Page 146 of Rook of Ruin
Simon interrupts me. “Shut the fuck up. You don’t know. You never knew.”
“Then tell me,” I reply, biting back the venom.
“Don’t speak to her like that, Simon. She’s trying to help you.” Callan’s voice goes low, almost threatening, and I think about all the ways I could stab him. In the throat would be good.
“It’s not his fault.” I don’t allow the hurt to show on my face, but Callan observes me carefully.
I sit silently and listen to them speak about better days. About their childhood, funny and wonderful stories I wish I would have heard a long time ago. One would think they were close as children, but they weren’t. Queen Ffion ensured they had a love-hate relationship.
Callan yawns. “O, isn’t it time for you to dress for dinner? Should I have your lady’s maid called?”
“She ran off with one of our footmen. I had no idea that they were a couple. Hard to find loyal servants.” I shrug.
Callan’s wide mouth pulls into a half grin. “I’m glad she found happiness.” He folds his arms. “She was in love with me at one time. I pitied her, and Mother took it as affection. I think that’s why she was sent here.” I’d almost believe him if I didn’t know him better. Crusher stands, hand on his sword, and Callan laughs, flicking his hand, dismissing my warrior. “If I wanted to harm her, I could have while you waited out here. Come, Orlaith. We need to speak.”
I stomp after him into the study, knowing I can’t refuse him right now. I’m fucking fighting, playing the game.
Callan closes the door behind us, and I make myself calmly sit in Simon’s chair. Callan takes note of my power move and pours himself a whiskey. His teeth bite the glass before he takes a sip. “When did you know?”
“Taen? I knew from the beginning. The queen sent her—it was obvious she was here to spy. The footman took a little longer.” I grip the leather of the chair tightly. It was only because he followed me that we knew for sure.
Callan shakes his head. “Poor Taen. She really did love me, but I never touched her. They simply informed me of how Simon behaved towards you. Nothing more, nothing less.” He sighs out. “I don’t like it. You deserve better.”Truth.Every word of his is the truth, and I hate him all the more for it.
Flattening my palms after creating little crescent moons in the leather, I glance at the gardens. I know Stallion and Bow are out there. I move my eyes farther, as if to stare at the large vases of white roses that decorate the room. The smell makes me sick.
“Are they not your favorite? After seeing your banner, I’m not certain.”
“You know white roses are my favorite.” I glance up at him while he watches my face. White roses are not my favoriteanymore. I will rip every white rose bush out of the garden after Simon dies.
Callan frowns. “Are you going to acknowledge what I said?”
I force my eyes down, and I notice that he likes this. Callan likes that I look down in deference, submission, even if it is false. “I have nothing to say, Callan. Your brother is dying. He can’t control himself nor his behavior. I’m losing him.”
Crusher knocks and quickly opens the door, “Ma’am, Red would like a moment of your time.”
“Of course. Excuse me. One of our injured,” I say quickly to Callan. I tilt my head slightly as I pass Crusher and make my way upstairs to the guest room.
Shutting the door quietly, Red’s back is to me as she adjusts her new prosthetic legs. The concoction of medicine one of my Larks was able to send healed her rapidly. Viper stands next to her, and Isle is poised as if to take a hit for me.
Viper and Red frown when they see me. Crossing the room, I place my hands behind my back so they can’t see them shaking. “You are still our warriors. I need you both to begin spreading the rumor. It will take time. You are the only two I can send out without it looking suspicious. No one will question you, and like Stallion, you won’t be seen as a threat until it is too late.”
“I’m not a Rook. I’m a Bethalian warrior,” Red says through clenched teeth.
“You are a Bethalian warrior. I’m not asking you to be a Rook, I’m asking you to be my warriors. I’m asking you to take on a new battle on a new front. I’m saying I may not have a choice. I’m saying, I mean—”
Isle interrupts my rambling. “If you don’t do this, there is a good chance that when Simon dies, Callan will split us up.” Isle shakes her head. “There is also the concern that the king will want Ruin to remarry once she has finished her mourning. She is asking because she may not have a choice in who she marries.”
Red’s face scrunches angrily at this revelation.
Viper places a gentle hand on Red’s shoulder. “Red.”
Red holds out her hand to him, the ring on her finger shining, and Viper grins, leaning down to kiss her hand. She sighs. “Fine, but if I have to be alady, don’t expect me to be like the kind at the castle.”
“Then this is yours.” Isle hands her the deed to Lord Cobal’s house in Perrick and a large stack of papers with a black ribbon wrapped around it.
“Feckin’ ’ells.” Viper is completely astonished.
“Your new names are in there.” I point to the papers. “And you have everything you need to make it all a success. I know you will.” I briefly glance down and choke out. “Protect our warriors if I can’t. Please.”
