Read Online The Rogue Knight by Brandon Mull - Free Book Online Page B

passed throughout the day.
    â€œNo common room,” Jace muttered as they approached the front door. “That means no crowds.”
    The main door from the street led to a smallish foyer where an inattentive woman sat behind a counter to receive guests. Jace waved at her as they walked by. She acknowledged him with a vague smile. Even in a strange and deadly world full of magical illusions, Cole supposed a boring job was still a boring job.
    On their way up to the second floor, Jace produced a key. “I rented three rooms—the nicest one they had available, and two of their cheaper ones, including one that sleeps four. I wanted the workers to think we were servants getting rooms for our master. The lady up front didn’t press me for specifics. The best room is up on the third floor. We gave it to Mira.”
    â€œIs it safe to leave her alone up there?” Cole asked.
    â€œOur smallest room is just down from her,” Jace said. “I’ll stay there. You can go bunk with Twitch for now, finish up the nap you started by the fountain. If you want, you can bathe in the room at the end of the hall.”
    Cole didn’t fail to notice that Jace kept trying to create situations where he might have Mira to himself. Jace still had it bad for her. He had probably booked rooms on different floors deliberately. Cole knew he shouldn’t say anything, but some opportunities were too easy to resist. “Hoping for some more alone time with the princess?”
    â€œHuh?” Jace asked guiltily.
    â€œLike how you worked it to come into the city with her,” Cole said.
    Jace gave an embarrassed smile and shook his head. “You really don’t know when to shut up.”
    â€œYou didn’t think it was obvious?”
    Jaw clenched, Jace paused, air whistling through his nostrils. When he spoke, his voice was quiet. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. She was out of my league even before I learned she was a princess.”
    Cole shook his head. “You’re probably the cockiest guy I’ve met. Why does it disappear when it comes to her?”
    Jace shrugged. “Have you ever liked somebody you couldn’t have?”
    Cole could feel the blood rushing to his face. “Maybe.”
    â€œHow much did you like her?”
    Cole shrugged, suddenly wishing the conversation was over. How had this become about Jenna? “A lot, I guess.”
    â€œDid you ever let her know how you felt?”
    â€œNo way!” Cole exclaimed.
    â€œWhy not?”
    Cole swallowed. “I didn’t think it could work out.”
    â€œYou were scared,” Jace said.
    â€œMostly, I guess,” Cole said. “We became friends. That was good enough.”
    â€œWas it really?” Jace pressed.
    â€œNo,” Cole admitted. “But I had time. I thought I would tell her someday.”
    Jace chuckled. “Good luck with that now.”
    Cole stared at him soberly.
    â€œIs she back home?”
    Cole kept staring.
    â€œOh,” Jace said, understanding dawning. “It’s that Jenna girl you talk about. Your friend.”
    â€œYeah,” Cole said, trying not to turn any redder.
    â€œAnd now she’s lost,” Jace said with no trace of mockery. “She’s a slave.”
    The last thing Cole wanted to do was cry in front of Jace, but his uncharacteristic kindness wasn’t making it easy. “Until I find her.”
    â€œYou will,” Jace said seriously. “Listen, you didn’t tell Jenna how you felt because you were nervous. But with Mira, there are real reasons I can’t say anything. She’s a shaper. I’m not. She’s way older than she looks. And she’s the High King’s daughter. Even in exile, that means she doesn’t slum with kids like me.”
    â€œYou’re scared too,” Cole said.
    Jace huffed. “Maybe. And ashamed for wanting something so far out of reach. I’m a former slave