Page 68 of Rook of Ruin
We make it to the final village and implement the same routine. Stealing glances and quick touches, Alec follows me as I visit the wounded and sick. I heal a baby with a fever, her mother insisting I hold her for a while, and Alec’s mouth forms a soft smile watching me. When I hand the little one back, it coos, making my face light up. I wave as they leave the tiny room.
Out of nowhere, I’m whirled around and pushed back into the wall, Alec boxing me in. I know exactly what he is thinking, and I get lost in his silver eyes. He leans down, brushing his lips—
Nora coughs. Alec sighs and shoves off the wall, his face an unemotional mask once again. “The Elders of this village have arranged a feast as a thank you. They have requested we attend.”
I nod, and we follow her out into the middle of the village.
Lanterns are everywhere, long white tables are filled with food and alcohol, and music fills the air. Unlike the somber mood of the first village as we left, this one celebrates. Women and children hug me, men shake my hand and give thanks. Alec never moves from my side. I take the wine offered and drink deeply, then I hand it to Alec, who takes a sip. Finn, Nora, and the rest of our group begin dancing among the villagers.
“Dance with me.” I offer Alec my hand.
He looks at it. “I don’t dance.”
“You do with me.” I grin and grab his hand, pulling him out. Alec slides an arm around my back and dips me. I gasp at thisunexpected move, and his face lights up with happiness. Fuck, his touch is magnetic. He smiles like the world has given him a gift as he brings me back into his chest and then spins me. I shouldn’t be surprised at how well he can dance; Alec does everything so damn well. He spins me around again, our bodies moving to the rhythm. He dips me, and I laugh with pure happiness. The music is lively, and the company is wonderful. I dance a turn with Finn and another with them all.
Nora pulls us over to a group of people tossing rings onto pegs. “Finn and the Rook, me and O.” The boys lose horribly to us, and Nora and I jump up and down, squeezing each other’s hands like little girls. To my astonishment, Alec is beaming.
“Suck it, Finn!” Nora yells.
“Mate, if I sucked anything, it would not be you.” Finn gives her a sour look as I fling back my head and laugh. Alec grabs my waist and pulls me back out for another dance, the music much slower. I lay my head on his chest, ignoring whispers. Our bodies sway together, as if one. Alec and I lose ourselves in the moment until Finn clears his throat and cuts in, and Nora watches from a distance.
“O.” Finn bows low as Alec heads back towards Nora. I place my hand in his. “You really like him, don’t you.” He nods over to Alec, and my eyes follow. Alec is laughing, actually laughing, as he takes Finn’s place at the ring toss.
“I do.” I can’t tell Finn that I love Alec, but I think Nora knows, given her watchful gaze. “We have been through a lot together.” I smile as Nora tries to fist-bump Alec, who is obviously uncomfortable with her affection.
“I know. You two have quite the friendship.” He spins me around.
A thought moves through my mind. “Finn, what would you have asked me to do to fulfill my life debt to you?”
Vowing my own life debt reminded me of Simon’s, which now reminds me of his upcoming proposal. Guilt runs through me, and I realize I care for Simon but . . .
I want Alec.
Another wash of guilt hits me.
At what cost? Our kingdom? Innocent people’s lives? The thought of having to choose makes me sick. I love Alec.
My sister’s words haunt me. If I am willing to sacrifice my life for Acros, then I should be willing to marry for it. Shaking my head, I refocus on the man before me.
I watch as Finn’s mind turns, and he sighs. “I think I would ask you to live your life. I would ask you to be free, and if I’m not your choice for a husband”—he laughs—“I hope you would fall in love with someone and leave. Run off together in some grand adventure or stay with us and we could all start fresh somewhere else.”
Tears form in my eyes.
Finn gives me a soft smile. “I would have forgiven your debt. But you need to be more cautious from here on out. If it had been someone else, you could have been made to do anything. One life for another. Life debts can be quick or last a lifetime, depending on what the debt holder wants. And only those with great power can create a life debt.” What he isn’t saying is, without power, the words are meaningless. He twirls me gently but surprisingly doesn’t glance down at my brace. “Don’t ever create a life debt between others unless you truly believe you are protecting a better life, and never give another life debt unless that life you want to save is worth more than your own.”
I consider his words. Alec is worth a life debt. A wry grin grows on my face. “Finn, you would absolutely be my third choice.”
He laughs hard, and his smile shows off his two crooked bottom teeth, giving his mischievous face even more character. Zane would like Finn . . . but the two of them working together?They would instigate too many fights, and Paul really would have a heart attack.
As if on cue, a scuffle breaks out by a table, and spice and food spill onto the dirt ground.
Finn breaks off from our dance and walks over to the men. “Mates, you are in the presence of the Ruby of Acros. Have a little decorum.”
I follow him, realizing that this is Finn’s village, these are his people.
Finn winks at me, and the older man grumbles, dropping his fists, and begins moving past me. But the younger one pulls a knife, quickly stabbing out, missing his target, and slicing my arm. All of us stare in shock.He just cut me.We all stand surprised at the long cut down my arm, and we watch as blood oozes down onto my cream gown.
“I don’t know what—I’m s-so s-sorry, Ruby. I didn’t m-mean to hurt you, I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t s-stop. I’m sorry. I’m so s-sorry.” The very young man is terrified as Finn wraps his fingers around his neck and lifts him up, the knife dropping to the ground.
