Shatter by Aprilynne Pike

Author:Aprilynne Pike
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2018-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

WE ALL WALK together back to Duke Spencer’s new apartments, more because it’s on the way to the main section of the palace than for any particularly friendly reason. Lord Aaron’s absence seems to have made both Duke Spencer and me a little melancholy—Duke Spencer from empathy, I suspect, and me because I’m waiting for the consequences. If Lord Aaron wasn’t already determined to leave as soon as possible, he is now.

Lady Mei, on the other hand, chats about what she’s going to wear to the assembly tonight, and I hold tight to her arm, needing a connection to that memory of how carefree life used to be. We all ignore the tourists gawking on the other side of the velvet ropes that bifurcate the wide hallway. We’re so accustomed; they’re more like buzzing insects than people.

Duke Spencer enters a pass code on a concealed keypad before turning and fluttering his fingers in a rather pathetic wave.

“He’ll be back,” I say lamely. “These moods never last too long.”

Duke Spencer nods, stoic as ever, and opens the ornate door to his opulent lodgings as I turn to continue on my way.

Lady Mei’s scream brings me back around, and it takes several seconds before I realize what I’m seeing.

Julianna Tremain, hanging, swinging slightly, from the rafters.

“M.A.R.I.E.!” I shout. “Security! Now!” But of course—it’s Wednesday. More shrieks and screams sound behind me, and with a sinking heart I realize all the tourists who happened to be strolling in the general vicinity have now seen a dead body in the Palace of Versailles. Despite the screen rule, I retrieve my tablet from my reticule and send an alert over the wireless. Even as I push the buttons that will summon security to me, I hear the artificial clicks of a dozen handheld devices snapping pictures and probably—God save us—recording video.

Justin is not going to be pleased.

“Inside,” Saber says quietly, interposing himself between Lady Mei and the crowd, pushing her into the apartment and past the hanging form. “Spencer—Duke, whatever, come on!” He pulls on Duke Spencer’s cuffs, and finally the duke staggers into the foyer.

“Cut her down,” Duke Spencer chokes, tears streaming down his face. “Please.”

“One thing at a time,” Saber says in that same gentle, comforting voice he’s used on me so many times. “Danica, the door. Crack it and tell me if security is coming.”

He shuffles both Lady Mei and Duke Spencer farther into the apartment, and though Lady Mei stays on her feet, Duke Spencer slides down the wall into a heap. Saber assists the duke in tucking his head between his knees even as he sobs—awful, painful sounds coming from his throat.

I’m supposed to be keeping an eye out for security, but I’m still staring at the body, my hand clenched on the doorknob. Her face is contorted and white, cocked slightly to the side. Her eyes are not only open but bulging and bloodshot. The tip of a purple tongue peeks out from between Glitter-rouged lips, and briefly I wonder where she got it.

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