Princess of Feathers: Grimm Academy, Book 16 by Laura Greenwood

Author:Laura Greenwood [Greenwood, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Drowlgon Press

Eight

A slip of paper under my door is the only announcement of the second task for the Bellpoint Castle competition, and the whole thing fills me with dread. Somehow, I need to manage the task without saying a single word.

How am I supposed to help my friends when I can't say anything?

I scrunch my hand into my skirt, wincing as the nettle stings that I've gained from staying up into the early hours of the night stitching and weaving the nettles into shirts for my brothers. I need to be careful no one sees the state of them, or I'm going to end up with questions I can't answer.

I skip breakfast. As much as I don't want to, I have to avoid my friends for as long as possible. They'll know something's wrong, even before they realise I'm not saying anything out loud.

The tent has been put up on the lawn again, and a similar number of students seem to be entering. Either everyone passed the previous round, or they haven't started eliminating people yet.

I hope it's the second one, or I'm not going to stand a chance given my current situation.

I enter and take a seat at one of the small tables and wait for the inevitable arrival of Astrid and Cordelia.

The two of them enter, and stop mid-conversation when they see me already seated. They hurry over and perch themselves on the tables on either side of mine.

"You weren't at breakfast," Cordelia says.

I shake my head and make a gesture to indicate sleep.

"Late night with Alaric?" Astrid raises an eyebrow and smirks.

My eyes widen and I shake my head again.

"Yes, yes, we believe you." She crosses her arms and flashes me an expression that says she doesn't.

I repeat my head shake. This is going to get old very fast. I should have thought about bringing a sheet of paper with me to write on, but given how new the silence is to me, I didn't think about it in time.

Just in case either of them happen to have something in their pockets, I mimic the act of writing with my hands.

Cordelia frowns. "What's wrong with your voice?"

I press my palm to my throat and look as sad as I can, hoping the two of them will just assume I think I'm sick.

"Oh no, maybe you shouldn't be here. We can cover for you?" Cordelia suggests.

"She can't do that," Astrid answers for me. "There's only one chance to compete in this competition. If she doesn't do this task, then she can't move onto the next one and there'll be no way of winning."

"Her health is more important," Cordelia says quietly, making sure to check where the various staff members are so they don't catch on to our conversation. I don't think they'll take very kindly to it.

I reach out and touch my friend's hand gently and nod to try and indicate I'm all right.

"Only if you're sure."

I nod again.

"Fine, but if you end up feeling worse after it, don't come complaining to me," Cordelia says.

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