She directed her gaze at me, sitting anxiously at the table. ‘I need to get home,’ I said, aware that I sounded pathetic. And unhelpful. ‘Yes. Yes I know that,’ she snapped. ‘Unfortunately I have not got the connection with you. You’ll have to wait for Soren—’ She stopped, looking a little frantic, for a second. ‘And who knows what they have done with him.’ ‘So what do you suggest?’ I asked her, stifling a yawn. ‘We need to go and get him.’ She marched to the cupboard just outside the kitchen and drew out a white hooded cape. ‘Now?’ Valdar lowered his paper. ‘They won’t let you see him now.’ ‘Oh, Raphael will, if I harangue him sufficiently.’ She buttoned her cape at the neck and her dark hair spilled out, making her look like a devilish snow queen. ‘Jane, get your … hood thing, and let’s go.’ I rose robotically. I really didn’t want to show my face at the palace again, but it seemed I had no choice. I glanced behind me, to see my hoodie lying crumpled on a leather armchair by the fireplace.
