Page 55 of Lady of Ashes

Callan’s head whipped back around, his eyes wide. But when they landed on Tava, he found a small smile gracing her lips and a teasing glimmer in her eyes. Her hand landed gently on his knee, ceasing the incessant bouncing. “Relax, Callan. I was raised in this society, just as you were. I know what will be expected of us. I know how to play a part.”

“I know,” he murmured back, his eyes ?xed on her hand still resting on his knee. “This is just … dangerous. I do not feel right letting you risk your safety for me.”

“I have been at risk since the moment I helped Drake and Cassius bring Scarlett into our home over a year ago, Callan,” she said softly. “I am at risk each time I sneak away to that warehouse to care for children or bring you news.” She pulled her ?ngers from his knee, and he instantly felt the loss of heat from her hand. She grasped the spirit amulet at her neck, sliding the three interlocked circles back and forth along the chain, her eyes going to the window.

Callan ran a hand through his hair. “I know you can handle this, Tava,” he said. “I watched you with Veda at that dinner.” She slowly brought her eyes back to him as he spoke. “But I would feel better about this whole situation if we have some sort of signal or sign that you use if you are uncomfortable or feeling unsafe.”

“All right, Callan,” she answered with a small nod of her head. “If that will ease your nerves.”

“It will,” he con?rmed, forcing his knee to still once more when he realized he’d started bouncing it again.

“If I am uncomfortable or would like to end our arrangement, I will make a comment about how much I love hot summer days.”

“How is that a signal?” he asked in confusion.

“Because Ihatesummer,” she answered with a note of disgust, and an unexpected chuckle burst from Callan at just how passionately she felt about a season. “The only person who would ?nd my comment out of character for me is Drake. He will understand the signal without needing to be told.”

“So you prefer the winter months, then?” Callan asked, as the carriage began its trek up the long drive from the castle gates.

“Very much so,” she con?rmed, still ?ddling with the amulet at her neck. It was the only sign she was showing of her own nerves.

He brought his hand to her elbow, and she stilled at his touch, meeting his eyes once more. “Thank you for this, Tava,” he said softly. “You did not have to do this.”

“Yes, I did,” she answered, her voice quiet, almost a whisper. “I love Windonelle, and if my father is part of something that is jeopardizing our kingdom, hurting innocent children …” She trailed off, her lips pressing into a thin line.

Callan waited for her to go on, but she never did, and a moment later, they were pulling to a stop in front of the castle. The carriage door opened, Finn’s face appearing. “Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as we can be,” Callan answered, moving to step out of the coach. His boots crunched on the cobblestones, and he looked up the steps to ?nd Mikale Lairwood himself waiting for him. He had a wide smile on his face that, up until now, Callan had always thought was sincere. I guess we’d see how well he maintained that farce when Tava stood beside him.

Tearing his eyes from Mikale, he turned back to the door, holding up his hand to help Tava out of the carriage. Delicate ?ngers landed in his palm, and his own wrapped around them, squeezing gently as she descended the two small steps to the ground. She gave him a shy smile, already playing the part, and maneuvered her ?ngers so they intertwined with his.

“Mikale is waiting for us,” Callan murmured, his tone tense.

“I am well aware, Callan,” she answered, not a trace of nerves or unease to be found in her voice. “Take a breath, tuck my hair behind my ear, and when you are ready, lead me up the steps.”

Callan studied her for a moment, taking in her fierce determination, before he did just what she said. He took a deep breath, bracing himself to play this role, before he reached up and tucked a piece of golden hair behind her ear, letting his fingers brush along her jaw slightly. Her smile softened a touch, and he turned to face what was waiting for them.

Mikale watched them the entire way, his smile never faltering. When they were at the last few steps, he bowed as he said, “­Welcome home, your Highness. We are very glad to have you back.”

“It is good to be home,” Callan answered, pulling Tava forward gently.

“Lady Tava,” Mikale said with a small nod of his head. “What an unexpected surprise this evening.”

“It seems the night is full of those,” Tava replied. “Callan surprised me at my home. I did not know he was returning today.” She glanced up at Callan from beneath her lashes.

“Callan,” Mikale repeated slowly, his smile seeming more forced as he noted Tava using his name so casually. “You stopped at the Tyndell manor before returning home?”

“I did,” Callan con?rmed, moving forward and brushing past Mikale. The doors were opened for them, and he breathed a deep sigh at being home. Everything might be going to hell here, but he was still happy to be home, back where he belonged. Where ?re magic and shadows didn’t lurk around every damn corner. He was fairly certain he’d rather face Mikale and whatever magic a Maraan Lord possessed, than have to live amongst Scarlett, Sorin, and the Fire Court another day.

“Everyone is gathered in the dining hall,” Mikale was saying. “A small feast has been prepared to dine over while you tell everyone what you have been up to.”

The implication was subtle, but there. His father would be demanding an explanation for his prolonged absence. Finn and Sloan’s footsteps sounded behind them as they rounded a corner. He could hear talking, and he heard Eva’s laughter. The doors were opened, and he had taken all of two steps into the hall when Eva squealed, damn near tripping over her skirts as she ran to Callan, leaping into his arms.

“Hello, Eva,” he said warmly into her light brown hair.

“I missed you so much, Callan,” she replied, her small arms wrapping around his neck.

“I missed you, too,” he answered, lowering her back to her feet. His mother was standing there, waiting for him, and he stepped forward, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Hello, Mother.”

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