Free Curse of the Forbidden Book by Amy Lynn Green Page A

Corin bowed his head at them slightly and walked away.
    â€œDon’t go far,” Silas advised. To Parvel and Jesse, he added under his breath, “We can’t rescue him twice in one day.”
    Jesse wondered when “we” had rescued Prince Corin, since Silas had not been involved, but he didn’t say anything.
    â€œThis could be our way into the palace,” Parvel said, sounding excited. “We can rescue Rae and find the Forbidden Book!”
    â€œYou want us to offer to be this man’s slaves?” Silas snapped.
    Jesse laughed. He couldn’t help himself—it sounded so foolish when Silas put it like that.
    Parvel shot him a quick glare and turned back to Silas. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. He’s our way into the palace. Unless you prefer to climb over the wall of a heavily guarded fortress.”
    â€œAnd then the inner wall too,” Silas added, looking as though he was starting to see Parvel’s point.
    â€œWhat?” Jesse asked, confused.
    â€œA moat surrounds the outer wall of the palace,” Silas explained. “There is only one bridge to get across, which leads you to the main guard tower. Inside the outer walls are the palace grounds—the gardens, the lawn, the stables and outer buildings. Then, the palace itself, where the governor, his family, and their court members live, has another wall around it.”
    â€œIt would be impossible for us to go through all of that on our own without getting caught,” Jesse said. “Not that I don’t appreciate the chance to compare the conditions of yet another prison….”
    Silas still didn’t look very enthusiastic about Parvel’s idea. “I am not going to be anyone’s slave.”
    â€œHe doesn’t seem to be a hard master,” Jesse pointed out. “Besides, what would you have us do, leave Rae behind?”
    His glare was answer enough. “Fine. But I don’t like it.”
    Parvel waved Prince Corin over, though he didn’t notice for a few moments because he was too busy staring at a traveling minstrel performing for a crowd of booing peasants.
    â€œPerhaps this is for the best,” Parvel said, slapping Jesse on the back. “After all, it might be a good chance for Jesse to get some new clothing so that people won’t mistake him for a beggar.”
    â€œYes,” Silas said, rolling his eyes. “Now he’s a slave. Quite a step up.”
    Prince Corin joined them, but before he could say anything, Parvel spoke up. “We would like to remain your slaves.”
    â€œTemporarily,” Silas added quickly.
    Prince Corin stared at them for a moment, as if he were wondering if this was some strange Amarian custom. “May I ask why?”
    â€œYes,” Silas said, “but we won’t answer. Not yet.” Parvel frowned at him, and he shrugged. Jesse knew that it would take more than repaying a favor for Silas to trust Prince Corin with knowledge of their mission.
    â€œIt has something to do with the young lady, does it not?” he asked, giving Silas a knowing smile, which Silas returned with his usual cold stare.
    Except… Jesse gave him a second look. He couldn’t be blushing…could he?
    â€œWe feel it might be best to tell you at another time,” Parvel said, attempting to smooth things over, as usual.
    â€œVery well,” Prince Corin said, turning away. “We will go to the palace.” He turned back to them with a more princely bearing. “But I will get an explanation. Soon. Am I understood?”
    Only Jesse and Parvel nodded. Prince Corin began to walk more quickly. “Why are you in such a hurry?” Jesse asked, struggling to keep up.
    â€œYou do not know?” Prince Corin asked. Apparently, their blank faces communicated that they didn’t. “The tournament starts in no less than half of an hour, and I cannot be late.”

Chapter 7
    Once,