Page 29 of A Rose Among Snakes

Caught off guard, I stammered, “Ummm… not much. I didn’t understand it. I think she left a bruise, though.” I rubbed the tender spot on my arm.

“She’s a lunatic,” Kezara said. "We need to get going. I’m sure Velian will be wondering where we are. I didn’t tell him how long I planned on being gone.”

“Are you coming to the ball?” Leoran asked. “We still have so much to discuss, and I’m sure we’ll find some time then, either before or after.”

“Yes, we’re coming,” Kezara replied.

Leoran wrapped her in his arms, holding her against his chest. Kissing the top of her head, he said, “I will see you then. Goodnight, my love.”

She tilted her face up and they kissed again while the guard and I looked anywhere else.

They pulled apart and Leoran said, “You two can leave first, and we will follow behind to make sure you arrive safely.”

“Thank you,” Kezara said, standing on her tiptoes and placing one last kiss on his lips. When they parted, she walked over to me, and we strolled out of the alleyway into the crowded streets.

The path back to where Milner would meet us was easy but extensive. Neither of us spoke, processing all that had occurred. We arrived at the carriage and the silence continued all the way back to the manor. When we pulled up, Kezara informed me she was tired and not hungry for supper. She would undress herself and I was to take the night for myself; I was too exhausted to object.

We were greeted by Wolf’s jubilant barking as we walked through the door, but the dog stayed with me as Kezara made her way upstairs. I sauntered toward the kitchen with Wolf by my side when Velian stepped out of his study, cutting off my path.

“Mihrra, are you alright?” Both his face and tone were honed with intensity.

I furrowed my brows. “Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“And Kezara? Where is she?”

“She’s upstairs getting ready for the night. She’s fine, it was simply a long day.”

Velian relaxed, his face softening and his shoulders dropping. “I was worried something happened. I was about to head into town and search for you.” His brows knit together. “What took so long?”

“We were shopping all day and lost track of time.” My stomach knotted with the lie, but I refused to betray Kezara’s trust.

Velian scowled, his emerald eyes darkening to a deep, pine green. A bitter edge crept into his voice as he asked, “Who is he, Mihrra, and why is he such a secret?”

I bit my lip and stared at the ground. It was impossible not to give in to his fierce gaze. Wolf sat down next to me and let out a soft whine, picking up on the tension.

“Mihrra,” Velian repeated, softer this time, while reaching out his hand to touch my arm directly where Regalla had latched on earlier.

His gentle touch sent sparks through my body, but there was definitely a bruise developing, and I jerked my arm away reflexively, placing a protective hand over it.

He pulled back, wide-eyed.

“I’m sorry, did I hurt you? What happened?”

“Nothing, it’s fine.” I lowered my voice to a whisper and flicked a glance around to ensure there were no ears straining for gossip. “Velian, I made a promise to your sister, but I assure you, she is not in any danger.”

“Why is she keeping him hidden from me?”

“I don’t know,” I lied again.

His entire mood darkened as he wiped a hand down his face. “Fine. I’ll leave you be. Have a good night, Mihrra.” He stepped to the side to let me pass, avoiding eye contact.

“You as well,” I muttered, skirting past him. A coal of anger ignited in my belly, making my temples throb as I tried to make sense of his erratic mood.

Chapter Sixteen

The next couple of days were spent at the manor getting all of our belongings packed up for the trip to Clavo. Kezara had two enormous trunks filled to the brim—one for clothing and another for everything else you could imagine. I packed a small bag for myself, as the dresses and accessories we bought were placed in Kezara’s trunk. Once the carriage was loaded, Kezara and I waited inside for Velian to be ready. This carriage was bigger and fancier than the one we had been using to go to town. The exterior was painted all black, the doors and windows trimmed in gold. Inside, the seats were lined with a rich ocher velvet, and cream lace covered the windows.

After getting comfortable in my seat, I pushed aside the curtain to look out the window and saw Velian approaching from the stable, leading a leggy, dappled gray horse with a long, flowing mane the color of angry storm clouds. The stallion’s movements could only be described as dancing and a foolish grin spread across my face. Growing up, my father had owned a horse that I adored. He was gentle and patient, and I spent all my free time riding him, or braiding his tail and feeding him apples. The last time I saw him was when my father rode away, heading for Port Deering.When my father didn’t return, I had longed for that velvety nose to smooth the sharp edges of my grief.

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