You Are Mine (Mine #1)(82)

“Perhaps. But it's not easy or likely with my inked face. Plus, I like my life and there are others I have to consider.”

“What others?”

She breaks eye contact. “Friends I've made.”

Is she hiding more from me? If she is, I can't imagine what else it could be.

Her gaze comes back to mine. “I like you. I'd hate not having you around anymore.”

“But if they discover you, they won't tarnish you.” The truth hits me like a pack of daughters. “They'll kill you for it, wouldn't they?”

Her lips form a thin line. She nods.

I sag in my chair and think. Is there any way to help her? Anything we can do besides sending her away? I don't want to see her go away either, but if it means she'll be safe, it would be worth it. “I have one other idea, but it'll be risky.”

“Riskier than what I've already been doing?”

“Perhaps.” Would asking Zade to help work? Especially with the trouble I've already brought him. Is there a way to find out without endangering Katherine even more? However I word it, he knows Katherine is the tarnished I talk with most. “I could talk to Chancellor Zade. He's different than the others. It's possible he might be willing to help.”

Her silence says a lot.

“Forget I mentioned it.”

“No, it's fine. You just surprised me.” She lowers her voice further. “Do you really think he would be willing to help, or would he turn me in?”

It would be easier if I knew. “I can't say for sure.”

She lifts her head. “When will it be implemented?”

“I don't know. Soon.”

After a minute of silence she says, “He sought me out to pay me more than he should have for the dresses. I've seen how he treats you and your sisters. And Waverly. I think it may be worth it.” A look of determination fills her. “Let's try. There are others who will need help too if it works and I want to know he's trustworthy before putting them in danger.”

“Others pretending to be tarnished like you?”

“I'm the only one pretending. That I know of, anyway. I probably shouldn't have said anything, but if you're willing to help—” She shakes her head. “I know tarnished who would like to avoid the law.”

I nod, curious, but not wanting to push her. “Let's see if we can find him.”

Her face loses some of its color, but she stands and follows me out. It doesn't take long to find him. A servant directs us to his study. Why is it always the study?

My hands shake, but I don't hesitate to knock. I've already asked much of him. But this is the only way I can think of to help. I hope my instinct is right and he doesn't turn Katherine in and punish me. The thought makes my stomach churn. I want to take back my offer, but the door opens before I can do anything.

Zade looks us over, then opens the door wider. “Please come in.”

Once we're seated, Zade at his desk shuffling through papers, he asks, “What can I do for you? Do you need more money for the dresses?”

“No, you've already given too much,” Katherine says.

“It's something else entirely.” I swallow, build my courage, and say, “Remember the new rules on the tarnished?”

He puts down the papers and stares at me. “Of course.”

His gaze almost makes me lose the last bit of courage I have, but I push on. “Katherine was wondering— Or rather, I was wondering and Katherine agreed that we should ask if you could help. With the law.”

“You want me to explain it?”

“I've done that.” I tug at my gloves. How much do I give away? “We were wondering if you'd help her circumvent the law.”

He pushes to his feet and paces to the window. “You know I'm already being threatened. If anyone knew of this, there would be nothing to stop them.”

Which is exactly what I don't want, but I can't leave Katherine to be killed by them either. “I know.”

“But I didn't.” Katherine moves to the door. “Forget we ever asked.”

“Wait.” Zade turns toward us. “Forgive me, I didn't mean to burden you with my issues. I'll help.”

Katherine pauses, gaze moving between the two of us.

I say, “Let him. Please.”

“You're really willing to help me,” Katherine says, “even though I'm nothing but a tarnished and you could die because of it?”

He lets out a huff and rubs the back of his neck. “They will probably be angry at me for risking it, but yes, I will help.”

Who are they? It doesn't sound like he's speaking of the council, but who else would it cause problems for?

Katherine rushes over to him, throws herself at him in the form of a hug, and bursts into tears. “Thank you. So much. No one's ever willing to help a tarnished except other tarnished. But now I have Serena and you.”

“Of course you do, we'll help however we can,” he says.

The door bursts open. I leap to my feet. Phyllis. She stands there, a tray in her hands and a smirk on her face. “Your lunch Master Zade.”

Fear rips through me. What did she see and hear?