Broken Veil (Harbinger #5)(57)

The frightened children obeyed, one by one, and Mr. Trimble unlocked them from the wall once they were chained to one another. From chain to chain they went, their eyes wary and tired. Some of them glanced hopefully at Sera, and she burned their faces into her memory. Of course they moved the children at night, when gangs and the Fear Liath ruled the streets. That would change, she vowed. If she had to use the Ministry of War to tame the Fells, she would. Distracted by the war, she’d allowed the lawlessness to go on for too long.

The sound of the dragging chains made her shiver with dread as the children marched out the door. Trimble frowned at them, cuffing a few for no reason at all, and Sera seethed.

Joanna watched the procession pass. She had a little frown on her mouth, and her nostrils flared. Trimble was about to fetch the lantern, but she told him to leave it.

His bearded face twisted with displeasure at the order, but he didn’t defy her. After he left, he shut the iron door of the lockroom behind him. The silver glow faded from Joanna’s eyes.

“I brought you another dress,” Joanna said, bringing the parcel closer. “It’s not fancy.”

“I don’t need fancy,” Sera said. “And it’s cold down here. Thank you.”

Joanna untied the knot that held the parcel closed and quickly opened it, revealing a plain gray dress with lacings on the back instead of buttons. The rich wool looked invitingly warm, and Sera sat up, dragging her ankle chain to get closer.

With deft fingers, Joanna unfolded the gown and moved to help Sera put it on over her shift.

“Are those bruises?” the poisoner asked suddenly, her brows lifting in surprise. Sera could see them on her upper arms.

“I probably have them all over,” Sera said. “Trimble beat me after you left.”

Joanna fetched the lantern and shone it on Sera, who winced at the bright light.

“He did thrash you,” Joanna murmured, her voice angry. Then a little twist quirked her mouth. “It’s probably your first.”

“Yes,” Sera said, nodding. “My father was cruel, but he wasn’t brutal.”

“Yes, he was cruel,” Joanna said. “And egotistical and easily manipulated.” She helped Sera pull on the dress. It felt good to have a layer of wool on. The cloth felt like a protection, even though she knew it wouldn’t stop a man like Trimble.

“My father wasn’t always like that, you know,” Sera said.

“Power corrupts,” Joanna said, nodding in agreement.

“You have a great deal of power,” Sera said. “You’ve been groomed to take Corinne’s place, have you not? The way she brought you to Pavenham Sky and let you rule the girls.”

“You’re observant for a royal,” Joanna said, pursing her lips and tightening the lacings in the back. At least it didn’t come with a corset.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think, lately,” Sera answered. “Do you know where they are keeping Prince Trevon?”

“And why would I tell you that?” Joanna asked, brushing her hands together and rising.

“I’m only curious.”

“That you are. But you’re asking me to divulge a secret. I won’t do it.”

Sera shrugged and leaned back against the wall. “And so we wait here in this cesspit until Corinne returns. How gloomy.”

Joanna gazed around at the dank room. “It wasn’t my first choice either.”

“Do you know Corinne’s history? How she was turned? I heard from Lord Fitzroy that she was lost for a while during a visit to Kingfountain. Did it happen then?”

“No,” Joanna scoffed. “That was a ploy to get her governess fired.”

Sera wrinkled her brow. “Truly?”

“You saw her true face, Sera,” Joanna said. “Corinne is the mask. She rarely reveals herself like that. She’s much older than the part she plays.”

“Still, she’s a handsome woman,” Sera said, her mind whirling. “Trimble called her by another name. Tyna was it?”

“I brought you a few rolls to eat,” Joanna said, reaching into her pocket and producing a little bag. As she opened it, the delicious scent of fresh bread made Sera’s mouth water. “Eat them, I’ve already had a share.”

Sera knew it for a dismissal, but she didn’t object. Not yet. She needed those rolls. She devoured them, the soft, slightly sweet bread heavenly in her mouth. Not even the smell of the cesspit could totally ruin the taste.

Joanna paced the room, looking at the chains fastened to the walls, the filth everywhere. Her nose flared with disgust, and she shook her head.

As Sera ate, she continued to ponder the mystery of Lady Corinne’s true identity.

The Tay al-Ard can only bring you to a place you’ve visited before. Tyna knows Mr. Trimble. She knows about his fits. Because she’s experienced them herself. How many bruises did he give her?

The pieces of information whirled around her mind, struggling to fit together into a larger picture, as she finished every crumb in the bag. She was missing something, she knew, the key to unravel the situation. Joanna continued to pace, looking more and more disgruntled by the forced captivity.

“Tell me who Tyna is,” Sera asked in a soft voice.

Joanna turned and smirked. “Why should I do that? We may as well talk about the weather.”