Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) by Jessie Eaker (best novels in english TXT) 📕

Fumiko nodded and gave a deep sigh as she collected her thoughts. “I’ve interacted with Yonge before. And I have no doubt he will do exactly as he said. In the empire, he is known for his honesty and integrity. The common people love him. They even have a festival to celebrate his birthday. He will provide you with food and other necessities, and it will likely be quite generous. But...” She paused. The hands resting on her knees curled into fists. I could see the conflict on her face as she fought with her personal demons. “But to me, the man is pure evil.” She looked down. “He did something I can never forgive. And he knows it. Which means his confession about the tracking charm and revealing my heritage are all somehow part of his plan. To discredit me in your eyes is only part of it.” She shook her head. “There must be another reason he wants the Griffin’s Key. Something that he’s not telling us. Something important.” Fumiko’s gaze rose to meet Zofie’s. “Princess, whatever you decide, be careful. Be very careful. There’s only been one time that he didn’t get his way.” She pushed her hair back from her face. Her hand was trembling.

“And I caused it.”

After Fumiko’s confession, Zofie let her council go their way. She promised to have a decision before noon.

So I guarded the door while Zofie stood by the windows and contemplated her kingdom’s fate. And true to her word, she had me summon Fumiko a little before the appointed time. I didn’t ask her what she had decided. She would tell me when she was ready.

And with a knock, Fumiko eased the door open and came to stand before Zofie, her hands rigid at her sides. I think she wished she had brought the giant ledger.

She looked over to Fumiko. “I’ve decided.”

Fumiko reached for the necklace, but Zofie touched her shoulder making her pause.

“I appreciate what you told us earlier. Your words had more impact than you realize. And have no doubt, I trust you. I consider you my friend.”

Fumiko nodded. “Thank you.” And with that, she took off the necklace. I felt the slight tingle of power as Fumiko activated her myst. “You should be able to deliver your message now.”

Zofie then spoke. “Imperial Advisor Tusita Yonge, I hope you’re listening. I have reached a decision concerning your offer of supplies in exchange for the Griffin’s Key. While we greatly appreciate the emperor’s generosity, we feel this is not the time to begin a search for the artifact. Please give my regards to the emperor and let him know we wish to have good relations with the empire. After things settle down, we may be in a position to look for it.”

Zofie looked at Fumiko. “How will we know he received the message?”

Fumiko shook her head. “I’m not sure. I...” Then her face screwed up in pain. She hiked up her dress to examine her thigh. It was the same one that received the message from the previous night. Fumiko looked up at us wincing in pain. “It’s burning.” As we watched, a new series of characters formed on her skin.

As they had previously, the characters only stayed on her skin briefly before fading.

Fumiko sighed. “I think your message was received. Loosely translated, it says the offer stands.”

Zofie nodded. “As I expected. I’ll continue to think about this. When the time is right, we might even be able to search for it.”

Zofie then turned her attention on me. “And for us... I need to change my clothes. We have a ceremony to attend.”

Fumiko replaced her necklace and left for the library. No doubt to see if she could assist Spraggel.

As soon as the door closed, Zofie stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me in a fierce hug. I returned it, and we stood for a bit in the middle of the room.

“Do you think I made the right decision?” she asked. “I may have committed the kingdom to starvation.”

I considered a moment before answering. “That may be true, but I don’t think so. You’ll figure out something. I do not doubt my princess.”

I released her. “Now, hurry up and change your clothes. You’ve been looking forward to this since you started planning it. I’m sure they’re waiting on us by now.”

She looked up. “You’re right. I started this, so I shouldn’t be too late.”

“I’ll call your maid.”

She shook her head. “No need. This is the dress I’m wearing.”

“But you said...”

She put a finger over my lips. “That, my future husband, was an excuse to be alone with you. I... I have something I need to tell you. I was going to tell you at the picnic.”

I looked into her eyes and smiled. “And what is that, my dear.”

She opened her mouth, but a loud knock sounded at the door. She sighed and muttered, “I should have known.” And then louder. “Enter.”

Her chamberlain, Eallair, poked his head in. He scowled when he saw me but quickly turned his attention to Zofie.

“I’m sorry, your majesty, but the guests are waiting. I’m not sure I can put them off much longer. They’ve become a little rowdy.”

Zofie nodded. “We’re coming.” She put her arm through mine and dragged me toward the door. “I’ll have to tell you later.”

I grinned at her. “All right, I’ll be waiting.”

The recent events had put a damper on what Zofie had planned for today, but I was glad she was mustering up some of her enthusiasm. We had a lunch to attend. It was the start of her first project in the kingdom, albeit a small one, but still important. And she hoped it would set the tone of her reign.

Myst users were needed for any kingdom