Page 2 of Hair, She Bears
Mother had forbidden her from leaving the compound until her parents’ debt was cleared. However, Mother never said she couldn’t leave the tower… not that Mother was aware she was up here. She inhaled again, enjoying the crisp feel of the wind blowing across her face.
“Don’t jump!”
She started and grabbed hold of the spire with both hands to prevent herself from falling. Glaring over the edge of the roof, her gaze sought the origin of the voice. A tiny speck dashed across the courtyard and skidded to a halt at the base of the tower, one of four which rose out of the compound like giant stone sentries.
“Don’t jump!” The voice yelled again, the deep rumble reminding her of Mother’s gruff tone.
She tightened her grip on the spire and leaned forward. Cupping her hand around her mouth, she yelled back, praying Mother would not hear her. “I’m not going to jump.”
“Then, what the hell are you doing?” the man asked, dashing back and forth beneath her as if he intended to catch her.
“I’m watching the sunrise.”
“You could do that on the ground.” He stopped running and stepped back, keeping his arms outstretched.
Mother was going to hear of this, and the punishment would be severe.Zenna bit her lip and crouched down. Scooting down the roof, she straddled the gable and leaned over the side.
“Why are you awake?” she asked.
“That’s your question?” An audible choking sound rose from the ground. “You’re on a roof!”
“And I am perfectly safe.”
“Not from where I’m standing.” The man folded his arms across his chest.
Grimacing, she slid her leg over the side of the roof, wrapped her fingers around the shingles, and swung back through the window, landing on the floor with a soft grunt, and spun around.
“Satisfied?” she asked, peering down.
“Yes, thank you.” He took a step closer.
She licked her lips. “Please don’t tell Mother you saw me on the roof.”
“Tell me your name,” he said, a forceful undertone to his command.
“Swear not to reveal to Mother where you found me.” She placed her hands on the windowsill and leaned out further. “Do I have your word?”
“I swear,” he replied, his voice laced with amusement, and held up his right hand.
“My name is Zenna.”
“Zenna.” He spread his arms out wide and bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Malik.”
Malik? As in Mother’s son?Her heart stopped, a corset of fear crushing her chest.
“I-I-I thought Malik controlled the territory to the north.”
“I do.”
“Then why are you here?” she asked, a tremor rippled through her body. She would never see daylight again.
“My presence was requested.” He thumbed over his shoulder at the compound. “All the captains will be here this morning.”
“Why?”
Malik twisted away from her question—curiosity was never encouraged by Mother. She cringed, waiting for Malik’s castigation. After a moment of silence, he returned his gaze to her.
“If I knew, I wouldn’t be here.”
