Page 84 of Jeweler to the Blessed
“And the long answer?” I asked.
“Well, it’s a different story.”
“I’d like to hear it if you’re willing to share it.”
She considered me. “Before I do, can I ask you something?”
I nodded. It seemed only fair.
“What’s Hart to you?”
My answer was mechanical. I didn’t allow myself to think. “He’s my guard.”
“But why? You’re the Jeweler to the Blessed. The key to breaking the Blessed’s hold on Kavios, if rumors are correct. No jeweler, no adamas. No adamas, no Blessed.” She shrugged, like discussing my death was nothing more than an inconvenience.
My gaze darted toward the tent entrance. I wondered if Hart should have fought harder to be allowed entry.
“You misunderstand,” she said, sensing my rising panic. “I don’t want to hurt you. My path is set. I don’t fight Rodric’s system. I live outside of it.”
That, I understood. It was a path I’d considered myself. One I would consider again if I could ensure my parents’ safety.
Alysa continued, “I don’t care what the Feared do, but don’t you find it odd that Hart guards you? Defends you from them? He’s worked with them for years.”
I couldn’t fault her question. I struggled with it too. Ultimately, I’d accepted that he would defend me—he’d proved it time and time again. This question didn’t feel like mine to answer. It felt like something she should ask Hart.
“I don’t think he had a choice,” I said. “He was assigned.”
It was hedging. Given our conversation last night, I was sure it was true, but technically, it was his job.
She furrowed her brow, deciding if I knew better. “Do you think that man has ever done anything he doesn’t want to do?” She pointed to where Hart stood, then smiled. “Except maybe standing outside for this discussion?”
I laughed. I’d thought the same the first time I’d heard him and Alaric talk. Their conversation had shown their familiarity, their friendship, but Hart also hadn’t hesitated to issue commands.
She tapped her lip. “So, you do know. You’re just not sure what to trust me with. That’s fair.”
“You’ll have to ask him for the answer.” I shrugged. “He works with you, though you claim no allegiance to the Feared. What are you getting at with your question?”
“I’m not sure,” she said slowly. “Hart has never brought someone to our settlement who didn’t desperately need to be here. I guess I’m only trying to assess your role. You’re right. Hart has worked with me. He’s worked with the Feared. And he’s Blessed—though no one has ever seen that damn adamas.”
My ears perked up, vindicated that I wasn’t the only one bothered by that.
“He’s driven by something, a purpose none of us can pin down. So long as my people continue to benefit from it, I have no quarrel with him.” She pushed off her perch and began to pace. “But I’ve seen others like him. Whatever drives him, he’ll stop at nothing to get it. He’s been teetering on the edge for months, close to whatever he seeks.”
She stopped pacing and turned to me. “This is nothing more than a warning to be cautious. If you’re in his way, between him and his prize, he’ll turn on you quicker than the Blessed taking on the street.”
I didn’t know what to say. She had shared much but asked for nothing. “What if I did need to be here? Would you offer me a different path?”
She smiled in a way that showed all her teeth. It was as ferocious as it was disconcerting. “I would. But before I do that, let me tell you my story. My parents were Blessed.”
My eyes widened, and immediately, I thought of Alaric’s history books. There was a story of a young woman who rejected her life as a daughter of the Blessed. I’d always hoped this was true, but had never imagined I’d meet the woman herself.
“I was soon to be Selected when I learned the truth.”
I was hanging on the edge of my seat now. “What truth?”
“That Rodric’s blessing means nothing. Only his power over the adamas distribution allows him to call it such.” She tilted her head. “But I would wager you already know that.”
I didn’t respond.
