2. Luna
CHAPTER TWO
LUNA
Answering myself was easy. I should get my sister and Sofia, before anyone could change their minds. Once they were here, I was sure Lady Vala wouldn’t send them away, especially since she’d said I could invite them.
A few steps took me through the passage to my chamber. I opened the wooden chest, and pulled out the dress I’d arrived in.
At least I didn’t need help putting it on!
A few moments later I found a pair of low boots that fit better than the ones father had given me.
From my walks with Sofia and Rose I knew enough of how Lenali was laid out to find my way home, though it would be a long walk. Even the unfavored daughter of my house would not be permitted to walk alone in the city, but I hoped we would all be forgiven once I was back at the d’Alvarez house.
I flitted quietly down the stairs and into the yard, then out the gate when the guard took a privy break. The cool wind made me shiver, but excitement warmed me. We’d all be together again soon, and in a better home with enough food.
I did need to be careful Father didn’t see me, though.
The unlighted streets frightened me. The darkness pressed down, though the slim moon provided a little light when it rose. The noises of steps reminded me of the stories about ghouls who crept out at night and devoured those foolish enough to walk on the streets. Especially children, because they were tender.
I asked Sofia about it, and she’d answered ghouls couldn't easily live in Legnali because it flooded too much and so most people were given to the pyre, so there wasn't much for them to eat. Oddly, that didn’t reassure me or Rose much.
The moon was well up by the time I crept up the cracked marble steps. I hoped Father was out drinking, or with one of his mistresses.
The absent gods didn’t intervene for good or ill, according to the priests. If that were true, then chance hated me rather than the gods, for Father stood near the entry hall, staring at me.
Fear rolled over me, drying my mouth and I bent almost double as I bolted up the stairs, hoping he wouldn’t be able to catch me on the risers. But his legs were longer than mine and he caught up with me on the landing. His hand twisted in my hair, yanking me back from the first step of the second flight.
"What did you do so wrong that your husband refused to take you?" he roared, his lean face flushed crimson with rage.
Before I could reply, he slapped my face open handed. My lip caught on my teeth, and I tasted blood. I screamed and threw my hands up to shield myself, and he shook me like a dog with a rabbit.
Staggering, I tried to grab the hand holding my hair and he punched me in the stomach. I wheezed, then the remains of that wonderful supper heaved up, on him and me. He stared down at his stained clothing, the red flush shading to purple.
Absent gods. He would kill me now, rather than just beat me.
Rose screamed and ran down the stairs, grabbing at his tunic. "Stop, please leave her alone."
In a flash, he backhanded Rose, sending her reeling. It was the first time he had ever struck her. Her mother Canta rushed down the stairs and grabbed Father's free arm, attempting to restrain him.
"Emilio, stop this madness," Canta said. Her thin voice was almost drowned out in Rose’s sobs. Slender as a reed, she was no match for his strength, but her grip dimpled the cloth of his velvet sleeve.
Father threw me toward the wall, whirled around and shoved Canta backwards with all his might. I’d caught myself before I hit the wall, so Canta was fully in my view as she tumbled down the stairs. A dull crack rang through the room as she came to the bottom, and she lay very still, her gown hiked up almost to her thighs by the fall. I wanted to straighten them, I knew that she’d hate people seeing her like that.
Her head lay at a bad angle. Father raced down the stairs to her still form.
How would he find another wife after killing his first two? And what a foolish thought to have right now.
This was our chance. I grabbed Rose’s hand, hauling her up from cowering on the floor, and ran upstairs. Sofia's bedroom door flung open as we reached it. Sofia stood there with a frustrated expression.
Her eyes rested on Rose’s cheek, already swelling and red and purple. “This is harm to my ward. This breach of contract I can work with,” she murmured.
"We have to go, now." I winced as I breathed. My ribs stabbed me with pain now that I’d stopped for a moment.
Sofia scooped up a small bundle wrapped in a shawl sitting on her trunk, took Rose’s hand, and strode for the servant’s stairs. The steps were narrow and steep, but this passage was unlikely to be blocked by father or anyone he might send for to tend my stepmother.
By the time we reached the servant's entrance on the main floor the stabbing pain in my ribs made breathing hard.
“Where did he take you?” Sofia asked.
“d'Alvarez. Benedetto is my husband,” I gasped.
Rose put a gentle hand on my side and frowned. “I can try to heal you, Sofia taught me the spell.”
“No, my magic will just eat it. I’m fine, and we need to get far away from here.” I stared at Sofia, the adult.
She nodded in agreement. Then she pressed her fingertips on Rose’s eyelids, and I saw a dim glow linger when she withdrew them.
“Rose and I will lead, since we can see clearly. And we won’t run; that will both hurt you and attract even more attention. Link arms with your sister, Luna, and I’ll walk a step behind carrying this. Your mother’s wedding veil is in here, as well as your other belongings.”
Tears pickled under my eyelids. My mother's red veil was the only piece of her I had left. Sofia and Rose helped as much as they could and saving that was so precious to me.
I murmured “Thank you.”
Arms around linked, Rose and I turned onto the street, still walking quickly.
Tears streaked Rose's face, but she walked steadily. I had no comfort to give; Canta was dead and getting us all safe had to be the priority.
The uneven cobbled streets were nearly deserted as we walked the road, following Sofia's quietly spoken directions. My side ached with each stride, the reminder of Father's blows keeping me moving.
Rose trembled beside me, her face etched with fear and exhaustion. Sofia joined us, supporting both of us with her sturdy strength down that long walk.
By the end of it, I was staggering, and Rose could barely drag one foot in front of the other. The climb up Noble’s Hill felt endless.
In the light of false dawn the imposing shape of the walled d'Alvarez mansion finally loomed before us. I spotted a familiar face guarding the gate, the same guard who’d been at this post when Father brought me here.
His expression remained professionally neutral as we approached. “My lady. You’ve been missed. Are these guests?”
Absent gods be thanked, he’d offered me a way to get them in.
“Yes! This is my sister and her tutor. Open the gate.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Once we were safely within the gate, we collapsed against the wall, gulping in air.
“Would my lady like the house to be informed of her arrival?” asked the other guard.
“Yes, I would.” I straightened, pressing an arm against my aching ribs.
He nodded to the other guard and strode toward the house. After a few more breaths, Rose and I gathered our strength and faced the house. The walk to the door was as long as I remembered.
By the time we got there, the door was open, and a servant greeted us, his features laced with confusion and concern.
"My ladies. Rest here," he said, ushering us to a low couch in the antechamber.
Sitting, the exhaustion and fear overcame Rose and she leaned against me and was asleep in moments.
The servant hurried off up the marble stairs.
Vala glided down the stairs a moment later, clad in a flowing robe, her hair long dark hanging loose down her back. "Luna, what happened? Where did you go? And why have you returned in the middle of the night with your sister and governess?"
"Lady Vala, our father... he was angry.” I kept my voice low, glancing down at Rose’s sleeping form. “He killed Canta, Rose’s mother. We had to leave; I didn’t know who he’d beat next. Please, we need your help. If we can't find someone to protect Rose from him, I'll have no choice but to disappear with her and Sofia. I know you’ve been kind, but my duty to her is as great as my duty to the clan d’Alvarez, even if I’m married in."
Lady Vala held up a hand, her expression direct. "Say no more, Luna. Of course you can stay, and clan d’Alvarez will protect your sister from harm. I'll speak with the seneschal and tell him to see that you're properly settled while I make the arrangements. However, I wish to point out that had you planned this and consulted me, it might have been a less perilous adventure for all concerned."
Relief washed over me, tempered by the rebuke. "Thank you, Lady Vala. I’ll do all I can to repay your favor."
Lady Vala smiled, but I couldn't quite decipher her expression. It seemed kind, but there was a gleam of something in it that made the hairs on the back of my neck stir.
"Nonsense, Luna. You're family now, my daughter by marriage. You'll learn all that’s needed for your position while you're here. And once we locate my son, you can attend to the important matters."
I was grateful for the lifeline she had thrown us, whatever other strings it might hold. The d’Alvarez family was powerful enough to protect us even if Father went to the courts to try to get Rose back. “Lady Vala. I'll do whatever it takes."
Lady Vala nodded graciously, then walked back upstairs. As if by magic, maids appeared to help Rose and Sofia and me up the stairs and into a room where a steaming bath stood ready.
Sofa and I stripped Rose out of her soiled garments and helped her into the steaming bath. Her small frame shivered as the warm water washed away the grime of the night, if not the fear.
Once Rose was clean and dressed in a soft nightgown we helped her into bed and she fell asleep again, looking like an exhausted kitten on the huge bed.
The tub was drained, I slumped onto a stool. The tub could be refilled at the pull of a chain, but my ribs hurt so much, and I was so tired.
Sofia hovered nearby, lifting my chin with a gentle touch. “I think I could use magic to clean you and it would work.”
I smiled at her wearily. “If you can, please do.”
She wiped her hand along the damp interior of the tub, water glistening on her fingers before she blew on it, murmuring a phrase in a soft voice. A warm mist surrounded my body and my magic licked at it, but the water didn’t quite touch me. I held my power in as hard as I could.
The dirt and blood floated off me into the water and I sighed in relief. Sofia flicked her fingers toward the tub and the dirty water splashed in it.
"Are you going to be alright?" Sofia asked.
I looked up, meeting Sofia's gaze. "Maybe. I hope so. I have to be, for her."
Moving to the side of the bed, I smoothed Rose’s golden hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, so innocent. I wished I could shield her from the cruelties of the world forever.
Lady Vala cleared her throat from the door, making me jump. "Sofia, may I have a word with you?"
Sofia bowed her head then followed Lady Vala out of the room. I lingered by Rose's bedside, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, until curiosity got the better of me. Creeping to the doorway, I strained to hear the conversation.
"...impressive credentials," Lady Vala was saying. "I do find it odd a sorcerer’s apprentice is tutoring Rose."
"I don’t presume to question Soulrider’s decision," Sofia said. "Rose is a talented child."
"Of course," Lady Vala said. "I'm offering you a position as governess to both Luna and Rose, in addition to the task your master has given you. You will oversee their lessons and ensure their further upbringing is appropriate to their class."
Sofia sucked in a sharp intake of breath. "I am honored by your confidence, my lady. I accept."
Retreating to the bed, I sat down heavily, my mind reeling. Sofia had a strange tone in her voice, one I’d never heard before. But I was so tired.
It seemed Lady Vala's generosity knew no bounds. But I couldn't shake the nagging worry that her kindness would come with a price. My father’s house taught me that. Canta had been kind, and death repaid her for that.
I’d be strong for Rose. I’d repay what needed to be repaid.
A rustle of skirts indicated Sofia’s return. “Sleep, Luna, I’ll watch and make sure both of you are safe.”
Sleep tumbled over me. When I woke, sunlight filled the room like a golden river, and I was long. A note lay on the covers next to me.
Luna—getting clothing for Rose. Lady Vala requests you dress in the clothing provided and attend her downstairs when you wake. —Sofia
The clothing consisted of a knee length sleeveless tunic and bands to bind the breasts. Sofia had described them as something that women athletes and entertainers wore, and though I’d never seen them before, they were simple to put on.
I did wonder why I needed to wear them and felt strange with so much of my body uncovered. I opened the door, and a maid lingering in the hall bowed to me.
“Please follow,” she said.
She led me downstairs to a long room with mirrors lining the walls and a polished wooden floor. My ribs ached as I moved and my left arm was shadowed with purple and black bruises, but I’d felt worse after a beating.
Lady Vala was waiting, dressed in divided skirts and a tunic with fitted sleeves that allowed for ease of movement. She stood by an upright tube secured to the ceiling and floor that looked like it was made of stuffed leather.
After the maid left, Lady Vala picked up a pair of fans from a small side table and held them out to me. Their weight surprised me as I took them in my hands. They looked delicate, like fantasies of ebony sticks and gold-touched white lace.
"Women may not wear swords," Lady Vala said, "but other weapons are not forbidden. These fans have been magically treated, to make them sturdy. The sticks and guards will not break, and the leaf has a razor's edge."
I ran my finger along the cool metal of the fan. "Can I truly defend myself with these?"
Lady Vala smiled, the predatory curl of her lips almost making me take a step back. "Absolutely. Today, you begin your first lesson. But with a normal fan, not these. Not yet."
I squared my shoulders, meeting Lady Vala's gaze head-on. “Why, my lady?”
She met my gaze. “You will someday bear my grandchild. And I’m going to see to it that you can protect him. Or her. I come from the Imperial bloodline, and many women and children have died when they depended only on loyalty and guards to protect them. So my mother taught me and now I teach you.”
Her words made sense. The world had tried to break me, and until now I'd had no real way to fight back. Now I could learn to fight, to protect myself and those I loved. And Heaven help anyone who stood in my way.
Lady Vala circled me, assessing my stance as I held the fans before she passed me another set, just as heavy but without an edge I could see.
“Please, call me Domina, there’s no reason to be formal.” Domina was the term for the lady of the house, used by family and servants. I wasn’t sure which category she was putting me into.
“Of course, Domina.” If it kept Rose safe, I’d call her anything she wanted me to.
Her arms were bare, and I could see they rippled with muscle.
“First, practice hitting this.” She indicated the stuffed tube. “Like this.”
I watched her as she struck fast and hard. "Will you teach me how to use other weapons?"
Lady Vala's expression hardened, a flicker of something dark. "Of course. Someday, you’ll see your father again."
The words hit me like a physical blow, and my breath caught in my throat.
"The news today," Lady Vala said, "is that there was a terrible accident. Canta fell."
Rage surged through me. Of course. An accident. That's what they were calling it. As if my father's hands weren't stained with blood. Since Canta wasn’t a citizen of Dimare, her death was nothing more than a tragic mishap.
I planted my feet firmly on the polished wood floor. The anger thrummed in my veins, a wild and reckless energy seeking release. "So I strike this as you did?"
A glimmer of approval shone in Lady Vala's expression. "Yes. As you hit, focus on your balance, your center of gravity. Imagine yourself as a tree, rooted deep and unshakable."
I followed her instructions. It was harder than it looked. Lady Vala guided me through the movements, her voice a steady anchor as I lost myself in the exertion.
An endless time later, my muscles burned with exertion, and bruises shrieked in protest. But beneath the exhaustion, a harsh determination had taken root.
With a certainty that echoed deep in my soul, I promised myself I would never be helpless again.