Page 113 of Rook of Ruin
“Why would he? I was a good Rook. I graduated a year early. I actually have another name in Acros, you know.”
Callan nods. “I heard you are the Ruby, but I didn’t know you were a Rook.” I see his mind spinning. “You graduated a year early?”
“Yes.” I smile brightly, proud of my achievement. “I worked in the Locker.”
“The Locker,” Callan repeats and turns in his seat. “Interesting. Perhaps that’s why there was such a large bid for your hand from Tynan.”
“Tynan? What?” I ask, shocked. “Why would—who was it?”
He laughs. “If they were that important in Tynan, they would have won—maybe they thought you would give them secrets.”
I tilt my head. I guess that is true. I’m glad I wasn’t sent off to Tynan; I can’t imagine what horrors would have awaited me there, especially with the king being such a well-known vicious fucker. I make a mental note to send Queen Inara a thank you for accepting Simon’s marriage bid.
Callan sighs dramatically. “Do you know, I haven’t had an actual conversation with a woman in ages.” Unsure how to respond, I keep my mouth shut. Callan continues, “My wife is indisposed most of the time. The ladies at our court only speak ofthings like tea, stitching, and gowns. They don’t speak to me like another person.” I frown, considering my words carefully while he speaks. “Other than our sisters, of course, but they have lives of their own and are no longer at court. All of that is to say, I’m glad you are part of our family.”
“Thank you, Callan. I am happy to be a part of your family too. Maybe the women in Bethal speak only of the things they know or were taught; perhaps you could speak to them about things they wish to do or learn.”
Callan and I ride quietly together for a while before he begins to shift in his saddle and heaves a large breath, prompting me to inquire, “Is there something on your mind?”
“You have a child?” Callan asks.
“He is our ward.” Simon comes up behind us. “But he is a part of our family.”
Callan doesn’t reply but nods again, then I smile at him, and he smiles back. My heart leaps; I have more family. I grin with pure joy all the way to the castle, but it’s quickly wiped away as we approach.
Bright lanterns show an influx of people waiting at the gates. Sad, scared faces of adults and fearful, screaming children greet us as they kneel. I dismount Sal when a woman lifts her baby up to me, the crown on my head feeling heavier than before.
“What can I do to help you?” I ask gently as I take her child. The mother curtsies low.
“Princess, please take my child. I know you will keep her safe.” She sobs, “I am afraid. We lost everything. We can’t get in through the gate, we have no food, the guards said we had to wait, but for what, we don’t understand.” Her baby screams in my ear. I’m sure the blood on my face and body is doing nothing to ease its distress, but I hug the little girl close.
Simon and Callan wait to see what I will do. This is a test, one I’m sure was created by the king or queen, and the princes will sit back to see how I fare before helping.
Assholes. Both of them.
“Have you traveled far?” I ask.
“Yes.” She holds out her feet; her shoes are torn and ripped. Tears fill her eyes. “We have.”
I raise my hand. Roughly a hundred men, women, and children surround us. “Who can fight?” Eighteen people raise their hands. “See Isle.” Isle raises her hand. “Are there any healers or anyone who has the stomach to learn?” Ten people raise their hands. “Step to the side, I will meet with you.” They do so. “Is everyone else experienced with farming?” The rest of the crowd grumbles a yes. “Good, we need you. You and our warriors are the reason Bethal thrives. There is a village not far from here; they will need help rebuilding and bringing in grain. We will provide you with food, clothing, and substantial protection.”
“What protection? Where was our protection when our village was ravaged by those fucking monsters?” a man yells out.
Holding the baby, now cooing, I stride closer, lanterns lighting up my bloody face. “Look upon me. Do you doubt I will protect you?” They stare, considering my words. “I will send my very own guard, who has slaughtered those wicked creatures by my side this very night. I have defeated death itself tonight, I will do so again. We will stand against them. What will you do, my people of Bethal? Cower? Or stand with me?”
“Aeternus fidelis,Princess Caddel!” Dove yells out.
As if struck with courage, the people before us put their fists to their hearts, hope and smiles greeting me.
“This is Dove. She will see to food and rest for you all and then take you to the village when you are prepared. Healers, please come to me.” Simon and Callan dismount to give comfort andhand out coin. I give my instructions to the prospective healers, asking and answering questions. A bold thought comes into my head, and I take a few healers to the side. It’s good to have informants—at least that’s what Ossian was always blabbering about. Dismissing them to receive their coin, I look down and I realize the baby in my hands has fallen asleep. I look around for her mother, and I see her with Callan.
“I don’t know how, but she fell asleep.” I smile softly, her small fingers grasping my thumb.
“Can you not take her to a better family?”
“Do you not want your own child?” Callan asks calmly, but there’s fury in his eyes.
“I do, desperately. She means everything to me, but I would rather she have a proper family, one that can provide. I have no family, no support. I have no true ability other than to cook.”
