Page 129 of Rook of Ruin
“Please, show me how.”
Callan nods absently as I roll out the pastry dough and hand it to Milo, who carefully places apples into a pattern, then hands it back to me. I crumble sugar, butter, and oats over top. Sliding it back over to Milo, he gently pinches the sides together.
Callan tilts his head. “Interesting. May I try?”
I hand him the dough and show him how to use a rolling pin. We watch as he tries and fails to roll it out properly.
He shrugs and hands it back, content to eat and watch us work. “I’ve never been in the kitchens of the castle before.”
“Maybe you should visit. The people there are often quite nice and hard workers.” I smile. “Like our own here at Brynmawr.” I nudge the curvy woman next to me. Our cook grins as she gathers the pastries.
“Where is the woman who worked in the castle’s kitchens? Rashel? Does she not work here?” Callan’s tone gives me pause.
“She does, on occasion. Rashel opened a small restaurant by the docks in Lautterum.” What I don’t tell him is how she is happily supplying me with information as well. I have set up a little network of loyal spies—Larks—all over Bethal and Acros. I’ve even managed to place one in the castle, a healer, who has kept me very informed.
We finish baking, and Milo leaves to play in his room while I take Callan into our small library. Books fill the space with color, a thick brick fireplace offsets the room, and large windows line the walls, similar to Simon’s study. The whole room is cozy and inviting. While it’s not a grand library, it is perfect for us. Taen brings us coffee, setting it carefully on the small wooden table between the two yellow velvet couches. She lingers for a moment, trying to sneak a look at Callan before leaving.
I pour Callan a small cup, adding two sugars while he stares out the window and into the evening sky. “What finally brings you to Brynmawr?”
“I needed a change of scenery. I thought I would surprise you and Simon.” He continues to gaze out into the distance.
Picking up my dainty cup, I deeply inhale the wonderful rich aroma. The smell of coffee mixes well with the lovely smell of books. Sipping carefully, I allow the bitter taste to linger in my mouth.
I can tell there is something Callan wants to speak about, and I don’t have the patience to wait around till he is ready. “There is something bothering you.”
“There is.” He nods, turning his body. Frustration is written all over his face. “Does Simon know what you do with your time? We have reports coming in daily of how you go out and assist, not only our lords and ladies, but our people.”
I smile cautiously. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
He assesses me carefully, “It is, and I’m thankful for it. Does he know you have set up a rotation of healers across Bethal?”
“If you’re asking if I have sat him down and explained every detail, I haven’t. But I’m sure he knows, just as you do. Do you think I’m keeping it a secret? Because I’m not.” Attempting a serene look is harder than I thought. The slow understanding that Callan feels threatened by my actions takes over my mind.
He chuckles, confirming my thought. “I’m amazed. In such a short time, you have managed to ensure our people love you more than they love me.”
“I disagree, Callan.” I make my voice small, showing him I’m not a threat. “You are our future king. There is no doubt in my mind that you are loved by all. My actions only show that I have your blessing as well as your father’s. By allowing me to do so, it proves how much you love our people, as I do.” I change the subject, trying to ease any tension. “How is Anna?”
“I sent her away. I couldn’t stand her face, the lies she makes me tell. She is staying with her family until after the birth.” Callan walks over and picks up the cup of coffee as if to “cheers”with it. “One month left.”
“I’m sorry Callan.” And I mean it.
“Why? It isn’t as if you were the one she spread her legs for.” Callan sighs and shakes his head. “I’m not the only one whose spouse keeps secrets though. Did Simon tell you there are reports coming from Acros about a curse?”
“A curse?” I could not be more shocked, and he takes note. “You’re not serious.”
“Deadly serious, I’m afraid.” If Zane made that joke, I would laugh. Callan makes me cringe. “The Bàs Curse. Death Curse.”
“What? How?” I gasp out. “Surely, it’s not real? Dragons don’t exist anymore.”
It can’t exist. The Bàs Curse is something from fairy tales and legends. I read about it inJovan’s Longing Heart. In the Days of Old, dragons were hunted for their cruel powers, and in their human forms, they would curse hundreds. It’s what led to a dark age full of madness and death. Only Warriors of Old, like Jovan, stood in their way. There are no dragons; there are barely even any fae left from what I know, although that is very fucking little. I’ve searched Simon’s library and sent requests out for books on fae, but nothing has come of it. Even my letters to Vetter have gone unanswered.
“I assure you it is very real. Why do you think Queen Inara is sending Rooks and warriors to the border of the Serus Mountains?”
“I thought it was because there were threats? I assumed from Wraiths?”
“Thunderous mercy. Doesn’t Simon tell you anything?” I bristle from his accusation—accurate though it may be. “Wraiths are nothing compared to what could come up from the depths of those fucking mountains. Wraiths covet magic, what little there is anymore. They twist it into something cruel and drain power from any life source to create their own.”
Fuck. If they drain power, maybe that’s why the queen doesn’t want the Rooks to wear their braces. What would happen if Wraiths had that kind of power? Fuck! I need to speak to Paul. “What—”
