Chapter 9 #2
“Please don’t mock me,” I groaned, trying to grab the piece back to toss it into the fire. Felix slapped my hand gently, repositioning it to lay flush against Felicity’s design again.
I picked at the splinters in my fingers, trying to pry one out with my nails.
“Let me,” he said, taking my hand and pulling me gently towards him. He leaned on the edge of the worktable, my fingers inches from his eyes as he focused on the splinters. I noticed the big ring around his thumb, matte silver engraved with an anvil and a hammer.
“Did you make that?” I asked, flicking my eyes between the ring and his eyes that now looked at me.
“My great-grandfather did,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips before returning his attention to my hands. “Our whole family has been bladesmiths for generations. It’s a tradition by now.”
“That’s great,” I answered weakly, bitter jealousy corrupting my insides. Family. Generations. Traditions…
He squeezed my hand, piercing me with a considerate look. “You’ll find something you’re good at, Prue. Don’t worry so much.”
Don’t worry so much.
If he only knew, he’d probably tell me to worry more.
My biggest worry would always be Lili. I took care of her.
I bought the food, the clothes, the medicine.
I tucked her into bed at night and held her tightly when the reoccurring nightmares about our parents haunted her.
I held her hand when she feared the Defenders had followed me home.
Now, I had to worry about this mission that Elio Boaz had ordered me to accomplish—a mission that had already caused me headaches and sleepless nights.
Steal the crown. Ironically, the only thing I realized I was good at was trying to find my talent to help the rebels.
So, thanks for the advice, Felix. I’ll try not to worry.
I was a fool, directing my anger at him when he had done nothing to deserve it.
After quickly thanking them both for teaching me, I'd stormed off the second Felix had removed the last splinter from my hand. I’d caught the twins shooting questionable glances at each other at my hurried departure.
I craved the solitude of the tiny cabin, where I wasn’t in danger of saying something irreversible or bursting into tears in front of anybody who tried to talk to me at this moment.
The sight of familiar, unwelcome, dark curls slowed my pace. Daegal was kneeling in front of one of the garden beds, plucking a few stems of greenish leaves with violet flowers interlaced between them.
Excellent, just the person I want to meet when I’m in a pissy mood.
A small gush of wind carried the scent of florally citrus and mint to my nostrils. I inhaled slowly, coming to associate the, unfortunately pleasant, scent with the hostile man in front of me.
He seemed to sense my presence. His head snapped up as he got to his feet. I took a step back, raising my hands in surrender.
“I’m not here to fight,” I said, the exhaustion evident in my voice. His eyes narrowed at me like they had done a few days ago, but he stayed put.
“What’s that?” I tried with a friendly tone, longing to have one normal conversation with my new neighbor.
He stuffed the herb in his pocket and crossed his arms. “Have you prepared your speech for tomorrow? Made sure there are no holes in your little story?” he asked coldly.
So much for a normal conversation.
Some of the council members had been away, but they’d all be returning tonight. So tomorrow, I would tell the story of my escape in front of them all.
Daegal, as the only suncaster in the Rebellion, was a part of said council.
Felix had told me his story yesterday in a whispered voice during breakfast. Daegal’s family still lived north of the castle, protected by the tall walls with the rest of the Royalists of the realm.
He had fled when he realized how wrong and corrupt his family was.
It annoyed me that he wasn’t actually a bad guy that I could take my frustrations out on.
He’d done a brave thing by leaving his family behind.
Daegal stepped closer, looking like he was still waiting for me to answer his accusatory questions.
“What’s your problem?” I snarled, stepping equally close to him. “I have done nothing to make you distrust me.”
He scoffed, gold-flecked eyes glowering down at me. “It’s impossible to escape. I know it is. The prison guards don’t make mistakes.” He plucked another stem from a taller plant, inhaling its scent. “Because if they do…” he ran the edge of the plant over my throat.
Goosebumps erupted on the smooth surface of my skin. I stepped away, snatching the plant annoyedly from his hand.
“They kill their own for making a mistake?” I asked in disgust. “How do you know?”
He clicked his tongue in mock disappointment, flicking his head once to send a loose strand of hair away from his eye. “An answer for an answer,” he said, smiling mockingly at me. “Tell me why they let you go.”
“Forget it, then.” I started walking towards the hut, longing for the peace and quiet of my new home.
A huge glowing X appeared on my door. I spun around in irritation, crossing my arms. “Do you mind?” I asked, giving him the same friendly smile he only ever blessed me with.
He stuffed his hands into his pockets, tilting his head slightly as he fixed me with a stare of pure dislike.
“You might be able to convince everybody else of your innocence with those big, emerald eyes of yours,” he said, stepping toward his own home.
“But I’m going to find out all of your secrets, Prudence.
” Fishing a small pipe from his pocket, he leaned against his doorframe.
From his other pocket, he drew a small metal box.
“Though I can’t deny that I’m excited to hear the thrilling story you’ve created to prove your innocence. No doubt it’ll be fascinating.” Cocking an infuriating brow at me, he entered his home and slammed the door, leaving me to sort out the mess of emotions twisting inside of me.
I stormed inside and slammed the door loud enough, hoping I’d disturb him at least a little.
Prue?
My hand found the mark on my arm, heart hammering. I still wasn’t entirely used to the bond. Lili?
I felt my anger melt away at her voice in my head.
What’s going on? Did you find them? Did you find the rebels?
I had avoided contacting them for a few days. The thought of lying to Lili made me feel terrible. But I did want to talk to her.
I have. They’re all very nice. Stay strong, Lili. I’ll come back for you, I promise.
Archie and I are doing everything we can to get there. Her voice echoed in my mind, making my heart leap.
What do you mean? Don’t go anywhere before I get back!
Stop worrying, Prue. I have to go. Love you.
Lili? Lili!
I tried frantically to keep the contact between us, but she was gone.