Page 37 of Song of the Dragon Rider
“Out,” I replied simply, trying to muster Arya's typical haughtiness. “I needed some air after that disastrous luncheon we had the other day.”
“Until sunrise?” Lord Zacharia stepped forward, his gaze sharp. “Unacceptable. You know better than to roam the streets at night, especially with everything for our family at stake right now.”
Jacob stepped in front of me and valiantly tried to diffuse the tension. “Father, she's back now. Let's not overdo the lecture. Arya understands, don't you?” He turned to me and fixed me with a stern look.
I nodded, though inside I bristled at the charade. “Of course, Father. It won't happen again.”
Lord Zacharia's eyes narrowed slightly, not quite convinced. “We will discuss this further in the morning. Go to your room, Arya, and stay there. You are to be confined to your room until further notice.”
As I turned to head inside, Maeve whispered to me, her voice laced with worry. “My lady, be careful. I sense there's more to this night than they’re letting on.”
I squeezed her hand briefly, a silent thank you for her loyalty and understanding. “I will, Maeve. Thank you.” We hustled toward my room with Jacob hot on our heels. “I don’t need a chaperone, Jacob. Maeve is already one,” I sang without looking back at him.
“I spoke to Father and told him I would be keeping a close eye on you from now on,” he said.
I stopped walking and whirled on him. “You said what, now?”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t know who you met up with tonight, Arya, but I think you’re into something strange.Youare strange. You’re different from the Arya I once knew.”
I gulped. He was right about one thing; Iwasdifferent, and that was because I wasn’t his damn sister. And the minute he discovered the truth, all hell would break loose. None of Arya’s family members could find out the truth. Lord Zacharia was hard to read, I believed Gianna was secretly evil, and Jacob was filled with too much integrity. The only person I could somewhat trust was Maeve.
“I don’t know if they told you, but I recently had an accident.” I pointed to my forehead. “I hit my head and forgot a lot of things. It’s made me… different.”
Jacob frowned. “No. They didn’t tell me.”
I shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. “It happened a couple weeks ago. A boat accident during a rainstorm. I’m fine, but I have memory loss.”
“Did… did you know who I was at the parade?” he hesitantly asked.
I shook my head. “No, Maeve had to point you out.”
“By the immortals!” he murmured, running a hand through his hair. “I’m so sorry, Arya. Had I known—”
“It’s okay, Jacob. I’m honestly just trying to survive at this point,” I said cautiously. “I know Father is upset, but if you could—”
He sighed. “Now I feel like I need to watch you even more.”
I frowned. “Wait, what?”
Jacob’s eyes were earnest. “You’re fragile and vulnerable. You need to be cared for, Arya,” he said thoughtfully. “I have a banquet at the palace tomorrow night. I was going to bring Gianna since she’s usually more suited for these events, but why don’t you come with me? I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone.”
My mouth fell open and closed multiple times like a fish out of water. I was stunned and speechless, mainly because I hadn’t thought this plan through and didn’t anticipate the sharp left the conversation had taken. I assumed I’d get some pity from Jacob and he’d shrug his shoulders and be like,Well, feel better, Sis. But no, I’d forgotten about his damn integrity.
I rushed to do damage control. “Honestly, Jacob, I’m okay. With Maeve by my side, I’m—”
“No, Arya,” he cut me off. “While I’m thankful for Maeve’s help until now, you need family. Now that I’m here, I’ll care for you.”
Son of a bitch.
I chuckled awkwardly. “Right… Thanks, big bro.” I patted his shoulder, and he frowned at my unusual term. I decided to change the subject. “So what’s this banquet for?”
He brightened. “It’s a welcoming banquet from the emperor for the Nightwing battalion. Everyone from my unit is invited since we’ve been away for two years.”
“Is Father going, since he’s a minister?” I asked tentatively.
Jacob nodded. “Yes. All the ministers and council members, as well as the royal family will be in attendance.”
All the royal family members except for Damien, that is, I thought miserably.
