Broken Veil (Harbinger #5)(62)

Cettie felt the throb of the Leering, compelling the truth from her. “No. I’ve been completely honest with you.”

“I can sense that,” Durrant said approvingly. “Your cooperation will, of course, provide leniency for when we must face the truth about what you’ve let yourself become.” He sighed and removed his hand, which freed Cettie to do the same.

“Now I will be truthful to you,” Durrant said. “Lockhaven is trapped here. It has only ever obeyed Sera. We cannot budge it from its position without her. Which means we are helpless against Montpensier’s fleet if they have already made it through the mirror gate. We must begin evacuating immediately.” He looked her in the eyes. “You are the only person who can find the poisoner school in Genevar. Well, you and that scoundrel Russell, but I don’t suspect he will be willing to assist us.”

“He has a ring on his left hand—” Cettie said.

“We know. We discovered it after the good doctor brought him here. It was also invisible, like the one worn by Becka’s imposter. At least he won’t be able to use it to resume his disguise. He is guilty of the most heinous treason. No, Cettie, if your vision is true, then you need to help rescue Sera’s husband.” Durrant started to pace. “It is already day in the other world. You’ll have to fly to Genevar in full daylight. They’ll know you’re coming. I don’t imagine there are many sky ships that fly over its massive walls.”

“No, there aren’t. I will do as you command, Prime Minister.”

“How many soldiers do you think should accompany you?”

Cettie looked down. “They will kill as many of us as they can. We need sharpshooters. Dragoons to clear the way from zephyrs. But once we go inside, they’ll be useless. I will go in alone.”

“No, you will not,” Adam said, stepping around to the prime minister’s side, a look of fierce determination on his face. His jaw was clenched again. “I will go with you.”





CHAPTER TWENTY?TWO

BROKEN HEART



While all the preparations for the operation were underway, Stephen did not leave Cettie’s side. She was grateful for his reassuring presence, and as they stood together in the landing yard where the zephyrs and soldiers were assembled, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pressed a kiss into her hair.

“Mother will be anxious to hear back from me,” he said. “I would go with you too,” he said, “but I cannot risk Mother and Anna’s safety at Fog Willows should anything happen.”

“I will be less worried if I know you are all home safe,” Cettie said. She glanced at Adam, who was talking to some of the soldiers. He had a medical bag slung across his shoulder.

Stephen noticed her looking at him. “I suppose the two of you will have a much-needed talk,” he said.

Cettie nodded, dreading it. Desiring it. She’d tried to argue against including him on the mission, but his argument that Trevon might need a doctor had swayed the prime minister. Ultimately, the choice had not been hers. He had vowed he would go with her into the deepest parts of the poisoner’s school. She had no intention of letting him fulfill that promise.

“He’s a good man,” Stephen said. “I think he’ll do the right thing. In the end.”

She looked up at him, then lowered her eyes. “I don’t deserve him. Tell me truly, Stephen, does Anna still love him?”

He flinched. She knew the truth without it being spoken. It didn’t surprise her. Not at all.

“His heart has been constant,” Stephen said softly, emphatic.

“Which I do not deserve,” she answered. “If I can, I am going to persuade him to return her affections. They belong together. I want them both to be happy.”

Stephen did not look convinced, but he didn’t argue with her either. Maybe he thought, deep down, that she was right.

“It looks like they are nearly ready to depart,” he said, rubbing her shoulder. “Be safe, Cettie. We’ll be waiting for you at Fog Willows.”

She pursed her lips. “I’m not sure the prime minister will let me go once this is over. But I should like to see Mother again. And Anna. And even Phinia. Tell them all how sorry I am.”

An officer approached her with a stern expression. “It’s time to depart, Miss Cettie,” he said, bowing his head to her. Her eyes darted to Adam. He was watching her and Stephen, his arms folded, his expression inscrutable. He wasn’t happy, that much was clear.

“Thank you,” Cettie said to Stephen and kissed his cheek. He squeezed her hand and stood by as she followed the officer.

“You’ll be riding with me and Doctor Creigh in that one,” said the officer, gesturing to the zephyr that Adam stood beneath. “My name is Captain Dumas.”

“Thank you, Captain,” she said. There were around twenty soldiers in all, in three zephyrs. As she approached the air ship, she couldn’t help but think again of the last mission she’d been on for the empire, the day she and Will had gone to the Fells to capture the Fear Liath. The day Joses had died.

When they reached the rope ladder dangling from the sky ship, the captain said, “After you,” while he and Adam held it steady for her. She didn’t need the help, but it was gallant all the same.

After mounting the ladder, she boarded the vessel. The other soldiers who would be accompanying them were already aboard, along with the pilot. The Leering lights in the landing yard lent a bright glow to the scene, almost as if it were daylight. Looking over the side of the zephyr, she saw the other ships readying for the journey and noticed that Stephen still stood below, hands clasped behind his back in a posture that made her think of their father. Of Fitzroy. Her throat tightened.