Page 73 of A Rose Among Snakes

Countless emotions crossed his face before he said, “It’s Machendren.” My chest tightened. He had promised to tell me his last name when I left. That’s when I decided; I would continue to fight, but not in my normal manner. I would do whatever it took to keep Enverro safe.

“Do it,” growled Leoro.

I saw the anger and pain warring across his features, and not wanting him to do anything rash, I nodded, giving him permission to proceed.

Regret swam in his blue eyes as he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you,” I said.

He covered my nose and mouth with the odorless cloth, and his face was the last thing I remembered as I faded from consciousness.

Chapter Forty

Mihrra

Our time in Clavo had not been productive. After eating our midday meal, we made our way through the streets asking if anyone had heard of Enverro Machendren. We came across a woman slouched against the stone wall housing a bakery. She was reserved and avoidant as she sewed a sleeve onto a shirt, only offering that she had once been a seamstress at the castle. As our questioning progressed, she became unfocused, trailing off mid-sentence to melt into hysterical laughter and comment on how beautiful Velian was, much to both our annoyance.

The day I’d found Jem passed out in the woods, I didn’t think I could hate Ziffem more than in that moment; but every time I encountered another user, my hatred grew. It was challenging to not direct that vitriol at the user, but with the new knowledge I had, I was able to remind myself they were victims of a king who didn’t value their lives, only their money. Through great measures of patience, we got the woman to share she had heard of Enverro Machendren and didn’t know who he was, but she was sure he wasn’t in Clavo. Before we left, Velian provided her with a hot meal from the closest tavern, and I was helpless against the crumbling of more bricks around my heart.

No one else we spoke with had heard of Enverro Machendren, or at least were not willing to admit so to strangers. Running a hand through his hair, Velian said we should call it a day. While eating supper at the inn, Velian sent an urgent message to Paolef, Corman, and Denzen to meet us in the next city of Hawling, telling me he thought we needed more help.

I stirred the yellow broth in my bowl, dredging up lumps of potato and eating around pieces of gray meat. Hunger wasn’t the only thing gnawing at my belly. I glanced up at Velian’s sullen expression as he stared blankly at the wall, chewing on a hunk of crusty bread. The words had been sitting on the tip of my tongue all day, but pride had me clamping my jaw shut. Now, looking at him, I couldn’t hold them in any longer.

“I get it,” I mumbled.

His emerald irises shot over to me. “Get what?”

I swallowed against the knot forming in my throat. “Why you do what you do.” Now that the words were finally released, I was tripping all over them. “I have no idea what kind of pressure you must be under, but I can’t pretend I would have chosen differently in your shoes. I would do anything for my family.”

Velian opened his mouth, but I cut him off.

“That’s not to say that I don’t hate how much my life has been affected by it all. I’m just saying…” I sighed, still conflicted by my emotions.

“I understand, Mihrra. I hate how much it’s affected both of our lives. I’m haunted every day by the choices I’ve had to make, and the blood on my hands.” He placed his hands in his lap as ifhiding literal blood stains. “But it’s all been for Kezara’s sake. I’m all that she has left.”

I nodded mutely, struck by his devotion to his sister.

“I would ask for your forgiveness,” he continued. “But I don’t deserve it. My only hope is to somehow earn your trust, Mihrra.”

I stared at him, caught off guard by his vulnerability. When I didn’t respond he went back to eating.

Velian paid for our meal and we trudged upstairs only to stand side by side in the doorway of our room, staring at the meager furnishings. Clearing his throat, Velian gestured for me to lead the way. I strode forward on stiff legs, unused to riding for several hours and then traipsing around a city all day. I lit the lone candle on the narrow bedside table, barely big enough to fit a book. The setting sun cast an orange glow across the room, but it would not be long before it disappeared. I moved to the bed and lowered myself on shaking legs, exhausted by the grueling night and day. Closing the door behind him, Velian stepped into the room and stared at the rug, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Fine,” I said.

“Hmm?” he asked, slowly dragging his gaze up to mine.

“Fine. We can share the bed.”

Surprise lit his eyes. “No, Mihrra, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

I kicked off my boots and scooted back on the bed toward the window, drawing the curtains closed. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s been a hard day and there is plenty of room.” It was true. The bed could easily fit two people and took up a majority of the small space.

“Are you sure?”

I hesitated, doubting my decision, but when I looked back at his wary expression, I saw the exhaustion lining his face, too. Settling back I said, “Just hurry before I change my mind.”

He let out a low chuckle and removed his boots and cloak, setting them by the door. He unbuckled the belt from around his waist carrying multiple knives and set it next to his boots, placing one knife beside the candle on the table.

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