Page 55 of Blood Weaver
The next day when I woke, Ronan was gone and a food tray with a steaming bowl of porridge had been placed on the table. He must have recently left.
Groaning as I sat up and stood, I gingerly made my way to the table to eat. I sat down carefully and rolled up my sleeves to see the burn marks on my arms. They were healing, but Ronan was right: I was scarred for life. I smoothed my sleeves back down and tried to forget about the time I spent in the dungeons with Caelan.
I’d just taken a spoonful of porridge when Henry called from outside my tent.
“Miss Leila?” he yelled. “Are you awake? Can I come in?”
I smiled. “Come in, Henry!”
The tent flaps opened and the young boy walked inside with a bounce in his step, looking cleaner than I’d ever seen him. His face was clear of dirt and grime, and his clothes looked new. It could only be Ronan’s doing.
He sat in the empty chair across from me. “Miss Leila, how are you feeling?”
I smiled brightly and ignored the pains in my body. “Much better, Henry. All thanks to you, of course.” I winked and ruffled his hair.
He attempted to duck, but I was too fast. His cheeks brightened in embarrassment.
“I didn’t get to properly thank you for letting Ronan know of my … circumstances.” I offered him some of my porridge, but he waved me off.
“Of course, Miss Leila,” he said. “I couldn’t let you get hurt. I should be the one thanking you for all you’ve done for me.”
“Aren’t you hungry?” I asked when he declined my offer.
He shook his head. “I already ate with the men. Ronan made sure I had plenty! Please, eat your breakfast.”
“Okay.” I smiled and continued eating. “What are you doing now?”
He sighed and leaned back, resting his hands behind his head. With a bright smile, he admitted, “I have the easiest job in the world!” He paused. “Watching overyou.”
I laughed. “I’m guessing Ronan told you to keep watch?”
His eyes sparkled when he nodded. “He’s paying me a glint a day.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “Well, that’s very generous of him.”
He furrowed his brows. “So no funny business, Miss Leila. You need to rest and get better.”
“Of course. I won’t make things difficult for you, Henry,” I said. “But …”
He threw his head back and groaned. “I knew there would be abutcoming …”
I finished my breakfast and set the bowl aside before leaning forward and whispering, “Want to be a double agent?”
He straightened and his wide eyes gave me the answer I wanted. My proposition had certainly snared his attention.
“Ronan is keeping some … information from me,” I started. “I’m wondering if you can find out what secrets he and the Crimson Clan might have regarding the lost princess. Can you do that?”
Henry tilted his head in confusion. “But that has nothing to do with you, Miss Leila. Why …?”
“Um … no, not necessarily. But I need to know their secret.”
“Do you plan to use it against him?” Henry frowned. It seemed he was conflicted on who he should remain loyal to.
I shook my head. “No. I don’t have any ill intentions,” I clarified.
He blew out a breath and slumped back in his seat, looking as if a huge weight had been lifted. Henry loved a good adventure. “Oh, thank the gods. Then sure, Miss Leila. I’ll find out for you.” With a wink over his shoulder, Henry crept out of my tent, intent on learning what the Crimson Clan was hiding.
A few hourspassed and true to my word, I remained in my tent to recuperate and not make any trouble. At noon, Henry returned with a tray of tea and pastries but left again. Night had fallen and I expected him to return soon, so when my tent flaps opened, I was surprised to see Silas instead.
