Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) Jessie Eaker (best reads txt) 📖

mid-morning, leaving Zofie in the care of her trusted maid, Fumiko and I took the royal carriage to call on Lord Merrick. It was a couple of hours away, so both of us had used the opportunity to grab a few moments of rest.

I looked to the carriage’s other occupant. Fumiko’s revelation the night before was fresh in my mind. Not only could she use a sword on par with Risten, she could also use myst to craft illusions. Which meant someone had received a lot of training in their youth. Imperial Advisor Yonge had mentioned something about her being a daughter of the emperor, so maybe such training was normal for those of that rank. Maybe she had been groomed to be an officer in the empire’s army. But why had she insisted I keep it a secret?

As I looked at her, I began to revise my opinion of how she acted. I had always considered her very shy. Around us, she was reserved and maybe a bit aloof. But now, as I thought back on it, I don’t think that was right. She had acted guarded. Like she was afraid to let anyone get too close to her. She obviously had some deep scars. And I couldn’t help but feel there was much more to Fumiko than I ever dreamed.

I glanced out the window again and saw we were nearing the manor. I reached across and touched Fumiko’s knee. “We’re almost there,” I said.

Her eyes opened immediately, and she sat up completely alert. I wondered if maybe she had been pretending to sleep.

“Are you nervous?” I asked.

She shrugged. “A little. I have met him only twice. I’m concerned that he might ask me something that only Zofie would know. Or worse, he drags out our visit for longer than I can maintain the illusion.”

I pointed to her usual dress. “Would it have helped to wear one of Zofie’s outfits?”

The carriage began to slow.

Fumiko shook her head. “Surprisingly, no. Clothes that are close, but not exactly right, are much harder to cover. It’s almost like reality wants to overrule the illusion, so my own clothes work best.” She cocked her head to one side. “The only thing that would be better would be a blank slate.”

“Blank slate?”

“Yes, without any clothes at all.”

The carriage stopped, and I heard the driver talking to someone.

“You mean naked?” I asked, in near panic.

She leaned forward. “You wouldn’t mind, would you? Escorting me through the manor, knowing I wore not a stitch under my illusion.”

What? My mouth fell open.

She gave me one of her rare half-smiles. “Don’t worry. I chose not to do that because it’s too damn cold.”

The carriage door swung open, and suddenly the vision of Zofie sat across from me, finely dressed in one of her travel dresses. But her eyes had a twinkle I wasn’t sure was Zofie’s or Fumiko’s. “Besides,” she said in Zofie’s voice. “I knew you couldn’t handle it.”

I blinked at her in surprise, frozen to the spot.

She smiled back innocently, then waved her hand toward the door, indicating we should get out.

I opened my mouth to say something, but in my embarrassment, words abandoned me. I finally shook my head and exited. I held out my hand to help her down.

Still smiling, she accepted my hand and gracefully stepped onto the cobblestone pavement. She appeared to be Zofie in every respect.

We had sent a message earlier that morning, so the doorman was expecting us. We were shown to Lord Merrick’s study and asked to wait while he finished up some other business. He would join us shortly.

As the servant closed the door to the study, I couldn’t help but notice that the room had no chairs. There should have been at least one by the desk, but it was mysteriously missing. It was also interesting that we were not offered any refreshments. I couldn’t help but smile. No doubt, he just wanted to subtly remind us that this was his territory, and we were not exactly welcome. I also did not doubt someone was listening, hoping to catch some unguarded moment between us. Maybe even some juicy gossip he could turn to his advantage. I shook my head. The nobility and their power games. I never would understand them.

I expected we would have to wait a while, so I was surprised when there was a knock at the study door. Lady Nadine Merrick, Lord Merrick’s wife, breezed in.

She was a slender woman, a tad taller than me, and appeared to be in her early mid-years. Her shoulder-length hair was blonde with streaks of white highlights. Today, she wore it with a band of delicate pearls holding it back from her face. And she was dressed in an elegant, but functional white blouse and black skirt.

I owed her. When Galvyn and I had ‘borrowed’ the finder, she hid us from Lord Merrick’s men and helped us make our escape.

She smiled and gave us a bow from the door. “Good morning, your highness and Sir Coren. I hope you don’t mind me joining you for a moment.” She quietly closed the study door.

“Not at all, Lady Merrick,” I said with a slight bow. “I trust you are well.”

She chuckled. “The best I’ve been in years. My little hobby of collecting fine wines over the years is finally starting to pay off. Since my husband’s business ventures have recently turned into a liability, I’m able to provide for us while we rebuild. After all these years, my husband is finally starting to realize I have a brain.”

I smiled. “That is most excellent to hear.”

Lady Merrick stood straighter. She went to the disguised Fumiko and grasped both her hands. “Your highness, I wanted to congratulate you on your engagement.” She glanced at me and smiled. “I think you’ve chosen