the shadow and bone

chapter 7

I TURNED AND SAW the Darkling standing in an archway, flanked by

Ivan and several other Grisha whom I recognized from the journey. Marie

and Sergei backed away hastily. The Darkling surveyed the crowd and said,

"We are expected."

Instantly, the room bustled with activity as the Grisha rose and began to

file through the large double doors that led outside. They arranged

themselves two abreast in a long line. First the Materialki, then the

Etherealki, and finally the Corporalki, so that the highest-ranked Grisha

would enter the throne room last.

Unsure of what to do, I stayed where I was, watching the crowd. I looked

around for Genya, but she seemed to have disappeared. A moment later, the

Darkling was beside me. I glanced up at his pale profile, the sharp jaw, the

granite eyes.

"You look well rested," he said.

I bristled. I wasn't comfortable with what Genya had done, but standing

in a room full of beautiful Grisha, I had to admit that I was grateful for it. I

still didn't look like I belonged, but I would have stuck out much worse

without Genya's help.

"Are there other Tailors?" I asked.

"Genya is unique," he answered, glancing at me. "Like us."

I ignored the little thrill that went through me at the word us and said,

"Why isn't she walking with the rest of the Grisha?"

"Genya must attend to the Queen."

"Why?"

"When Genya's abilities began to show themselves, I could have had her

choose between becoming a Fabrikator or a Corporalnik. Instead, I

cultivated her particular affinity and made a gift of her to the Queen."

"A gift? So a Grisha is no better than a serf?"

"We all serve someone," he said, and I was surprised by the harsh edge in

his voice. Then he added, "The King will expect a demonstration."

I felt as if I'd been dunked in ice water. "But I don't know how to—"

"I don't expect you to," he said calmly, moving forward as the last of the

red-robed Corporalki disappeared through the door.

We emerged onto the gravel path and into the last of the afternoon

sunshine. I was finding it hard to breathe. I felt as if I were walking to my

execution. Maybe I am, I thought with a surge of dread.

"This isn't fair," I whispered angrily. "I don't know what the King thinks

I can do, but it isn't fair to throw me out there and expect me to just ...

make things happen."

"I hope you don't expect fairness from me, Alina. It isn't one of my

specialties."