Determined to take control of their fates, Arjen and Arien escape Derolina Castle at the age of sixteen after their cruel mother dies. They adopt new names and find a home in the city of Aramore, while the Emperor of Yuriana searches for his missing...
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"Well, it seems we are certainly in a predicament," said Marcus as he regarded the book on the table in the preparation room.
Arjen stood next to him. "So, do you know anyone who can help?"
Marcus grunted and paused. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Not off the top of my head. Can't say I've dealt with anyone associated with the imperial family. They wouldn't have much to do with a humble shop like mine." His bushy eyebrows drew down over his nose. "I'm glad you told me, but why did you wait until today?"
Arien spoke hesitantly. "We were scared. We think the book might've been stolen." They had only told him the book appeared to be someone's research notes on poisons, possibly written by one of the princes. But they said nothing of the information on red noxi. They hadn't wanted Marcus to know they had snooped that much as they were not allowed to read the books destined for their clients. He had already given them a light scolding for it.
A mixture of confusion and suspicion briefly crossed Marcus' face. He shook his head and sighed as though disappointed, which pricked Arjen's heart with shame. He didn't want Marcus to be disappointed in them.
"Even so," Marcus continued, "this is very important. It might be best, and quicker, to turn it in to the local constable so he can return it to the imperial family."
Arien twisted her hands together nervously. "But, won't they think we had something to do with it—stealing it, I mean?"
"No, I don't think they would believe we stole it." Marcus went quiet and seemed to contemplate something, deep wrinkles creasing his forehead.
"What's wrong?" asked Arien.
He shook his head and waved the question away. "It's nothing. I'll try to find someone who can help. This isn't the first time I've had a mix-up, so I'll ask around."
Arjen had also thought about taking the book to a constable, but he didn't trust the local law enforcement. About a year ago, imperial knights had come sniffing around the neighborhood, no doubt looking for the twins. And with them, a few of the police who had been recruited to help. Arjen's goal since leaving Derolina Castle had been to keep a low profile, and avoiding the attention of the police was part of that plan.
But he didn't understand why Marcus would forgo taking the book to a constable, which was indeed a faster option. Was there something he was worried about?
"For now," said Marcus, "let's keep this book in the safe."
"Why don't we keep it in the hidey-hole instead?" Arien offered.
"Eh?"
The "hidey-hole," as they called it, was behind a wood panel in the wall behind the bookshelves in their apartment. Marcus had told them about it, saying he had once kept some valuables in it, and suggested the twins use it as well. They kept a large amount of cash there for emergency purposes.
