Page 28 of Rook of Ruin
“Patsy, that man tolerates me on the best of days because he has to. We are Rooks. I’ve seen what he can do to men and women in the Locker. He’s seen what I can do too. Sometimes there is a softer side of him.” I struggle to come up with the words. I can’t tell her about pulling the pins out or washing my hair. Or cleaning the tub. “Sometimes not. He’s probably had to do many things he didn’t want to, like yesterday. I know if I were in his position, it would be a huge burden on my heart. Imagine if all you wanted was acceptance, a better life, but all everyone was willing to do was to use you for your power.” That’s all Alec wants, right? Acceptance. A better life. Perhaps he wouldn’t be so broody if he had that.
“Okay.” She pats my hand and gives me a small smile.
“Should we start the day?”
As I eat, I stare into the fire, blocking out the sound of Patsy droning on about the latest gossip. Thinking of what it felt like to see the burnt hole in my leathers from Lawden. I think of that day. I think of the woman whose eyes turned a different color. Lawden was dishonorable, yes, and Alec stopped him.Westopped him. But who—no—what were those women? How did Ossian know Lawden was working against the queen? What was in the note Matron gave me?
“Light brown or cream?” I put my fingers to my temple, trying to concentrate on what Patsy asked. She sighs and repeats, “Would you like to wear a light brown or cream dress?”
“You choose, Patsy. I really would like to wear leathers, but I doubt that’s what a blushing future bride is supposed to wear,” I grumble.
“You wear what you want, but those leathers will bring attention, and with attention, you’ll have gossip,” Patsy grumbles back.
I sigh. “Point taken. The cream, I guess.”
I step into the cream dress, and Patsy laces up the built-in corset—but not so tight that I can’t breathe. It’s a layered chiffon with a low neckline and sheer sleeves, and it hugs my hips. Simple and elegant. Patsy separates my hair and begins to twist and pull until soft braids form on either side of my face. Once the braids reach the back of my neck, she joins the two together, forming one large one that reaches past my shoulders. She adds powder to my face, a small amount of rouge on my lips and cheeks, and pulls out a brush full of the same black goop that Laura put on my eyes. I make a mental note to tell Laura that the goop is in fact all the rage at court. Finally, she places an eye-catching small gold coronet on my head. The gold is spun into tiny flowers blooming diamonds.
“The queen wanted you to have this back.” She hands me my brace, and it puts a smile on my face. The power hums as I placeit on my forearm, and then I consider hiding it in my underwear drawer but decide against it. It’s not like I’ll be leaving the castle. “Thank you, Patsy.” I give her a quick hug and run out the door.
There’s a little over two hours before I’m to meet Simon, and I’m going to use that time wisely.
The numerous layers of my chiffon skirt get caught beneath my feet as I climb a ladder, searching for books. Climbing a ladder is much more difficult in a dress, and I like myself way too much to fall.
I’ve searched most of the library—there are no books on nymphs or fae. I even rummaged through the science section, thinking it could be something involving anatomy. A small idea weaves its way through my mind, and I scurry over to the children’s books. There, among several large volumes of fables, are a few books on creatures of myth. I pull them out and flip through the pages. The artwork in this book is fantastic, but there’s not a notable author or artist. I try scanning each picture for a name. None. A small ding from a white-and-gold clock lets me know I have a half hour left. I pull out another book and see it has similar drawings, but still no name of the author or artist. I tuck both under my arm and open the library doors to the outside, taking in the fresh air before I head to the stables.
I find Simon before he notices me. Instantly, a smile spreads across my face. A small, white, two-person carriage is hooked up to a large tan-and-white horse. Simon is feeding him a carrot with one hand and rubbing the horse’s muzzle with his other hand. He has a light brown tweed cap on, a white shirt, brown riding pants with leather boots, and a dark brown overcoat. A sword is sheathed in leather at his hip.Interesting.
“I asked a few other ladies, but no luck. I guess you only have me for now,” I say lazily, walking to the side of the horse’s head so he can see me. I slowly reach out and rub the steed’s neck.
Simon doesn’t look at me, a dimpled smile on his face—he knew I was there. Cheeky bastard. “I guess I’ll have to make do then.” He gives an exaggerated sigh. “You’ll have to try harder next time. I can’t have other women jealous of all the carriage rides I give you.”
My smile becomes a smirk, and we pet the horse for a moment in silence before Simon moves past me. Pulling himself into the carriage, I notice his large frame leaves little room.
“No hand to help?” I tease.
His dimples grow. “I know better.”
“Good man.” I place the books on the bench of the carriage and hoist myself up. After I adjust my skirts, Simon clicks out of the side of his mouth and flicks the reins. The carriage pulls slowly forward. We sit in an easy silence as the carriage takes us farther east towards a side gate.
“I, uh, didn’t receive permission from my superior officers to leave the castle.” I glance at my brace. Unless on a mission or with specific permission, Rooks aren’t allowed to wear braces outside the castle walls.
He shrugs, and another dimpled grin forms. “Permission granted. You may leave the castle.”
“I mean I didn’t—”
Simon waves a dismissive hand. “I said permission granted for you to go outside of the castle. I am one of your guardians. I would not place your life or career in harm. Trust me.”
I nod. What else is there to say? If he’s lying to me, I’m sure Alec will allow me to carve deeper dimples into Simon’s face.
We are let out of the side gate, and then for the first time, I enjoy the open road on this side of the castle. Simon clicks out of his mouth again, and we go at a trot, the dirt kicking up aroundthe carriage. I gleefully laugh, and Simon gives me a toothy grin. It’s joyous to justgo, to feel the wind on your face as the world passes by.
When we are out of sight of the castle, Simon pulls on the reins, and the good boy slows. We go slightly off the road till we get to a large crystal lake. The lush grass is more of a green carpet as it meets the sandy shore. Simon pulls the carriage to a stop, and I fling myself out of it, taking off my heeled shoes and running down to the water’s edge. My feet sink into the soft sand, and I sigh as the water lightly taps my toes. I’ve read about this wonderful feeling. I’ve read about beautiful shores in far off kingdoms, and I’ve always been desperate to know what sand feels like between my toes. I lift my dress a little and wade in, allowing the cool water to hit just above my ankles. I know it’s childish and silly, but for a moment, I pretend this feeling will last forever. I pretend I can stay out here for an eternity.
A large shadow comes over the water, and my face beams. Simon took care of the horse and has pulled off his socks, boots, and overcoat. He rolls up his pants legs, and we stand together, barefoot, allowing the lake to lap around our ankles. The comfortable silence ascends once again. We stay that way for a while, dumb smiles on our faces, staring out at the lake.
“Are you hungry?” Simon asks, looking out across the water.
“I could eat.” I throw him a small smile, and we hike up the carpeted grass, where he places a blanket and a basket. He unpacks it as I sit down and adjust my billowy skirt, pulling it so it’s mostly off the blanket. Beef sandwiches are split between us as well as a bottle of wine.
