Page 148 of The BoneKeeper's Daughter

Kylabet snorts, rolling her eyes, then calls to me. “SoulBinder? Come now.”

I step forward, and only a moment later, quickly enough that I feel the rush of air from the movement, the two guards have crossed their long spears across the entrance to the tent, barring anyone else from following. Kylabet is already halfway across the dim tent, and I hurry to follow.

“Brother?”

His face is storm dark as he studies the maps in front of him, and he snaps at her in reply, clearly not wanting to be disturbed.

“What?” he bites out without looking up.

She motions to me mockingly, whispering, “Well?”

“I…I have a request,” I begin hesitantly, almost stepping back as his head jerks up in response to my voice.

“Binder.” The word is a purr and a poison all at once. “What could youpossiblyhave to ask of me. Sincerely. I don’t do kindnesses for demons.” His jaw clenches, a rippling of muscle, and he glances over my shoulder, dark eyes glinting. “Sister.” The word is a censure, dripping with disdain and disappointment.

Steady, Little Keeper,Lorcan whispers against my spine.His words belie his actions. He has unbound you, given you a tent, let you have a mount, a full measure of food. He assigned you a servant. The man is torn. Be careful, be cautious. But be brave. His bark is not his bite, I think.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, BloodLetter,” I begin respectfully. His eyes narrow in suspicion at my tone, but I’m not sure how else to approach him. “I…I wanted to thank you for the offer of a–” The word servant sticks in my mouth. “An attendant.”

I wouldn’t say he’s surprised, not exactly, but it’s obviously not what he’s expecting to hear. “Oh. Your gratitude wastes my time. However. You’re welcome.” He nods, waving his hand to dismiss me, already looking back down at his maps.

“But.”

Again his head snaps up. “But?BUT?Whatmoredo you need, Binder?” Kylabet groans under her breath and shifts on her feet, her hand drifting to the weapon at her waist.

“There is rain coming again tonight.” I can’t hide the slight tremble in my voice; he cocks his head instantly, curiosity riding him like a hunter seeing unexpected weakness in his prey.

“Yes?”

“Rain where I am from is not…I am not used to it yet.” Pullingl one of my braids over my shoulder, I play with the ties on it.

Brave, Wren. You are not a child.Lorcan chides gently.

Straightening, I drop the hair and take a deep breath. “I would like Ellie to be allowed to be in my tent with me. I’m…uncomfortable…allowing someone I feel responsible for to stay outside in harsh weather.”

Kylabet shifts again behind me, clearly surprised.

“Ellie?” Axton asks, and Kylabet murmurs a response.

“Her servant. The Fifth Tier.”

“I’m sorry, you’re…what…requesting permission to have a…a servant stayinyour lodgings?Withyou?”

I nod firmly. “Yes. I won’t be able to sleep if I think she’s out in the rains.”

“To be clear. You want aFifth Tierto share your shelter.”

“Yes.” There’s a long pause, long enough that I wondered what lines I’d actually crossed by asking.

“Granted.” His tone is odd; it’s clear he’s trying to make it harsh, impatient, but it comes out more perplexed than angry. “Kylabet. See to it.”

“Please,” she replies sarcastically but so quietly if I hadn’t been a toe’s length from her I’d never have heard it. “And thank you so much, sister.”

But Axton’s attention is back on the table, and she says nothing else to me as she turns to leave the room. I don’t move to follow, however, wondering how far I can push things before they fall off a cliff’s edge. I can see in his body the moment he realizes I haven’t moved away, the sinew forearms flexing, long fingers pressing white against the table, and he breathes deeply before slowly raising his dark gaze back up to meet my own.

“Yes?” The single word holds so much caution and bite I have to force myself to respond without shaking.

“Um.”

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