The Girl of Fire and Thorns (26 page)

Cosmé raises her chin in challenge. “No one said our undertaking would be without risk.”

I sigh, hating this moment. “In other words, we have no real plan for escape.”

It is Mara who quietly whispers, “If we can force the conde to defend himself, it will be worth it. His resources are so much greater than that of our tiny Malficio.”

“It could be the advantage
your husband
needs to win this war,” Humberto adds.

I wince. “Cosmé, could you use your connection with the conde to get us out of trouble?”

The young woman frowns.

“I told her everything,” Humberto says apologetically.

“I would try,” she says in a stiff voice. “Though it feels wrong to use my relationship with him for anything. Very wrong. Asking favors of him is . . . unpleasant. There is always a price.”

I study her thoughtfully. “Then we’ll try to avoid that. Let’s inform our companions of the plan and be on our way.”

The monastery is a smaller version of the one presided over by Father Nicandro at Brisadulce. The same adobe walls, the same prayer candles and long wooden benches. And just like Brisadulce, the number of worshippers is thin indeed, the benches far from full. I had hoped for a large crowd to get lost in.

Our desert robes are nondescript, appropriate for penitents seeking a boon through the sacrament of pain. Cosmé and Humberto pull up their cowls to avoid recognition as we file in with pious decorum. We spread out to avoid suspicion, and the low murmuring of prayer begins to fill the room, rising and falling in soft cadence. My Godstone buzzes with warmth.

Near the waiting altar, a priest’s bowed head snaps up. He scans the growing crowd.

I lower my head and huddle behind Cosmé as she works her way forward, cursing myself for forgetting something so important. Hiding at her back is a futile gesture, for she is dainty and I am not, but the priest continues his scan, unable to pinpoint my location. With as understated a motion as possible, I grab her elbow and force her into the nearest bench row. We sit down as one, our thighs brushing.

She whispers, head lowered, “We were supposed to separate and—”

“The priest can sense my Godstone. Just like Alentín and Nicandro. I dare not get any closer.”

A slight intake of breath. Then: “You should go. Leave as soon as people rise to accept the invitation.”

I start to nod, but I then I get a better idea. “We could use my Godstone as a distraction.”

“You think you can do that?” she mutters.

“I can. At the end of the ceremony, you and the others will head toward the kitchens. I’ll go out the rear door toward the dormitory and pray to draw their attention.”

Her cowled head leans closer and her forehead brushes mine when she whispers, “You’re sure you want to do this?”

“I do. I’ll meet you back at the boardinghouse.” I’m almost sure I can find my way alone.

“They’ll know the bearer is here.”

“It’s already too late to hide the fact from them.”

A sobering thought, and we wait in nervous silence through the preservice rituals. The priest leads us in the “Glorifica,” and it takes all my willpower to not raise my soul in worship at the lyrical beauty of it. Any thought of worship or prayer will cause the stone inside me to flare in joyous response, so I concentrate instead on coconut scones with cream filling, trying to remember the exact taste and texture on my tongue.

I thrum my fingers against the bench as the priest raises a sacred rose, with its enormous thorns, above his head and launches into a hymn of deliverance. At last he invites all who wish to partake in the sacrament of pain to step forward. Mara rises from her spot a few benches ahead. I recognize several others from our group. Cosmé and Humberto remain seated, for fear of recognition. In this prayerless moment, I feel bereft and darkly wrong.

Finally the ceremony concludes. The remaining petitioners have their bleeding fingers tended to while the head priest—still scanning the crowd in obvious agitation—offers extra prayer and counseling to the needy. Some of our group move forward to corner the priest with bogus appeals, while others inch toward the side door leading to the kitchen and stables.

I stand, my mind firmly on pastries, and edge toward the dormitories. From the corner of my eye, I see Mara’s tall form shrouding the nearest priest with clever solicitude. I can’t help but grin as I duck into a cool, dark archway.

But my grin disappears when I see a branching corridor. Two directions to choose from, both gloomy. Heart pounding, I decide on the one that doubles back toward the entrance. Though I said nothing of it to Cosmé, getting caught here could mean my life. Father Alentín told me the priests of this monastery are supporters of the Godstone rather than of the bearer, and it’s possible they would rip the stone from my navel given the chance.

I hurry down the corridor, straining to see through the murkiness. Footsteps patter in the distance; I hope they are nothing more than petitioners exiting the receiving room, but it’s impossible to know. At last I reach a wood beam door with iron hinges and an arched apex. The handle is cold in my palm as I begin to pray.

God, please help me distract the priests.

The Godstone leaps in greeting, shooting sparks of warmth. I pull the door open.

Please keep my friends safe. Let them be successful.

A rush of fresh, warm air bathes my face. I step outside onto a brick street. Torches pour bronzed light onto the walkway at regular intervals. Ahead is a cluster of robed petitioners, laughing together with that familiar sound of release that so often follows the sacrament of pain. I’m even nearer the original entrance than I thought.

Thank you, God, for this lovely city. If it be your will, please spare it from destruction.

“I feel it again!” A male voice, distant but urgent. “This way!”

I squat down behind a low bush lining the wall—blooming hibiscus, my nose tells me—and try to think of scones again. But the Godstone persists as if I am still praying.

I think about the animagus, his white blond hair and blue eyes, the way he slithered, catlike, around his candle- smothered altar.

The Godstone freezes.

Hinges squeal as the door I just exited flies open. Feet patter by, at least two pairs, though I do not dare raise my head to look.

“I felt it,” one says. “I swear it.”

Eyes like ice, the amulet in his long, lovely hand glowing with wicked fire . . .

“I believe you. I felt it too.” More footsteps. “Nothing now, though.”

“Maybe we went the wrong direction?”

White-quartz robes, face smoother than a child’s . . .

“Maybe.” But doubt fills the voice. “Let’s try the dormitory.”

They patter away, the door closes, and still I remain hunched behind the hibiscus bush, my nose tickled by what I hope is not a spiderweb. I very nearly pray with relief.

I squat until the arches of my feet are numb and my neck aches. Then I rise, slowly and carefully, and walk down the street with forced carelessness, toward the boardinghouse. It’s the longest walk of my life.

I’m the first to arrive. I spend the next hour luxuriating in fervent prayer for the safety of my companions. Gradually they trickle in—Mara first, then our two young bowmen. Jacián arrives, harried but gleeful. Carlo, the trapper, and his little brother, Benito, follow. We wait long, tense moments before Bertín’s smiling face fills the doorway. And finally, just when we are beginning to lose hope, Cosmé and Humberto stumble in, exhausted but grinning.

All ten of us, returned safely. And successful, judging from the looks of triumph. It is so much more than I had hoped for. We collapse together in a muddle of laughter and tears, overwhelmed with relief.

It is far from over. The supply train must reach Invierne successfully. It must poison enough of their warriors that they connect their illness to the conde’s tribute and enact retribution. We must parlay with Treviño.

And the priests of Basajuan have felt the presence of the bearer.

But tonight, we glory in our little success.

Chapter 27

W
E wait three days before declaring ourselves to the conde—time enough for the tribute to reach the amassed army of Invierne. We debate the best way to present ourselves to Treviño.

“What if we went publicly?” Mara suggests.

Cosmé nods thoughtfully. “If we announced ourselves publicly, it would make killing or capturing us very awkward for him.”

“Only at first,” I say. “He could always do it later. At a time when his court isn’t watching.”

Cosmé smirks. “At first is all we need. Once word reaches him of the bad shipment, it will be too late for him.”

“So we surprise him during the receiving hour,” Jacián says, pursing his lips. “We must do it in a way that builds sympathy for our cause.”

Humberto frowns. “This is out of my realm of experience,” he says. “I’m a shepherd’s son.”

Mara holds up a hand. “I’m just a village cook.”

“Times like this,” Cosmé points out, “a princess comes in handy.”

As one, they all turn to me. I smile weakly, thinking of the times I skipped out on court functions, assured that Alodia would handle everything.

“Er . . . well, I think it’s important to make a show of confidence and strength.” A safe, general observation.

“You mean like dressing nicely?” Mara asks.

Why didn’t I think of that? “Yes, exactly.”

“I really need to fix your hair,” Mara adds, “so it’s not so . . .” She makes an obscure gesture with her hands.

I glower at her.

Cosmé considers. “And we need to get you
something
else to wear.”

I glower at her too. “I hate corsets,” I mumble.

“Not a corset,” Cosmé says. “Riding leathers, like the guards wear. Maybe a cloak. We can’t go in armed, but an empty quiver across your back would be very telling. A sword belt.”

I stare at her.

“You must look like a warrior, Elisa.” But Cosmé’s lip trembles with trying to keep a straight face. “You must make enough of an impression that it will be very difficult for the conde to make you disappear.”

The rest of our companions look on in shrinking silence.

I throw up my hands. “Do what you think is best.”

The conde’s palace is much smaller than Alejandro’s, but finely crafted in pastel-hued limestone and the familiar tile pattern of yellow-and-blue flowers. All of us have come, save Carlo, who will return to the Malficio if he does not hear from us before a week has passed. We are dressed in the finest weaves our sheepskins and coin could buy. My riding leathers creak with every step. They are tight against my chest, the curve of my waist, my thighs. Only the skin of my neck and arms remains uncovered, yet I feel exposed and vulnerable without my shapeless robes.

The petitioners in line around us keep a cautious distance. I look at my companions, trying to see them through the eyes of a stranger. Though we are all young, our skin is tanned and weathered, our hair bleached with red streaks from the sun. We stand straight, with resolve and with the strength that comes from being able to walk for days on end. Still sated with our recent victory at the monastery, my friends return the surreptitious looks cast their way with unflinching cool.

“What are you smiling at?” Humberto whispers in my ear.

“Look at us. We seem far more fearsome than we actually are.”

He grins. “Cosmé and Mara did an excellent job outfitting us. But think about it—we
are
fearsome. We are the Malficio.”

The crowd’s motion propels us forward a few steps through the corridor. “I’m glad the line is moving quickly,” I tell him.

“And I’m glad the crowd behind us blocks my escape,” he responds in perfect understanding.

“It’s easier,” I say. “With you here.”

He says nothing, just studies my eyes, my lips, my neck. With the buzzing crowd so thick around us, it’s almost like being alone. “Elisa,” he murmurs. The soft pad of his thumb brushes my shoulder. “I think there is a way.”

“What do you mean?” I could stand here forever with him.

“You said if there were a way to be free of him”—his thumb skims my collarbone, reaches the hollow of my throat—“you would do it.”

I feel a little dizzy. Is it possible? Could I be free of Alejandro? The line of petitioners pushes us forward. “I can’t think about this now!” I put my palm—so briefly—to his face. “But we will discuss it. I promise.”

He gifts me with that easy smile of his, so familiar now, and so dear. Something unfurls inside of me, like a blooming sacrament rose. And I realize I love him.

“What?” he whispers. “What is it?”

My heart is so full it aches. “I’ll tell you later!”

I turn my back on him and the topic, but my chest stings with delightful hope. So when it is finally our turn to enter the receiving hall and the bored herald asks who he should announce next, my tone is high and sure as I say, “I am Lady Elisa of the Malficio, here by His Grace’s invitation.”

The herald’s eyes spark with sudden interest. He taps on the double doors with his staff. They open inward, and we stride into a wide receiving hall while he repeats my words for the assembled court.

I hear gasps from both sides, feel the hot stares on my shoulders. My confidence dribbles away as the pressure of so many people bears down on me. How can an enclosed space contain so many bodies? I smell them acutely, their floral perfumes, the twice-breathed air. I’ve been in the desert far too long.

“So, Lady Elisa of the Malficio,” says a high, clear voice. The Godstone cools.

I peer in the direction of the sound. At the end of the aisle, several fierce retainers step aside, revealing a small, fair-skinned man on a throne. His black hair is plastered shiny on his skull, with flat-sculpted curls that wrap around his ears and spiral against his brow. His eyes are sharp and dark, his chin dainty, like a girl’s. Like Cosmé’s. He looks so much younger than I imagined.

He wears a gaudy golden pendant from a chain around his neck, large as my spread hand. It’s a peculiar and grotesque design, like a rotting flower, yet it’s familiar somehow.

“Your Grace,” I say loudly, remembering at the last instant to bow. Behind me, the others do the same. I wonder if the conde will recognize Cosmé, but she is cowled and his regard is focused on me. I pull his rolled parchment from my leather belt and brandish it high. “We come at your summons, Your Grace. To discuss an alliance, as you requested.”

His cheek twitches and his hands turn white as they clutch the armrests. “It would be untoward to discuss such things here, of course. I’ll have the guards show you to the guest rooms.” He flicks his fingers at one of the stony-faced retainers, then rewards us with a syrupy smile. “Please rest. Make yourselves comfortable. Order food and drink from the kitchens if you like. I will send for you after the lunch hour.”

I’m about to protest, but the guards surround us and herd away. From the corner of my eye, I see Conde Treviño whisper something to an attendant; then the crowd parts before us, revealing a side door. We enter a dark hallway as the throng behind us relaxes into humming speculation.

Worry knots in my chest as we are led down the hall, up a flight of creaking stairs. The guard opens a door to a large suite of eggshell-colored adobe walls and wood-beam braces. It’s windowless and unadorned, but adequate enough for four or five, with its rounded fireplace and wide beds. But the guard ushers all nine of us inside and slams the door. Then we hear the grind and thud of the bolt shoved into place.

We stand there, stunned, until Cosmé lowers her cowl. She is laughing.

We gape at her.

“What did you expect?” she asks. “We definitely surprised him. I haven’t seen him twitch like that since the day I informed him of our unfortunate relationship.” She plops onto the nearest bed, a smug grin on her face.

“He didn’t recognize you,” Humberto says.

“I just kept my head down and covered. He had eyes only for our princess.”

“What will he do next?” young Benito asks in a tight voice.

“Once he’s had a chance to collect his thoughts, he’ll send for Elisa and one or two others. He’ll question you, first together, then separately. The rest of us will be held as leverage.”

“You know him well,” I say.

She avoids my gaze. “Yes.”

So we settle in to wait, trying not to panic over our sudden captivity. I hope she is correct, that I’ll have a chance to talk to him before he turns us over to Invierne.

We nap in shifts. The guards outside ignore our repeated requests for food, and I ache with hunger by the time we hear the rasp of the sliding bolt. Those lying down jump to their feet. Together, we face the doorway. Cosmé huddles in the back, cowl raised.

Two thickset men enter. Short swords slant away from their hips; daggers hug their boots, sheathed in buckled leather. “Lady Elisa of the Malficio?” one says.

I step forward. “I am Lady Elisa.”

“Come with us. You also.” He points to Humberto and Benito.

One guard angles behind us, and I hear the distinct rasp of steel on stone as he unsheathes his sword. Humberto grasps my hand as they herd us through several hallways. I squeeze back gratefully.

By the time we arrive at an ornate mahogany door, I am praying furiously. The door opens, and we are prodded inside. It’s an office of sorts, with a polished desk and a huge fireplace. I’m slightly nauseated by the lushness of the room, with its brightly gilded edges, plush carpet, and scalloped curtains. It reeks of spicy incense, like the animagus’s tent. I barely swallow my cough. The guards lead us to one of several couches facing the desk and shoves us down.

A smaller door behind the desk opens. A tall, wrinkled man in plain robes glides through, followed by Conde Treviño. The conde seems slight next to his towering companion, but sharp faced. Quick of motion.

“Lady Elisa,” the conde says in a musical voice. “I’m so glad you came.”

“Why have you taken us captive?” I demand, then add, “Your Grace.”

His smile is slick and lovely. “For your own protection, of course.”

I let him have his lie. “That was very kind of you, then.” But Humberto stiffens beside me, and his quiet anger gives me the strength to say, “I was pleased to receive your message, Your Grace. I think an alliance between my people and yours would be very beneficial.”

“Oh?” His lips quirk as if it’s a great joke, and he raises an eyebrow, a startlingly familiar gesture. It must have been no trouble at all for Cosmé to convince him of his paternity.

The wrinkled man standing at his shoulder remains unflappable.

“Certainly,” I affirm, even more suspicious now. “The skill of my people, combined with your resources, would give His Majesty the advantage he needs to win the war against Invierne.”

He sighs dramatically. “I’m afraid there will be no alliance, for there will be no war.”

Benito gasps. My hands clench into fists. “What do you mean?” I whisper.

“I have brokered a deal for peace.” His voice rings with pride. “Thousands of lives will be saved.”

Humberto shakes his head. “Invierne will burn your city to the ground,” he spits. “No matter what promises they have made to you.”

“No, no, you are wrong,” Treviño says, advancing on us. The tawdry amulet at his neck slithers on its chain, like a whisper, and I flinch at the Godstone’s hot response. “I have found them to be most reasonable. A pleasure to treat with. Why, just yesterday I received word from their ambassador of a poison spreading through the camp. They thought I had instigated this egregious act of war. Of course I assured them I had not. Then the ambassador suggested that perhaps the Malficio were responsible. Imagine my surprise to find you on my doorstep this very morning!” He paces now, red-and-gold cloak swishing at his ankles, revealing daggers sheathed against his boots. “All I have to do to preserve my city and my people is turn you over to them. All of you. I regret it, I really do. But peace is worth it, don’t you think?” He whirls on me and bends over until his nose is a handsbreadth from mine. “So, my lady, you will tell me exactly where your hidden camp is.”

I swallow, searching frantically for some clever strategy, some brilliant rhetoric that will save us or at least buy us time. All I manage is, “I’ll never tell you.”

The conde steps back and shrugs. “You will. Then you will be sent to Invierne’s camp as a measure of good faith. They’re desperate to have you, for some reason.” He flicks his fingers at one of the guards. A heavy hand grips my shoulder, and fingertips dig deep under my collarbone.

“No!” Humberto launches to his feet. “Take me. I am the leader of the Malficio. The girl is just a decoy.”

The air in my lungs takes on the weight of a boulder.
No, Humberto. Please, no.
I’m shaking my head, trying to catch his eye, but his gaze remains fixed on the conde.

Treviño turns to the wrinkled man, a question in his eyes.

“He lies,” the old man rasps. “She is the leader. And the bearer. I felt her Godstone earlier. This boy is nothing.”

A priest! Together, the conde and the priest stare at Humberto as if they are coyotes sizing up a juicy rabbit.

Dread curls in my gut.

Humberto’s face is a frozen sculpture of fear. But then it relaxes into resignation. He turns to me, regards me steadily, his eyes so full of warmth, his smile so brave. “My Elisa,” he whispers. “Surely you know how much I—”

“Kill him,” Treviño says.

“No!” I lurch from the couch to shelter his body with my own. But the guard’s hand tangles in Humberto’s hair, wrenches his head backward.

I’m reaching for him as steel glints, cold and swift, against his neck. The flesh parts smoothly into a crimson smile.

He tumbles forward, and I grab him. In spite of his shuddering, in spite of his liquid breath, his arms slide around my waist, and he clasps me fiercely to himself. He chokes out something guttural. My name. He’s trying to say my name.

Humberto’s legs give way, and we crumple together to the rug. I bury my face in his hair as he drowns against me. The arms around my waist go slack. Too late, I whisper, “I love you.”

I could hold him forever, but hands seize him, pull him from my grasp. I sit back on my heels, shaking, staring at his limp body as it is dragged away. His eyes are still wide, but the boy I knew does not live in them anymore.