Page 33 of Crown of the Courtesan

“I cannot.”

At least not yet…

“Then you’ll learn how to carry this burden better, if not for yourself, then for those who support you.”

I’ve never been so unsure of myself. Panic gnaws at my confidence, and I don’t know what to say.

“That’s what I thought,” she chides. Her smugness makes the temperature rise around my ears. “Now come and get this oversized trinket off my desk.”

I pick up my circlet and place it back on my head, ashamed of my childish behavior. For some reason, this woman knows how to draw this side of me out.

“I’m glad you’re here, though. Before you leave, there’s something I want to give you,” she says, rummaging through the desk drawer. Standing up, she reveals a very long and very slender letter opener. The silver is sharpened to a razor-fine edge along the blade, and the handle is a tiny replica of a sword’s hilt.

I blink. “The same one?”

“The very one that severed your lifecord. I always keep it ready. Don’t let it dull.” She presses its heavy weight into my open palm.

A weapon, if need be.

“Should I be concerned about the witches from your vision?”

“Everyone should be worried,” she warns, locking her serious eyes with mine.

“Who are they?”

“You’re aware of what they did to me,” she whispers. “I won’t invite them into my mind again by calling out their true name. You’ll have to find your answers elsewhere.” Phyrne sits back down, dips her quill into the inkpot, and returns to the bidding contracts on her desk. “Oh, and Tabitha, be a dear and use the front entrance this time.”

The cat twists between my legs, nearly tripping me as I leave.

That’s fine.

If she doesn’t want to tell me about the witches, then surely Wella will. With the endless other things I must do, I make a mental note to research this further.

As I step away from Phyrne’s study, I notice a person standing next to the paneled wall. Vennisa blocks the corridor, arms crossed. She lowers into a mocking highborn curtsy. “Your Grace, what an honor to welcome you home.” Poison drips from each dangling word.

I suppress a retort with a narrowing of my eyes. “Thank you for seeing me out.”

“Of course. The girls will be thrilled to hear you came by.” She smiles sweetly. “You really must visit more. They do so miss your company.”

I raise an arched eyebrow at her outright lie. “As the new High Lady Courtesan, I’m sure you keep them entertained well enough in my absence.”

Vennisa’s red-lipped smile doesn’t reach her powder-blue eyes. “My Keeper brings me tales from the High Council. With the war growing daily, it surprises me that you have any time for us at all.” Her sentiment repeats Phyrne’s jibe, which makes me realize she is parroting an earlier conversation with the madame.

I step around her to finish my descent through the gilded foyer, my boots making soft thuds on the marble floor. I can’t help but slow down and ask, “Speaking of your Keeper, shouldn’t you be with the High Justice?”

A little girl with chestnut braids and ruffled bloomers peeking from under her lavender dress darts out of the drawing room. She slides across the marble floor and catches herself on Vennisa’s velvet skirt. Vennisa gives a tinkling laugh as she prevents herself from falling. Refraining from looking at me, Vennisa gives the girl all her attention as she answers, “He’s busy tonight.” Taking the girl’s hand in her own, she turns to leave with her charge.

The other courtesans, still practicing music, tease each other through the doorway. Their glowing radiance reflects off the walls as the younger girls shriek with ribbons of glee. I’ve never liked group activity time, but the familiar scent of vanilla and honey beckons, despite my hardened feelings.

It smells like home.

I call out, “I’ll ensure the courtesans have excellent seats at the coronation.”

A twinge of something flickers across Vennisa’s pinched expression. “We eagerly await it.”

A servant opens the front door so I can leave. When I step into the rain, it relieves my heated face. As each drop hits my skin, I remind myself why I’m doing this—why I’m bothering at all before I abdicate.

It’s for them.