Page 65 of A Rose Among Snakes

I clenched my jaw, tired of silently weathering her vitriol. Two could play at that game. Over my shoulder, I threw her a condescending smile and cheerfully said, “Narell, you’re too pretty to be so bitter. Move on.”

Her mouth hung open, and I walked out the door, closing it with more force than I meant to. I found Velian waiting for me in the stables, Zavi saddled, chewing on his bit with his eyes half closed. Velian glanced up as I entered and placed his hand on a pile of black fabric sitting on a shelf beside him.

“Mihrra, I was thinking—I’m still concerned for your safety, but you might stick out less if you dressed as one of my men. I brought these clothes, and if you want to wear them you can change in the empty stall over there.” I held my hands out in acceptance, and he dropped the pile in my arms. As I started walking toward the stall his hand thrust out and placed a bandageon top of the clothes. “You might want to use this to bind your chest. We don’t want to take any chances.”

I flushed, taking the bandage from him. I undressed in the stall, listening for his footsteps, but they never came close. Stepping into the black pants was a strange sensation as I’d never worn them before. They were loose around my waist, but Velian was wise enough to provide a belt. Next, I used the bandage to bind my chest, ensuring it was secure before I slipped into the black shirt that was also too big. I tucked it into the pants and tightened the belt before donning the leather vest, lacing it closed at the front. Lastly, I wrapped myself in the black cloak secured with a clasp at my throat; a clasp made of two snakes curled around a rose.

I tucked my braid into the back of my shirt and stepped out of the stall still wearing my usual boots. As I walked over to where Velian stood with both horses, he chuckled.

“You need different boots. Wait here.” While he disappeared into another room, I approached the tall bay gelding tied next to Zavi. I stroked his face, and the horse lowered his head for me to scratch the star hidden under his wavy forelock.

“That’s Eamis,” Velian said, walking up behind me with a pair of black, knee-high riding boots. I stepped back to put them on while he stroked the horse’s face. “I should have asked earlier,” he said, “but do you know how to ride?”

I scoffed. “I grew up on a farm. Of course, I do.”

“Good, I’ll give you a leg up when you’re ready.” He motioned for me to come stand by the stirrups. I wriggled the boots into place and walked over to Velian, careful to keep some distancebetween us. I stretched my arms up and grappled for the pommel, but Velian grabbed me by the ankle and lifted me high enough to swing my leg over.

As I secured my feet in the stirrups, I noticed a sword tucked under the stirrup leather and looked over to see the one on Velian’s saddle as well. The memory of the attack in Canderren had not left me, bringing on a fresh wave of anxiety, but I remembered my vow to never be a victim again. I was confident in the skills my father had taught me, even if I’d barely had any opportunity to practice over the past nine years. I stroked a finger along the sword’s pommel, the familiarity of the cold steel bringing both comfort and a disturbing realization. As a child, I’d never thought to ask why my father was so skilled with a blade, or what he was worried about happening to us. Now that I knew the truth, a dull ache crept through my finger as I balled my hand into a fist.

A booming bark echoed through the stable, pulling me from my heavy thoughts. Wolf bounded into the building as Velian untied both horses and pulled himself up into the saddle.

“Wolf, stay,” Velian commanded. The dog sat down and whimpered as Velian looked over at me and asked, “Ready?”

“Ready,” I said before I could second-guess my decision.

Together, we kicked our horses’ sides and propelled into the darkness.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Kezara

“Can I help?”

Enverro glanced at me in puzzlement. “Help with what? The garden?”

“Yes, the garden. I’m tired of sitting around, so I’d like to do something.”

His face pinched together. “Do you even know how to tend a garden?”

I shrugged and peered at him beneath my lashes. “You could teach me.”

Enverro faced the ground trying to cover his smile. When his blue eyes met mine again, there was still a hint of amusement shining in them. “Alright, but the second you act up you’ll be right back in this cell, and I will not give you another chance.” His tone lacked conviction, and while I planned to be on my best behavior, I wasn’t concerned about his empty threats.

“I promise I’ll behave.”

Enverro stared at me, looking like he was weighing the risks, but he unlocked my cell and bound me to the shackles. Outside once more, I needed a few minutes to adjust to the bright sun before he led me over to the garden where rows of vegetablesdecorated the ground. An iron stake was driven between the chains attached to my ankles, anchoring me in place.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” I tried to look playful, but I was still squinting in the harsh light and Enverro snorted.

“No, because I don’t trust you.”

“You must trust me a bit, otherwise you would have never let me out,” I crooned, batting my lashes.

Enverro responded with a grunt and handed me a tool with a long handle and a flat, rectangular piece of metal attached to the end.

I wrinkled my nose. “What do you expect me to do with this?”

“It’s called a hoe. You pull it through the dirt with the flat end and cut down the weeds.” He mimed the actions.

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