Page 44 of Harbinger

I flap open the shirt, and a pair of fitted breeches tumbles to the floor. I expected another dress. The black shirt I’m holding has a high neck with a tightly fitted bodice. The material is expensive—soft and thick—but practical, with the subtle silver embroidery that marks it as military-grade. It will be by far the most comfortable thing I have worn since I arrived in Wintour. “What are these for?”

“To wear.” Vessica gives me a bored blink, her dark-brown eyes betraying nothing as she passes me a pair of boots. That’s a definite upgrade from the oversized ones Bishop gave me. Maybe this is her version of an olive branch.

“Look, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot,” I begin, but she’s already walked back out the door.

Okay, maybe not.

No one knows what to do with me. Maybe they’re just hoping I will start developing Ravenell’s powers and give them a reason to lop off my head.

Yeah, things are getting dark.

Perhaps because I can’t stop remembering the looks on the patrons’ faces in the council room. I haven’t felt even a hint of magic since the Kindling, but too many people already see me as a threat.

I lean over to scoop the pants off the floor before dropping the new items on the bed. Stripping down, I change, eager to be out of a skirt for the first time in almost a week. Particularly since this week feels like a lifetime. I’ve just fastened the last buckle of the boots—which are stiffer than the ones I purchased in Damalis—when the door swings open. Bishop strides in wearing his usual scowl.

He’s not in uniform today apart from a single sheathed sword. There’s no sign of his signature red cloak, and the woolen black coat buttoned tightly at the neck is devoid of any insignia. Its hem extends to his knees, giving him plenty of room to hide weapons and stolen books and whatever else he usually conceals under his cloak.

“Don’t you knock?” I spring up from the bed, pleased to find the boots are unexpectedly comfortable despite their newness. “I could’ve been naked.”

“But you weren’t,” he says like this settles the matter.

“If you’re going to keep me locked up in here, maybe it’s time we get a few things straight.” I’ve been rehearsing this speech, just waiting for a moment to deliver it.

But Bishop waves me off. “It’s your lucky day. You’re finally getting out of here, so why don’t we skip the lecture?”

“Getting out?” I repeat, heart stuttering. “Why now?”

“Things have changed,” he says, adjusting his gloves.

Ice slides down my spine, freezing my muscles in place. “Changed in a good way?”

His silence is answer enough. I’m fucked.

I take a deep breath. “Where am I going?”

“I’m sure you’ve noticed there’s a funeral this afternoon.” Bishop glances toward the window.

My stomach bottoms out so fast, I feel dizzy. He can’t be serious. I take a slow step backward, shaking my head. The black shirt with its high neck to cover the mark of Ravenell—the bastard wants me to go to the king’s funeral. “You can’t expect me to go …”

“To the funeral?” He raises his eyebrows. “Everyone else expects you to be there. You are a noble-born daughter of a patron line.”

“That’s a terrible idea.” I continue to shake my head like it’s come loose. “It will be a spectacle.”

It will draw attention not just to me but to my family as well. Broderic may not have come to visit, but I have no doubt he’s still in the city. He’ll attend the funeral out of duty despite the humiliation I’ve caused our family. He’s too proud to do anything else.

“I’d rather stay locked up.” Please and thank you very much.

“Too bad. As I said, things have changed.” He flourishes an arm toward the door. “After you.”

He’s actually making me do this. Maybe Bishop does want me dead.

I shuffle toward the hallway, grumbling under my breath, “Are you going to follow me around for the rest of my life?”

“Your life will be a lot longer if I do.”

My guts twist as we descend the staircase, my anxiety building with each step. Maybe that’s what the outfit is about. It’s hardly a fashion statement. I’ll blend in. Perhaps people will mistake me for one of his conscripts. But what changed that Bishop needs to drag me to the king’s funeral?

We reach the landing for the main floor, and the sconces on the wall gutter, winking out like the stars did that night.