A surge of triumph rose in Amelia’s chest. The first piece of good news in days.
The Queen took the last bit of information with an unreadable face.
“And the soldiers?”
“They remain at their posts. The Tribunal’s guards have also joined since this morning, though I trust them as much as I would wild animals. For this reason, I request permission to bring ten more Chosen from Antambazi to the Hospital.”
Amelia clenched her teeth and fists to stop herself from reacting. She already knew that Presiyan and Sevar were allies, but learning that the Tribunal was guarding the Hospital for theQueen was a fresh stab to a bleeding wound.
“Why don’t you trust our allies?” The Queen asked.
Sevar pressed his lips together. “Once a traitor, always a traitor. I can’t confirm it, but I strongly suspect they had a hand in inciting this revolt.”
“I agree. Assemble your team and tell Kathrine to gather hers. We leave in half an hour. I’ll search every corner of that building until I find the one responsible for spreading such rumours. Then, I’ll personally disembowel any creature unwilling to obey me.”
She sprang to her feet in a flash. The hem of her gown billowed out like menacing black flames, poised to scorch everything in their path.
***
Amelia
Amelia stood behind the railing, gazing down into the central atrium, four floors below. She waited until the Queen left the palace before heading towards her room.
She hoped whoever had torn out the General’s heart would do the same to the Queen. But until then, she needed to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. First, she had to disguise herself.
The journey from Malko Tarnovo to the Hospital would take at least five hours one way, according to what she remembered – ample time for Amelia to reach the outskirts, gather information, and return to the castle. If there was any place in the realm where loyalty to the Queen might waver, it would be the Low – the district of outcast reptilians.
However, as soon as she stepped into her room, something seemed amiss. The window was ajar, just as she’d left it, and the usual Antambazi night breeze carried the scent of sea salt.Yet, despite the unchanged surroundings, someone had entered while she was away.
A small pouch at the foot of her bed caught her attention. It was barely visible against the dark bedspread.
Amelia edged closer, scanning the room’s corners. Once she was sure she was alone, she picked up the pouch, revealing a dirty white piece of paper tucked underneath. It read:
It’s worth three. Run!
Her eyes darted over the words several times. She dropped the note onto the bed and returned her focus to the pouch. A tightly drawn string concealed its contents.
When she lifted it, it was heavier than she’d anticipated – had to be over a pound. Untying the drawstring, she opened the pouch. A foul smell with a sickly sweet undertone wafted out. Inside, she saw something smooth and glossy with a pale reddish hue, partially covered by yellowish strands. Snake-like blood vessels twisted across its surface, some still filled with dark blue blood. Amelia held her breath as she emptied the contents onto the floor.
It took her a few moments to register what lay before her, along with the crudely torn tissues that had been ripped out alongside it.
A heart.
Arealhuman heart.
Amelia crouched down, staring at it in bewilderment. She drew a deep breath, exhaled sharply, and extended her hand. She had to confirm it.
Turning her palm, she brushed its surface with the back of her hand. It was cold, damp, and sticky. Firm, but not decayed. The absence of a rotting stench suggested that the heart had been removed not long ago... if her recollections from forensic medicine training were correct.
Amelia straightened, her gaze narrowing on the lifelessorgan. Why would anyone leave it for her?
To intimidate her?
She pivoted on her heel, remembering the note accompanying the heart.
‘It’s worth three.’
Threewhat? Hearts?
