Page 37 of The Sunbound Princess
Nikolas shrugged. “We figured you were someone important.”
More puzzle pieces fell into place. “You’re on your magical quest,” I said. “The Dokimasi.”
“You’ve heard of it?” she asked, eyes widening.
Nikolas smiled gently. “We’re notthatignorant.”
She blushed. “I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just… I didn’t realize humans cared about these things. The sunstone is the key to Summer’s magic. If I don’t find it, I won’t just lose my throne. I’ll put the entire kingdom in jeopardy. Crops will fail, and my people will suffer.”
“And this Corvus?” Nikolas asked, gesturing to the parchment. “How does he factor in?”
“He’s my betrothed,” she said, bitterness lacing her voice. “Or, hewas. I can’t believe he moved this quickly.” She tossed the parchment onto the table as if she couldn’t stand touching it a moment longer. “He must have been planning this for a long time.”
I racked my memory, trying to remember everything I’d heard about the Dokimasi. “I thought only the rightful heir could search for the sunstone. It only reveals itself to the next in line for the crown. Is that right?”
Bel—no,Ezabell—nodded. “Yes, which is why I don’t understand how Corvus seized the throne. He doesn’t have the stone, and he won’t be able to search for it as long as I’m alive. The Dokimasi will only call to—” She broke off, one hand flying to her throat. “Oh gods…”
Nikolas touched her arm, alarm on his face. “What is it?”
Ezabell’s expression went stark. “Corvus is the most high-ranking noble at court. If I die, his house would be next in line for the throne. The Dokimasi would move to him. That’s why he acted so swiftly. He doesn’t expect me to survive. Or perhaps…” She looked toward the window, her face white as chalk. “Maybe he means to make sure I don’t.”
The magic fired in my chest, a sense of urgency exploding behind my sternum. “We should get moving,” I said, going to the bed to fetch her cloak. “Right now.”
Sounds of commotion erupted beneath our feet. Men’s shouts echoed through the floorboards, followed by the pounding of boots on stairs.
“Open up!” a man shouted below us. Somewhere in the brothel, a fist pounded on a door.
“…a dark-haired woman and two thieves,” a second man barked.
The three of us froze. But only for a second.
“Window,” Nikolas said, already moving. He peeked out, then turned and spoke barely above a whisper. “It’s clear. There’s a roof below, then a short drop to the street.”
I grabbed Ezabell’s cloak and swung it around her shoulders. “Ears.”
She pulled her hood up and tucked her hair inside. “How did they find us so quickly?”
I took her arm and led her to the window. “Someone must have recognized you.”
“Or you,” she muttered. “Your face is all over the trees.”
Nikolas came to her other side. “Just one tree. And I don’t know how anyone could have identified me based on that sketch. It looks nothing like me.”
The pounding grew louder as the men outside moved closer to our door. Nikolas climbed through the window first, droppinglightly to the roof below. He skidded down the slope, then caught himself before reaching his arms up for Ezabell.
She hesitated, her fingers curled over the edge of the window.
I put my hand over hers, drawing her gaze. “Do you trust us?” I asked.
Golden eyes held mine. After a second, she nodded. “Yes. I trust you.”
“Good girl.” I helped her swing her legs over the sill. “Nikolas will catch you.”
A fist hammered at our door. The knob rattled. “Open this door by order of the king!”
“Go,” I whispered in Ezabell’s ear. She pushed herself off the sill, dropping straight down. Nikolas caught her around the waist, and they stumbled several steps down the roof’s slope until he steadied her. They grinned at each other, triumph and relief on their faces. Then Nikolas grabbed Ezabell’s hand and helped her to the edge.
I climbed through the window just as the door splintered open behind me. Shouts followed me onto the roof, but I jumped, landing on the balls of my feet before dropping to my knees. Gripping the eave, I swung to the street below.
