A Heart So Fierce and Broken (The Cursebreaker Series Book 2)

An uncomfortable quiet has fallen over the castle. Torches in the courtyard have been lit, the cobblestones freshly swept. I do not know what Prince Rhen has planned for his former guard commander, but the guards who bring me dinner are subdued and preoccupied, all but tossing the tray on the hearth before they can leave.

“What is going on?” I ask.

One of the men ignores me, which is typical, but the other glances at the window before pulling the door closed. “Wait till full dark. You’ll have a good show.”

Then he’s gone, and I’m locked inside as before.

I return to the window, but nothing down below gives a clue as to what’s planned. A crowd is beginning to form. Morbid fascination at work. Perhaps it’s another measure of the ways I am not equal to my sister, but I have no stomach for torture. Mother is no stranger to using violence to get her way, but I am rarely forced to observe it. I have no desire to watch Prince Rhen carry it out either. I’ve seen enough of his cruelty.

I sit on the hearth and pick through the food they’ve brought—shellfish again. It turns my stomach. I want to dump it out the window on the crowd below.

My fire has fallen to embers, and I do nothing to restore it. On the other side of the brick barrier, the room is silent. Not empty—I can see the flicker of shadows through the tiny gap I’ve left.

Grey is in there. I can sense his apprehension from here. I have so many questions about him, but so few answers.

He is the rightful heir. He should not be afraid. There is much unrest in Emberfall because of his very existence. Does he not think he would find support among the people? Why does he not wish to claim the throne? Why yield to a man who allowed his people to fall into poverty and ruin?

Light shifts through the tiny gap, and I can hear the low rumble of voices next door. Three or four guards, at least. They must be worried he will try to run. The tension is so potent I can feel my own heartbeat in my throat.

But once he’s gone, the guards will be too. There will be no reason to guard an empty room.

You’ll have a good show.

If I can feel the foreboding in the castle, it is likely twice as strong in the people who know what’s going on.

Grey will be in the courtyard with his guards. His room will be empty and unguarded. Most likely everyone will be in the courtyard or at the windows, watching. My own guards have already delivered my evening meal, and I know from experience they will not look in on me until the guard shift changes near midnight. I’ve proven myself to be harmless, so they pay me little mind.

I am used to being underestimated.

For once, it’s going to work in my favor.