Page 18 of A Fractured Song

The gardens where Zev had kissed her as though their very lives depended on the desperate movement of their lips. Where he’d held her as though someone would have to kill him to get between his body and hers.

See, that was the kind of thought that did nothing to help her peace of mind.

“Mari?”

She blinked, realizing belatedly that Solomon was speaking to her.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“Will you be all right if I head back to the academy now? Or do you want me to stick around and help you settle in?”

“Thanks, but I’ll be fine,” she said quickly. His solicitousness brought back her earlier thoughts about her own vulnerability. “Actually, I was thinking I might go and find Kaine. Do you know if he’s still stationed in the capital?”

“I believe so. I see him around occasionally.”

Solomon seemed surprised at this mention of the singer who was a member of the council’s guard. They’d both gotten to know him fairly well on their journey to Aeltas, but it seemed Solomon hadn’t kept up the acquaintance since their return.Marieke intended to, however. She didn’t have many friends in the capital, and she could use all the help she could get.

Marieke barely deposited her bags in her allotted room in the council building before heading back out in search of the guard. She’d yet to be informed of when the council was likely to summon her, and she thought she’d be wise to make the most of whatever time she had. Who knew how quickly she’d be dismissed once her report was made?

She was fortunate to find Kaine walking out of the barracks. He welcomed her with a smile, gesturing for her to walk with him.

“Marieke! I didn’t expect to see you. When did you return to the capital?”

“Just now,” she said. “Where are you headed, Kaine? Have I caught you just as your shift is starting?”

He shook his head. “I’ve just come off duty, actually. Were you looking for me? Can I help with something?”

“I was,” Marieke confirmed. “And I hope so. I was wondering if you’d be willing to teach me to defend myself.”

He looked surprised. “Against who?”

She shrugged. “Anyone who might attack me, I suppose. I’m just regretting my decision not to ever take the combat elective at the academy.”

“Of course you are.” Kaine chuckled. “I said it to all my friends, everyone should study it for at least one semester. None of them listened to me.”

“And now they regret it?” Marieke asked, falling into step beside him.

He laughed. “Sadly no, they still don’t recognize my wisdom.” He gave her a sideways look. “Apparently they don’t anticipate the same dangers you do. That fall into Sundering Canyon really rattled you, huh?”

Marieke shuddered. “I’d rather not be reminded of it, thankyou very much.” She still had nightmares about falling sometimes. And it wasn’t just the fall itself that kept her awake. That incident had been the start of all her problems.

Although, she admitted to herself, she wouldn’t turn back time if she could. She wouldn’t choose to return to her former ignorance.

“How long are you in Ondford?” asked Kaine.

“I’m not sure,” Marieke admitted. “Possibly not long.”

“Well, I’ve got a few hours now,” he said amicably. “Give me ten minutes to eat something, and I can give you some basic pointers.”

Marieke thanked him profusely, and met him in the training yard at the indicated time. She’d used the opportunity while he ate to check back in with Instructor Oriana. There had still been no summons from the council, so she assumed that in the meantime she was free to occupy herself how she pleased.

“All right,” said Kaine, after he’d led her in a brief warm up exercise during which he’d scrutinized her critically. “Sorry to be blunt, but physical strength isn’t your greatest asset.”

Marieke grimaced in acknowledgment. She’d never undertaken any kind of training in combat, so it wasn’t surprising.

“Since we have very little time, I think I’ll focus on an area where you might have more success with less practice. Or at least, which you can practice later, without me here to help you.”

“What area?” Marieke asked.

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