“Friendship. Laughter. Acts of kindness.”
“And what has kindness ever gotten you?”
A small smile curves her lips. “More than you might think.”
“Truly?” I lift my brow as I continue. “What has kindness gotten you lately?”
“Lady Annora gave me one of her cotehardies.” Breda’s eyes light up as she adds, “And she defended me against—”
“—ah yes, the incident with Roran.” I tuck the coin away. “I heard about that. He won’t be bothering you again.”
Her brows lift. “Did you…?”
“Let’s just say he’s been reassigned to mucking out the stables.” I lean against the table. “Far away from any servants he might harass.”
“That was...” She pauses for a beat before continuing. “Thank you.”
She leans over to dust, but the cloth slips from her grip, floating to the floor between us. We both reach down, and her head bumps mine as our hands brush against the fabric. Her eyes drop to my mouth, and something tightens in my chest.
I straighten, clearing my throat. “I should check on the Watchers. Make sure they’re settling in.”
“Of course, My Lord.” Her face reddens as she clutches the cloth to her chest.
“Carry on with your...” I wave vaguely at the room. “Whatever this is.”
I walk out before she can respond, knowing that I refuse to be like my father, who treated women worse than disposable trinkets that he used and discarded.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Annora
A sharp knockjolts me awake. As I roll over, the door swings open, and Asha steps into my room.
“Get dressed and pack clothes,” she commands, her voice carrying that edge I’ve grown far too familiar with.
I blink the sleep from my eyes. “Where are we—”
“—just do it.” She turns on her heel and walks out, leaving the door open behind her.
My eyes drift to the window, where morning mist curls against the glass like beckoning fingers.
For a moment, I imagine pushing it open, feeling the cool air on my face. One quick leap, and I could taste freedom. I’d run through the streets of Bakva, past the granary, then beyond the city walls. I’d never look back.
But even if I did jump, even if I somehow survived the fall, I couldn’t get far. The magical bond to Aleksander pulls at my chest like an invisible rope, tightening with each step I take away from him.
My heart races as I tug a surcoat over my head, my fingers trembling as I lace it up. I don’t bother with my hair beyond patting down the strands to ensure I don’t look like I ran througha windstorm. Lastly, I pull on my veil, smoothing down the edges.
As I pack a satchel with my clothes and drawing supplies, my mind spins with possibilities—none of them good.
Is this it? The moment they turn me into a weapon?
Olah, help me!
I don’t want to be a weapon.
The window calls to me again. Such a simple solution. Such an impossible dream.
I close my satchel and take one last glance around my bedchamber. Will I ever see it again?
