Page 145 of Rook of Ruin
I leave the room, searching for Dove and Milo and finding them in the library. I scoop him into my arms and speak with him. Remaining strong for him.
More tears threaten to fall down my cheeks as I finish my letter to Ralin, then I blow out another breath as I write to the only other individual left, per Simon’s request.
Callan.
I write quickly, signing my name, shoving every thought and feeling to the side. Pacing in my room, I consider my options and write two more letters, nervously folding them into an envelope. The black wax drips onto the paper, and before it cools, I push my seal stamp into it.
Dashing down to the stables to Sal, I place my hand on her head and whisper, “Don’t be jealous She means nothing to me.” She nods and then moves slightly to watch Elliot eat his oats. Elliot will be one hells of a steed, and he will be Milo’s when he’s old enough.
Taking another mare, I saddle her, hiding a parcel in the saddle bag. Isle approaches us as I adjust my black cloak and mount the mare.
“Off for a ride?” She rubs the mare’s neck. I don’t respond, careful of any ears that could report my actions back to Callan. A slow smile spreads over her lips. “I’ll see you after dinner.”
We take off towards Lautterum. The mare’s speed quickly picks up when I gently push into her side, but it takes more time to reach the first cottage with this mare than it would with Sal, so thankfully Lautterum is close to Brynmawr.
The bustling market is still alive. The smells of fresh, sweet spices fill the air as I pass a vendor making a last attempt at selling his goods. I stop at the inn, hitching the mare to a post, and quickly walk past a sweet shop, down an alley, towards a row of townhouses. Checking the street behind me, I run across the stone road, and slam my knuckles against a soft yellow door.
Dove opens it, shocked as I push past her. She shuts her door quickly, and I peek around her tidy home. The small townhome is sparsely furnished—a small floral sofa and a leather chair shoved to the side, revealing a practice dummy in the middle. Most single warriors live at Brynmawr, but Dove and Red live together in this townhome, sharing it more than occasionally with Bow and Viper.
“What are you doing here?” Dove asks calmly, but I can see her assessing my appearance.
“Is there anyone else here?” I slide off my hood, already knowing the answer.
“No.”
“I need your help please.” I show her what’s in the parcel, my hands surprisingly steady. My voice chokes out, “We will be calling for a Grey Sister soon. I need to get this out now, and I trust you to do it.”
“I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry.” Dove’s beautiful voice is filled with compassion. She wraps her arms around me. I stiffen from the touch, but she doesn’t pull away. She rubs my back to comfort me, yet I can’t bring myself to hug her back. I can’tacknowledge my feelings without falling apart right now. “You are worthy of love, Ruin. You’re worthy of so much more.”
I say nothing because that’s what I’ve gotten good at recently. She pulls back, a sad, searching look on her face. I give her a fake smile, and she glances away like I’ve hurt her.
“I can’t bring myself to—” I shrug, unwilling to say any more. Dove nods in understanding. “I need you to do this, Dove. I need you to leave tonight if it is to get to them in time.” I hand her a small leather pouch full of money with the letters and instructions. “This is for passage on a private vessel—there is one that leaves soon. Don’t use your Warrior’s Name; use your given name.”
She nods, and I help her gather a few items before placing more money in her bag. Better for her to have too much than too little. Handing her a dark blue cloak of Acros used by servants for the queen, she lets out a shocked gasp, and I give her a genuine half smile. A Rook is a Rook until we die. No matter what the queen of Acros says.
We both go out the back door of her townhouse, walking quietly together until we arrive at the busy docks. Keeping watch as she purchases passage on the private vessel, I search every face as they pass, my hood pulled down far, and my fear of discovery causing acid to rise in the back of my throat.
“Got it.” Dove smiles slightly. “Two weeks. Please tell B—”
“I’ll tell him what he needs to know. Thank you.” I don’t allow myself a hug for fear of bringing attention to us. She notices and holds out her hand. I clasp it in mine.
“Forever loyal,” she whispers to me.
I smile in spite of myself. “The honor is mine.” I nod and she smiles back. Dove walks down the wooden docks, not pausing or turning for one last look.
I stand in the same spot until the small vessel leaves, the darkness of Bethal pulling my Shadow forward.
“You were followed.” Stallion stands next to me with a bloody dagger. A feral smile crosses his mouth. “I’m telling you right now, he fucking suffered.”
“Good.”
We stand huddled together for a moment before turning back home.
“I will not have my hand forced by a stupid, pathetic woman.” Simon’s eyes stare at the ceiling; he lost his sight earlier in the day. Last night, he lost the function of his bowels. He is dying, and I can do nothing to stop it.
Callan’s jaw tightens in anger, and my hands twist together, trying to remain calm.
I lick my lips before I say, “If there is a chance, we should take it. Please, Simon, consider—”
