The Kings' Daughter by Nathalie Mallet

Author:Nathalie Mallet [Mallet, Nathalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
ISBN: 1-59780-135-6
Publisher: Night Shade
Published: 2009-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Fortunately, soon after we left the Baba Yaga's cabin, a cold north wind blew away the cloud cover and moonlight beamed down upon us, illuminating our steps and rendering our return to the castle an easier feat. This brought me very little relief. I desperately wanted to be in the castle now, right this minute. I wanted to see Eva safe. This was my main focus. My disinterest for everything else must have been written on my face, because Diego gave me one glance when we began our trip back and kept his mouth shut for its duration. That was rather unusual for him. The man seemed to know every tale ever told. So we walked in silence, me in front, plowing through the snow as fast as my legs could manage, and Diego behind. We moved rapidly and quietly, with only the sound of our heavy breathing disturbing the silence of the night.

Finally, the castle fell into view. I was glad we'd reached our destination because I was exhausted, out of breath, and my legs wouldn't cease trembling. But when I entered the castle, my mood turned sour as I realized that I had no way of contacting Eva. I couldn't burst into her chambers like a vulgar thief. Well, to begin with, I didn't even know where her chambers were. I looked at Diego. But he knows the way.

"Diego, can you guide me to Eva's chambers?" I knew his answer was going to be no before he opened his mouth. His furrowed brows and overall expression of horror contorting his face made that clear.

"Amir, there are certain ladies' chambers in this castle that even I won't attempt to enter."

"Please, I must see her. I need to know that she's safe."

"No, my friend. It's too dangerous a venture. If the king gets wind of your presence there . . . goodness, you'll be killed on sight."

"I'm willing to take that risk."

Diego shook his head. "I can't help you—not for this. You're on your own, my friend."

Fists closed, I glared at him. "How dare you call me a friend if you won't help me? Leave then! You're not my friend at all."

Diego sighed. "Yes, I am. But you're too angry right now to see it. Tomorrow maybe." This being said, he turned and left.

Alone in a dark corridor, I cursed Diego. That stinking dandy! He's no friend of mine. I should set fire to his wardrobe; that would be a relief for everyone's eyes. Infuriated by what I conceived as Diego's betrayal, I screamed, I wanted to break something. Finding nothing in the corridor to break, I directed my rage at its meager decoration. I ripped a tapestry off the wall and threw it on the floor. Then I kicked it a few times. It did not make me feel any better, only a little ashamed of myself. "What am I supposed to do now? Ask a guard where she sleeps? That will raise suspicions."

As I was wondering what to do, I heard a "Psst.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.