The Lock-Eater by Zack Loran Clark

Author:Zack Loran Clark [Clark, Zack Loran]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2022-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

THE theater was an enormous, opulent space, so newly constructed that Melanie could smell the tang of fresh paint coming off the walls. She stood alone in the center of the stage, with Traveler watching from the wings. Beneath her feet, an intricate magic circle was inlaid to the stage floor, carved of glittering agate and outlined in gold.

The theater’s seats were filled with spectators. Grouille nobles watched Lady Porta the Periwinkle expectantly, the accumulated susurration washing over her like a bath of whispers. The sight of so many onlookers sent Melanie’s heart racing, no matter how she tried to calm herself. Did all these people truly live in the chateau?

She located Parno at the rear of the theater, standing with his copper gearling beside the exit. They’d spoken only once since that afternoon. Melanie had been waiting behind the curtain when the aldermage finally found her. He had grabbed her arm and hissed, “Is it done?”

Melanie had nodded balefully at him, unable to restrain her dislike.

“It better be,” he whispered. “Remember—if you betray me, I’ll make sure you burn for it. One way or another.”

Then he exited the stage, scowling at Traveler as he went.

Melanie gazed up toward Princess-Electa Maximillia’s private box, where the grouille was installed upon a sumptuous divan, still encased in her frilly cocoon. Bufonis stood beside her, frowning as he conversed with one of the Greenguard.

The princess peered down at the stage, her sharp eyes catching Melanie’s.

Melanie took a deep breath.

“Your Highness!” she called, channeling Agatha’s easy confidence with everything she had. The murmuring of the audience quieted. When the last few lingering whispers had finished, Melanie lowered her gaze. “Gentlefrogs of the court! What a marvelous opportunity this is.” She winked playfully. “For you.” There were croaks of laughter, and just as many offended gasps. Melanie’s heart was still racing, but she found herself leaning into the feeling. If the nobles had found that scandalous, wait until they saw what came next.

“My name is Lady Porta the Periwinkle. As Associate Aldermage Parno has mentioned, I’m a magical prodigy . . . and I have quite a show for you today. Spells that will deceive and surpr-AEEZ!”

Melanie’s voice cracked as she caught sight of a strange pair of eyes in the rear of the theater. It was a gaze unlike any other present—one eye golden yellow, and the other milky white.

Abraxas watched her from above. He was perched unseen atop the theater railing, visible only from the stage. His tail twitched with interest.

What? How? Melanie couldn’t fathom how the cat had made it here from Hamlen so quickly, much less escaped the notice of the entire chateau staff.

Still, she was already riding this proverbial gryphon. She had been since she exited the Lotus Gate, her hands raised in surrender, and turned herself in to the extremely startled Greenguard knights still keeping watch outside.

If Abraxas meant to take the ride with her, then so be it.

The audience laughed again, this time at her expense. Melanie cleared her throat, grinning sheepishly.

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