Free The Opal Crown by Jenny Lundquist Page A

right words to speak. If she were standing here in my place, what would she say if she knew Lord Murcendor was here and playing the role of the devoted advisor?
    “ Everyone plays a role ,” I hear her harsh voice in my head. “Your job is to figure out which one is yours.”
    Hoping that the sickness I feel in my stomach does not show on my face, I curtsy before Lord Murcendor. “Forgive me, Your Lordship. I never should have doubted you.”
    The doors are thrown open once again, and Lord Royce appears. He has changed out of his traveling clothes and into his emerald robe. He strides forward, passing me and Arianne without so much as a nod, and drops to his knees before Andrei.
    “I have failed you, my king. If you require my immediate dismissal, I offer it to you.” He removes his robe and holds it out to Andrei, both arms outstretched, the picture of perfect submission.
    Andrei waves his hand impatiently. “Rise, Lord Royce. I have heard how eager you always were to please my father. I expect no less devotion to me.”
    “You have it.” Lord Royce stands and puts his robe back on. “I am sorry for my failure in letting the girl escape.”
    “How did Elara escape?” Lord Murcendor asks, scowling at Lord Royce.
    “There is a bit of confusion on that point,” Lord Royce says. “A crowd swarmed Wilha’s carriage, and in the ensuing melee Elara may have slipped away. Or she may have escaped earlier when a different carriage broke down. I have spoken with the guards posted at the city gates. They did not report seeing a girl matching her description. It is my opinion that she is still in the city.”
    “And do you have any idea where she may be?” Lord Murcendor asks.
    “No,” Lord Royce answers. “I do not.”
    Lord Royce is lying. I know it from the tension in his shoulders. The slight shift of his eyes as he speaks. The muscle that pulses at his jaw. Does anyone else see? I glance around the room. It appears they do not.
    “Then you will find her,” Andrei says, “and you will bring her to me.”
    “Of course, Your Majesty.” Lord Royce bows.
    “There is an easier way,” I say, speaking up. “On the road Elara confided that she feared returning to the palace, as she didn’t expect to be treated well here. You could easily put her fears to rest, Andrei. Make Elara’s existence known to the entire kingdom. Tell the world I have a twin, and you want nothing more than to meet her, and embrace your second sister as an Andewyn. If you do so, and you mean it, Elara may come to you.”
    I know I am speaking boldly, but I cannot help myself. Though I haven’t wanted to admit it, I have shared my sister’s fears. While her existence is kept a secret, Elara is vulnerable. But Andrei is king now, and the succession is secure. So why not shed the secret and welcome her back as the princess she truly is?
    “All that time among the Kyrenicans has made you forget you place.” Andrei scowls. “I will not announce Elara’s existence, when for all we know she means us nothing but harm. If her intentions were true, if she had any interest at all in being a part of this family, then why did she escape?”
    “Well said, Your Majesty,” Lord Murcendor says, and Andrei seems to glow under his approval.
    “We will speak again, Sister. In the meantime, you may go. And you will wear your mask.” He frowns. “I am king now, Wilha. You have to do as I command.” He turns expectantly to Lord Murcendor as if to say, Right?
    Lord Murcendor nods. “You are king, Andrei. We all must do your bidding.” He holds up the jeweled mask he carries. “Please, Wilha, put it on.”
    Reminding myself to play my role, I take the mask and tie it on.
    In doing so, it feels as if the shadow of the Masked Princess rises and swallows me whole.

Chapter 15
    Elara
    L ong after night falls and Rolf and Alinda and I have settled down onto our mattresses, I lie awake, thinking of Alinda’s words, “ It is an honor to have you in our