Secondborn (Secondborn #1)(86)

“The friends you took with you. Did you leave them in the Fate of Stars?” He twirls his fingers as if unraveling a plot.

“I was alone.”

“Think harder, Roselle,” he growls. “You weren’t alone. You hid your pregnant friend and her lover in your airship and smuggled them out of the Fate of Swords.”

“If she’s gone, then someone took her, like a Census agent. Your lawlessness is legendary. You think you can disappear anyone for any reason. As a matter of fact, I saw her talking to you before I left. It would be interesting to find out just how many secondborns go missing after they speak to you, Agent Crow.”

His face darkens. “You think you’re powerful now that you’re with Clifton Salloway?”

“I think you’re afraid of just how powerful I could become, with or without him.”

“I’m never going to call off the search for them, Roselle. I promise you I will find them, and when I do, I’ll be back for you.”

I rub my aching temples. “I’m going to call off the search for your soul, Agent Crow. I’m tired of looking for it. It’s plain to me that you just don’t have one.”

He chuckles and walks to the doorway. “The physicians did an outstanding job on your face. You may be even lovelier now. I cannot wait for my turn to work on it.” He leaves the room, and I have to fight the urge to vomit brought on by the sheer terror I feel at his parting words.

I make my way to the small closet on the other side of the room. Inside, I find Mags’s ugly cloak. The hat that Reykin gave me is still shoved in the pocket. I tug it out and locate the thin, golden, star-shaped device in the brim. Taking the star to the bathroom, I set it down on the sink.

I hide the golden star inside the nest I create out of my hair, securing it in a bun with an elastic band I find in the cabinet. Then I evaluate my face for the first time. I tilt my head at different angles, eye my new thinner, straighter nose and smooth complexion. I look just slightly different than before—more sophisticated somehow. I’m not sure what they did to me, but I’m not going to object. I’m no longer in much pain. With the exception of a headache and some stiffness, I am as I ever was.

“Roselle!”

I peek around the door to see Emmitt standing next to Clara Diamond. He places his hand on his chest, dropping his chin and saying to Clara under his breath, “This place is horrendous. We have to get her out of here before any drone cameras get in. She will look horrible in this light.”

“Emmitt?” I emerge from the bathroom.

“Roselle! My dear girl! It’s so wonderful to see you!” He gives me air kisses on both cheeks. “Your nose is perfection! I always thought it was too big. Didn’t I always say that, Clara?”

Clara nods. “He did say that a lot.”

“Er . . . thanks,” I murmur. “Why are you here?”

He draws his hands in front of him in loose fists. “No one has told you?”

“Told me what?”

“You are to be the guest of honor at the Sword Palace this weekend, in celebration of your triumphant return from behind enemy lines.” He looks over at me with an expectant air.

“Oh,” I reply. “That sounds . . . fun.” I touch the bun of my hair, making sure none of the star points protrude. I don’t know how I feel about returning home.

“It will be fun! And you’ll have to bring along your delicious man, Clifton Salloway. He’ll want to see you receive your medal. Maybe you can wear it for him, you know, after the ceremony, when the two of you are—”

“What medal?”

“The medal for bravery that your mother will present to you for your actions in defense of the Fates.”

“I don’t want a medal.”

Emmitt gazes at Clara. “She doesn’t want a medal. Couldn’t you just eat her alive? She’s so adorable. Of course you want a medal, Roselle. Everyone wants a medal. I want a medal—and I should get one, too,” he adds as an aside, elbowing my newly healed ribs, “for having to deal with your mother.”

“But I wasn’t a heroine. My airship malfunctioned.”

“Don’t worry about a thing. I’m planning your ensemble for you. Where are you staying? And please don’t tell me that it’s in some Tree Base,” he says, wrinkling his nose, “because I really cannot go there and—”

Clifton breezes into the room with his coat slung over his arm, looking handsome and well groomed. “Why are you out of bed?” he asks, frowning at me in my flimsy smock.

“Did you get the invitation we sent out for Roselle’s celebration dinner this weekend?” Emmitt asks. He practically breathes Clifton in.

“I did,” Clifton replies. He gently takes my arm and leads me back to my bed. “I will have my assistant respond today. Roselle and I are honored to attend.” He covers me with the blanket.

Emmitt almost preens with satisfaction. “I just need her address so that I can take care of all the arrangements.”

“She’s moving to a new apartment. I’ll send you the address.” Clifton crooks his finger at Emmitt, leading him into the hallway.

Clara comes closer to the bed. She glances over her shoulder at Emmitt and Clifton. From under her lavender-colored coat, she uncovers a white rose she’s been holding. “This is for you, from a friend,” she whispers, handing it to me. “You can get your messages to him through me. Emmitt doesn’t know.”