Page 7 of Destiny Redeemed
I took in Tommy’s ragged appearance - the threadbare clothes hanging off his bony frame, the dirt smudged across his gaunt cheeks. My heart clenched, memories of Sebastian’s haunted eyes after days in those godforsaken mines flashing through my mind.
Damn it all. I’m going soft.
“Where are your parents, Tommy?” I asked, keeping my voice gentle.
He scuffed his bare foot against the cobblestones. “Ain’t got none, m’lady. I’m from the orphanage on the edge of town.”
I blinked, taken aback. “An orphanage? But why were you stealing? Surely they provide for your needs - the crown funds all orphanages generously.”
Tommy’s gap-toothed grin turned bitter. “Aye, that’s what they say. But there’s too many of us and not enough coin to go ‘round. Gotta fend for ourselves most days.”
Bullshit.I knew the royal coffers allocated more than enough to care for every orphan in Aetheria thrice over. Someone was pocketing those funds, leaving children like Tommy to starve.
Corruption at every level. How shockingly unsurprising.
I wanted to march straight to the palace and demand answers, but what good would that do? I was hardly in a position to throw accusations.
Tommy’s face split into a grin. “Can I ever! I’m the best listener in all of Aetheria, I am! And I’m quick.”
“Excellent.” I reached into my coin purse, withdrawing a handful of silver. “Consider this an advance on your first week’s pay.”
The boy’s jaw dropped as I pressed the coins into his palm. He stared at them in awe, as if afraid they might vanish.
“Now,” I said, “I want you to meet me tomorrow at the old Sweet Delight shop. Do you know it?”
Tommy nodded eagerly. “Course I do! Used to nick sweets from there all the time ‘fore business went down.”
I chose to ignore that admission. “Good. Be there at midday. And Tommy?” I fixed him with a stern look. “No more stealing. You’re in my employ now, understood? I can’t be going around saving you if you get into trouble.”
“Yes, m’lady!” He bounced on his heels, practically vibrating with excitement. His face lit up like a Yule tree. “I won’t let you down, I swear it!”
As I watched him scamper off into the night, I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d gotten myself into. A network ofstreet urchins could prove invaluable… or it could blow up spectacularly in my face.
Well, Ilyana,I thought wryly,at least life’s never dull.
When we finally reached the palace, I stifled a groan as I caught sight of Noah’s tall figure striding down the corridor.Just my luck. The one person I was hoping to avoid.I remembered Sebastian’s reprimand and nearly groaned again. I made my bed; I had to lie on it. But as he drew closer, I realized this might be my chance to finally clear the air between us, and then I would truly be done with it.
“Lord Noah,” I called out. “Might I have a word?”
He paused, his expression guarded. “I was actually hoping to speak with you as well.”
Laurel tactfully retreated a few paces, giving us the illusion of privacy in the echoing hallway. I opened my mouth to speak, but he cut me off with a curt wave.
“Save it, Ilyana. I’ve spoken with Sebastian,” he said, his tone clipped. “And I believe it’s time we put our… differences aside.”
I opened my mouth to speak again. “Noah, I-”
Noah’s jaw tightened. “I’m aware of the divorce proceedings. While I can’t say I’m pleased with how things have unfolded, I… apologize for my behavior that day. It was unbecoming.”
“Unbecoming?” I couldn’t help but snort. “That’s certainly one way to put it.”
I knew I was wrong, but my temper was getting the better of me.
“You can hardly blame me for being upset,” he retorted, a flash of anger in his eyes. “Given the circumstances. And your own actions.”
I sighed, feeling the weight of my past actions. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Noah. Truly. I know it’s far too late to undo everything I’ve done, but I am trying to make amends.”
He regarded me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he nodded tersely. “Let’s just… stay out of each other’s way from now on, shall we?”
