Page 56 of The Assassin's Dancer
“Kasimir!” she starts. “I’m so sorry for surprising you like this but?—”
“What happened?” I march towards her and I don’t stop until I’m inches away. Up close, the fear in her eyes is even more real. I can hardly stand it. Grasping her shoulders, I lower myself to meet her gaze. “Was it Orion? Did he hurt you?”
“No.” She shakes her head. But then she winces, and the action speaks for her. “Well not really but?—”
“What did he do?” I reach for my daggers.
“Nothing he just—” She shakes her head again. “It doesn’t matter. He didn’t hurt me, and besides, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because I want to help you. I want to get you that letter from the brothel.”
A loud laugh steals both our attention away.
“Well, that’s hilarious, thanks for making my night, Ami,” Meera cackles, ignoring me as I shoot her a seething look.
“What’s so funny?” Ruby argues. “I know I can do it. I can help!”
“Oh boy, I’ll leave you two to it.” Meera slows her laughter. “Good luck, Kaz. And good night, Princess!” With a sarcasticbow, she saunters into the living room, leaving us both alone in the candlelit hallway.
Rolling my eyes, I turn back to Ruby. “Your willingness to help is admirable, but really this mission is not for you.” I squeeze her arms, lowering myself again. “Now will you please tell me what happened between you and the prince?”So I can kill him, is what I want to add but I keep that last part to myself.
Ruby scowls. “Like I said, it doesn’t matter.” She folds her arms, any fear now long gone. “I’m here to help you get that letter, and frankly, if you don’t want me to go, I’ll just walk around until I find Andrick’s whorehouse then I’ll walk in and steal the letter myself.”
I bristle. She wouldn’t dare. But then again, the defiance on her pretty face is saying otherwise.
“Ruby, please listen to me?—”
“No, you listen to me!” She throws her hands down. “I’ve had a very long day and I just walked through those horrid woods by myself?—”
“You did what!” I cut her off, but she doesn’t stop.
“And now I don’t want to listen to you, or anyone else telling me what I can or can’t do. I’m sick of it! I’m so tired and now I’m quite certain that Father hates me, and…” Her voice trails off into a sob.
Without thinking, I wrap my arms around her shaking body, tugging her close to my chest.
“It’s alright,” I soothe. “Like you said, you’re tired, and it’s been a long day.”
“I’m just so, so tired, Kasimir,” she mutters into my chest, sniffling.
There’s more to her story. I know there’s more. That bastard prince did something and she’s hiding it. But now’s not the time for an interrogation. Ruby feels so weak in my arms, I just know if I push her any more, she’ll crumble.
“Hey,” I whisper, trailing my fingers down her spine. “Stay here for tonight. Tomorrow, if you’re feeling better we can talk.”
Ruby nods, then mumbles something into my tunic.
“What was that?” I smile, using my fingers to tilt her chin up. Her face is red and puffy, but still I’d give anything to kiss those tears away.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, “for letting me stay and just… well, thank you for everything.”
I nod, swiping my thumb across her cheek. “No need to thank me. Now let’s get you to bed.”
Gently, I take her hand and begin to lead her towards the carpeted staircase. But we’ve only made it a few steps when I hear Meera shout, “Make sure she goes into the spare bedroom!”
“Am I not a gentleman?” I yell back, only for Meera to snort in response. My eyes narrow, but the soft sound of Ruby’s laugh washes away any anger. She’s my priority now. And I don’t let my focus drift from her as I lead her up the stairs and show her to the spare room.
The bedchamber is small, simple with just a plain white bed and a dresser, but it’ll do for one night. The fact that it’s right next door to mine is certainly nice too. For at least tonight, she’ll be close. Safe. And miles away from any golden-haired princes.
Now, if only this door had a lock.
“My room is right next door so if you need anything just knock,” I tell her, guiding her inside.
