Page 229 of Of Masks and Fury

“Let’s aim for the first option,” Naveah said dryly.

I climbed off Pherin’s back, and she shifted back into a minxpip, soaring up into the branches above to wait with Gavelle.

“Be safe, Minx,” Trew said, stroking my cheek with his knuckles. “Please.”

“You too. I?—”

Bells started ringing in the distance.

The elders would soon be pouring ashwine.

Within a short time, I walked alone through the outer part of town, keeping to the less-used streets and with the hood of my cape up to hide my face from view.

The castle rose ahead, towers piercing the sky. I’d spent my whole life feeling secure within those walls, and now I was sneaking back inside like a thief. Because that’s what I was. A thief stealing lives my father had claimed for execution.

Slowing as I neared the outer walls, I watched for guards. But the ramparts stood empty. Everyone had either been sent with the army or they’d left for the ceremony. My father was crazy not to leave anyone to watch for intruders.

No, actually, he wasarrogant, assuming no one would dare intrude.

I ran to the small postern gate I’d used countless times during training with Commander Thorne. My hands found the hidden catch, and the door swung open on well-oiled hinges.

Someone shouted, and I slipped down behind a cluster of bushes, freezing when three guards raced by on the path. Once they’d rounded a bend, I ran all the way to the servant’s entrance on the back of the castle.

I slipped inside and remained motionless in the shadows, listening but not hearing anyone near.

The castle’s interior corridors stretched empty ahead of me, and my footsteps echoed on familiar stone as I ran. Torches burned in their sconces, but if there were guards patrolling, I didn’t see or hear them—so far.

The bells continued their mournful song, calling the faithful to witness my court’s version of mercy as I took the back stairs, breathing heavy, my every sense alert for sounds of discovery.

On my floor, I hurried down the hall and eased open the door to my sitting room.

One of my ladies-in-waiting stood by the window, her back to me. She must’ve heard me breathing because she spun around.

“Princess!” Joy flooded her face. “There you are. Your father will be so pleased. I suspected you’d return in time.” She waved toward my bedroom. “Come. I’ll help you get ready.”

I followed her into my room, and she opened the closet door.

The gown hung in the back, covered with silky cloth to protect it, while the mask waited in a box on the shelf above.

She carefully brought them out, placing them on the bed. “You’re just in time to witness Mae performing her duty in the village square.”

Ice flooded my veins. “What duty?”

Her smile widened. “She’s drinking the ashwine today, giving herself and her magic to restore her family’s honor.” She clasped her hands together. “It’s so brave of her. The whole court will witness her sacrifice.”

The world tilted beneath my feet.

Mae had no magic. I’d swear it on my life. She’d served my mother and I, and never once shown the slightest hint of being able to use power.

But my father knew I loved her. He knew she’d supported me and grieved with me over the years.

This was punishment for my defiance.

Mae, who’d held me when I was scared after my mother died. The woman who’d never once asked me for anything. She’d now pay the price for everything I’d done.

The bells rang louder.

And I was almost out of time.