Page 39 of Rook of Ruin
“What are you two laughing at?” Jon yells.
“I’m going to pay a woman to ride in a carriage with Sir Caddel, but she will probably use her feminine wiles on him, the poor sod. He won’t know what to do with her,” I say loud enough for only Simon to hear.
Simon laughs out. “I think I could handle myself. Though probably not with you.”
“That’s because I’m not getting paid.” I smile as he laughs even harder.
Jon surprisingly throws a look at me like I should be behaving in a more appropriate manner, given that we are so close to the gate. I doubt the white monsters would care.
We pass people along the road leading up to the gate. Some slip their hats off, holding them to their chests, some cheer, some jeer. My nerves are making me jittery.
Four guards come out of the castle as we approach, and one of them stops to talk to Simon, informing him that they are to escort us in. I recognize two among them from yesterday’s gate debacle. They look at Alec very concerned; they must actuallyknowhim.
“He fought bravely and saved a lot of lives, including my own.” I try to give them an encouraging smile.
“I heard you carried him most of the night. Is that true?” the auburn-haired one grinds out. He stares at Alec as if he will die at any moment.
“Yes.”Truth.
The one with a crooked nose clenches his teeth. “He wouldn’t have been there if it weren’t for you.”
My throat tightens up. Only now do I understand how I must seem to them—not a rising hero, but a dramatic, selfish woman who led their friend into a battle unprepared. I gulp back sorrow. “I’m sorry he was injured.”
Simon leans down from the cart. “Do you want to tell me what the fuck makes you think it’s okay to say that to Lady Verlan, who just saved the whole village of Wesson?” Simon’s tone is soft but threatens violence. “Sheis the only reason your friend is alive. If you truly knew him, you would understand that he wouldn’t sit by and let a pregnant woman and her husband, let alone an entire village, be ravaged by monsters. Ifshehadn’t been there, we wouldn’t have his body to bring back.Shekept him alive, and if it weren’t for her,youwould be hauling corpses out of the village for rites instead of standing here with a dickin your mouth. These Rooks killed all those beasts. Tell me you could do that and survive.”
Everyone heard Simon. Every single person at the gate. They look at me, at the state I am in, and then to the pile of corpses. They don’t see a helpless woman who led the Spider astray. They see someone who battled alongside the Spider, who slaughtered enemies so civilians could live, someone to be admired. I really shouldn’t be. I did get him hurt. Now that’s been pointed out, I don’t think I can get over it. I realize I’m still a child playing dress-up as a Rook, especially when I get people hurt and can’t stand up for myself.
“Apologies. I’m upset that my friend is hurt, not that it is an excuse,” the guard says sincerely.
“Accepted. You have my word that I will do everything I can for Alec.”
Both guards look startled at my use of his first name. They kneel and put their fist to their heart, to give their thanks. This act creates a reaction in the others, who must feel it oddly necessary to kneel too, causing others to join in bowing or curtsying.
“Don’t say a word. Let it go,” Simon mumbles. We move forward through the wide gate into Marrith with the same results, the two guards leading us. People cheer, bow or curtsy, flowers are thrown, and kisses are blown—something I wish Alec could see. For me, it’s too much.
“O,” Simon breathes out as we finally approach the main gate to the castle.
Rooks in their brown leathers are lined up at attention. Three battalions in two rows, with enough room for us to pass through. In unison, they shout,“Praesidia Secretorum!”Protector of Secretsfor Alec. “Custos Vitae!” Guardian of Lifefor me. “Propugnatores Mortis!” Champions of Death for us both.
“Oowa!” I yell to my Rooks.
“Oowa!” they yell back.
The most humbling sight is seeing Paul and Tess’ family. Paul gives me a sneaky wink as we roll by, and the adults bow and curtsy while the children throw flowers. Liam and Mags kneel. I want to roll my eyes, but I don’t. I just smile.
“Thatwas something.” The pride in Simon’s voice is enough to make my heart swell. The brown leathers grow small as we approach the hub of the palace.
Servants stop to briefly bow or curtsy. A few lords and ladies we pass outright stare, whisper, and a few act shocked. One woman faints quite dramatically at the sight of the white-furred monsters. I smirk; she must be a Crow. Simon maneuvers the cart, following two of the four guards. A red carpet is pulled out of the main entry with lords and ladies milling about, desperate to take a peek at the new gossip. We stop, and Simon hands the reins to a groom. The smaller, auburn-haired guard offers me his hand, and I accept.
Simon raises an eyebrow at the transaction, realizing it’s truly only him who I refuse. I give him a sly smile. “One day I might just accept your hand.”
“Only if I extend it again,” he cheekily replies.
I want to laugh, but I manage to bite my lip before it bursts out inappropriately
He sucks in air. “O, you must stop doing that. I—”
“Sir Caddel, Lady Verlan, I hope I’m not interrupting.” With a voice that could make an angel weep, Lady Clairene Fucking Whistble approaches. Her blonde, glossy locks are pulled into a sweeping updo, and she has a perfectly petite face, lush lips, and big blue eyes with thick dark lashes. Her body makes men constantly adjust their pants, and the blue, low-cut dress is molded to her skin. Clariene is evil incarnate, and if I had my dagger, I would murder her and place her onto the pile of deadmonsters where she belongs.But I do have aknife. . . probably not the best idea.
