Page 8 of A Rose Among Snakes

“No, this is the perfect time. And you didn’t let me down. In fact, if it wasn’t for you, I might be dead.”

I hadn’t allowed myself to think of that possibility, but hearing him say the words knocked the air from my lungs.

“With Ambrelle gone, Mother is going to need me more than ever,” I said, shaking my head to clear the image of his limp body.

“Give me a chance to step up. And don’t let yourself get so hung up on what Mother thinks all the time. Trust me, she’ll be fine.” At my skeptical look, he continued, “I learned my lesson. I’m going to straighten things out now. It’s your time, Mihrra.”

I knew he was right, but it was unfathomable to let go of the sense of responsibility that comes with being the oldest daughter, especially when it had been a part of me for twenty-four years.

With a shaky nod, I said, “Alright, I’ll go.”

Chapter Four

The twins cried and wrapped their wiry arms tight around me when I said my goodbyes the next morning. They were sad to see me go but a passing dog pulled Sashir’s attention, and he tugged Savine along with a holler of delight. My mother was still angry and confused by my departure, even after we’d discussed it late into the night.

We stood across from one another, stubbornly holding each other’s gaze. She caved first, her face crumpling into tears as she flung her arms around me in a vice-grip.

“You don’t have to go, Mihrra.”

My throat thickened with emotion as I inhaled the spring scent from her loose hair tickling my nose. “I do. I can’t make the same amount of money here in Roben. It’s time for me to spread my wings.”

She pulled back and cupped my cheek, tears still spilling down her face. “Then fly away, my little dove, but promise me something? Come back to me, Mihrra.”

“Of course, Mama.” I hugged her one more time. “I love you.”

Behind her, Jehiam stood in the doorway, leaning on it for support. His pallor had improved, but I didn’t miss the tremor inhis hands as he clasped them in front of himself. I pried my mother off with gentle hands and moved to stand in front of him. Since acknowledging the resemblance to our father, it’d become all the more striking.

I kept my voice low as I said, “You look exactly like him, Jem. He would believe that you can make better decisions now.Ibelieve you can, too. Make us both proud.”

Tears welled in his eyes and he lifted his arms and cocked his head to the side, resembling an infant requesting to be held. I stepped into his embrace and was surprised to realize my chin barely cleared his shoulder. How many years had I wasted not hugging my brother?

In my ear, he whispered, “He’d already be so proud of you, Mihrra.”

I tightened my grip, unwilling to let go. Too much had changed between us in such a short time.

“I’ll tell you everything I find out,” I said, forcing myself to release him. I held him at arm's length, gave his shoulders one last squeeze, and stepped back. “When Ambrelle returns from her trip, tell her I’m sorry and I will write to her. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, I picked up my luggage and hauled it down the winding path through Roben. I took the time to catalog the way my village looked as the sun peeked over the Kroppenish Mountains to dry the early morning dew. Wildflowers bloomed along the side of the road and between the trees and homes scattered throughout the sloping hills. Overhanging branches laden with the vibrant green leaves of mid-spring dripped moisture on myhead as I passed. Roosters crowed as horses neighed, cattle lowed, and dogs barked their demands for food. Villagers waved as they exited their thatch-roofed homes to set about their daily chores. I continuously denied offers of assistance, knowing the sight of me toting around luggage would be the talk of the village for weeks, and I wanted to leave them all with a parting gift.

The sleek, forest green brougham from Blaise Manor was waiting at the bottom of the hill, a single dark bay horse at the front. I stopped and chewed the inside of my cheek, glancing back over my shoulder. Was it a mistake leaving my family and the only home I’d ever known?

“Ms. Nowen?”

I swung my head around, my golden braid following and slapping my back like a thick rope. “Yes?”

A man dressed in tailored, black pants with a matching waistcoat smiled at me. His brown hair was combed to the side, and his gray eyes stared at the luggage in my hands. “Ms. Nowen, I was sent by the Blaise family to deliver you to the manor. Can I take your bags?”

I opened and closed my mouth, looking down at my hands. My tongue felt thick but I stepped forward saying, “Please.”

He met me in the middle and took my bags, securing them to the top of the carriage. He opened the door and offered me a hand up.

Before closing it he said, “My name is Milner, by the way.”

I met his friendly smile with my own shaky one. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Milner. Please, call me Mihrra.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mihrra.” He inclined his head and shut the door with a gentle click.

The tufted, white leather seat released a puff of air as I settled myself on the bench. The carriage swayed as Milner took his seat, and then with a snap of the reins, we were moving forward. I screwed my eyes shut, willing the hot tears to stay behind my eyelids as we drove out of Roben and entered the forest. Deep breaths helped me gain control of my panic as we traveled further away from my tiny village. I wished there was more to see than the mossy tree trunks surrounding us, but that was all that lay between Roben and Port Deering.

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