my restless nighttime thoughts. I had given myself a day to find a way around the problems I had created, and I was determined not to fail.

For once I was up well before the morning bell. I had decided on my first course of action, but only when I emerged from my suite did it occur to me that I didn’t actually know where to go to pursue it. Where did the instructors eat their meals?

I hesitated only for a moment, though. I didn’t want to be caught by any of my year mates—and most especially Darius—before I had at least worked out a plan of action. If I wanted to speak to the library head, I would have to start in the library—the only place I had seen him since the day of my arrival.

I descended a single floor and hurried to the library. The doors did not yet stand open, but when I tried them, they were unlocked. I had never been here at this time of the morning before, and I found it utterly still and quiet.

I let myself stand inside the room for a moment, breathing in the smell of the books and the peaceful solitude. My troubles seemed to shrink a little beside the immense weight of history and wisdom that resided between the pages around me. I was not the first person to make a mistake, and I would not be the last, and yet the kingdoms rolled on.

“Princess Verene! This is an unexpected surprise.” The librarian’s voice sent a jolt of urgency back through me again.

“Oh good, you’re here,” I said. “I wasn’t sure where to find you at this hour.”

Hugh smiled. “I’m a creature of habit, I’m afraid. I can usually be found here. My poor wife has given up on luring me out and has resigned herself to joining me.”

As if on cue, Raelynn emerged beside him.

“Your Highness! It’s lovely to see you back on your feet. I heard you took yesterday to rest which was most wise.” She must have seen a flash of alarm on my face because she chuckled. “You may rest easy, Your Highness. I did not reveal your secrets to anyone.”

She and her husband exchanged an amused look, still clearly thinking I was motivated by some sort of youthful pride. But my concerns over the sabotage of the training yard had been overtaken by more urgent considerations, and I paid their amusement no mind.

“Are you here for something related to your healing?” Hugh asked.

I shook my head. “Is there perhaps somewhere we could sit? I have some questions, and I’m afraid the answers may not be short.” I hesitated. “Assuming you have time for a conversation now?”

“I run a library,” he said with a wide smile. “I am always happy to help those who come seeking knowledge and wisdom.

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