Of Whispers and Daggers ✓ [TLRQ #2]

Chapter 27 - Aster

I can't wait to see the Ladies' faces when we turn their question around on them. I never have been, nor do I think I ever will be, more grateful to Riletta for something. I hurry down the hall on my way to the Auditorium. After my private meeting with Selenia yesterday, and knowing what trick the Ladies intend to play, I really think there's a chance she'll listen to me and Reyan. She'll listen to the plan that is going to save lives, not serve them to the enemy. I think of all the soldiers and wizards waiting on the wall, trusting that the people giving them orders know what they're doing. Now, maybe, we will. Without Riletta's note, I wouldn't be so sure.

For once, maybe our luck has turned.

I struggle to hide the smile slipping onto my face. I can't look like a grinning fool when I get to the Auditorium.

Behind me, the wooden slap of a page's shoes rolls down the otherwise empty hallway. I turn, Leavi hurrying toward me. "Aster."

My smile drops, her tone as reassuring as the falling guillotine is friendly.

"We might have a problem."

"What is it?" I step closer, glancing around for listening ears.

She lowers her voice. "My notebook is missing."

I blink at her, the horror of the simple sentence slow to sink in. "It's just missing?"

She cringes. "I think—well, I think Jacin has it."

"Then get it back," I growl, incredulous.

She steps back, dipping a tight nod. "Alright. I'm sorry. I just thought you'd want to—" She nods again. "I'll do my best."

"Leavi, I—" I look away, biting my lip hard. My arms cross as I turn back toward her. "If someone else has it, that could be people's lives. Do you understand?" Desperation tinges the words, and my thoughts scramble for predictions of the Ladies' next move if they've learned about the notebook. Stars, if they know I have a spy, if they realize it's Leavi, then she's just dead.

Lady Solitaena turns onto the hallway, and Leavi dips a curtsy to me. "I understand, milord." She holds my gaze, eyes steady and serious, then turns away.

Solitaena eyes Leavi's retreating form. "Lots of people to message that won't be in the Auditorium, Prince?"

"An army is only as strong as its foot soldiers, Lady." I force a thin smile and turn, resuming my way to the Auditorium.

"Yes," she says. "I suppose you're right." Her words are soft, and I ache with her for the slaughter of her people.

We reach the Auditorium Arbitrate, and I take my place by my siblings. I try to catch Reyan's eye, hoping to somehow communicate that this may go more poorly than we had discussed yesterday, but he doesn't look at me.