Chapter 126

“Your father refused to let me fix that one,” said a voice from behind. Tasia spun around, startled that somebody had been able to evade her senses. Standing in a doorway that hadn’t been there before was Basil. “He always thought it added character to the piece. Armor that has never seen battle is little more than fodder for a museum gift shop.”

“How did you—”

“Your father spotted you from his study. The rain masked my scent, and I’ve dedicated years to traveling these hallways unseen.” He gestured toward the secret door. “Please, come. We would prefer that you not be seen by the others.”

Trembling, Tasia followed the man into the secret passage. She thought she knew most of them, but had never seen this particular doorway opened before. Even knowing now where it was, she marveled at how smoothly the door slid into place from inside the secret passageway itself.

“Wh—” Tasia’s words were cut off when a gloved finger was pressed to her lips. Moments later, she