Opaque Lies by A. W. Exley

Author:A. W. Exley [Exley, A. W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.W. Exley
Published: 2020-05-07T16:00:00+00:00

15

Sunday, 6th November

Allie had dragged her feet in deciding how to proceed with the task the Consortium set her. Jared had advised her to talk to Drina. He said the princess deserved a say in what happened, given it was her life at risk. While Allie agreed in principle, she was loath to break the happy atmosphere they built in Eloise’s tower. As one week turned into two, the day came that she couldn’t delay any longer.

The three young women sat in the tower, each in their favourite spots. Drina sat on the cushions by the fire, sketching. Eloise studied at the long work bench. Allie curled up in the windowsill with Weasel and a book. The mechanical cat stared out the window and watched birds flitting past.

Allie drew a deep breath and shattered the princess’s temporary peace. “I have something I must discuss with you, Drina. About the men who plot against you.”

Drina snorted. “Do you refer to my uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, or closer to home and my mother’s friend, John Conroy?”

Focused on the Consortium, Allie had forgotten the princess lived with someone under her roof who sought to wrest power from her. “I’m referring to the duke. What if there was a way to learn of his plans, but doing so would increase the danger to you. Would you do it?”

Drina set down her pencil and sketch book. She fixed Allie with her piercing eyes. “Speak plainly. What do you mean?”

“I have an assignment from a group that acts on the duke’s behalf. They have been searching for you and have asked me to determine if the king might have hidden you here. I can tell them no, and your holiday will continue in peace. Or I can say yes, and we see what move they make next.” Allie swung her feet to the floor and perched on the edge of her seat.

“I will not live my life like a frightened mouse, too afraid to raise my head. Throw down the gauntlet. Tell them I am here and let us see what they do.” The princess seemed made of steel, her spine straight and her eyes blazing.

Allie wondered how many people underestimated the future queen because of her age, sex, and size. Anyone who did so would be in for a surprise when they discovered the core of hardened metal.

“Are you sure about this? We are a handful of students with no army to protect you,” Eloise spoke up from her stool behind the work bench.

“I have my custodian and warrior. What more do I need?” Determination glinted in Drina’s eyes.

What more did they need, if they could rely on each other? Allie would follow her future queen’s command. “Very well. Let us see what we can learn of your enemies.”

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