Chapter 4 #2
Bear was that little bit bigger than his friend, but they were fairly matched, and it seemed Bear was waiting for Oxley to make the first move.
The one thing Scarlen noticed during their match was that neither of them threw a punch, and she wordlessly cursed herself for not using her second punch on Kylar.
She’d be ready next time, as she wasn’t about to deal with split lips every week.
Perusing the gymnasium, she could see there wasn’t that much bloodshed, and the matches looked way more controlled than hers, which only infuriated her more, as she wanted to have another chance to show the skills she had been taught.
‘Smithson, get down,’ said Mr Lackly, frowning at the bucket beneath her. ‘I see you’ve had your match. So go wash up.’
She pressed on each tooth as she made her way to the doorway, pleased none were loose, halting as a cheer roared out around Bear’s mat, and she glanced back in time to see him mock a bow at Oxley before catching her staring as he stepped through the crowd.
A pain shot through her cheekbone, causing her to wince as she turned sharply to walk away. It was bad enough her pride was dented, she didn’t need to add embarrassment for getting caught gawping at his solid chest.
Miss Harnish was by the door, her rosy cheeks, nose freckles, and kind green eyes had Scarlen think of home for a moment.
There weren’t many people in the palace allowed to see the princess, but Meltie, her personal maid, was one, and she looked quite similar to Harnish, even had the strawberry-blonde hair, although Meltie would never tie hers into such a tight bun.
Loose locks were the style for Borough South, the reason Scarlen wore a braid whenever her father wasn’t around.
‘Miss, may I see the healer, please?’
Even though Harnish held sympathy, she still shook her head. ‘Afraid not, Smithson. You only have bruising.’
‘My lip feels the size of my face, and I’m not sure I have a cheek anymore.’
‘Oh, it’s not too bad.’ Miss Harnish’s tall frame shadowed Scarlen for a second, her slender fingertips lightly brushing over Scarlen’s painful cheekbone. ‘There, that should help.’
Scarlen had no idea what the guard had done, but her cheek wasn’t hurting anymore.
Miss Harnish blinked innocently as she went back to perusing the gymnasium. ‘Ooh, I wonder what happened to your face, Smithson? I guess some people heal quicker than others.’
And on that note, Scarlen went to clean up, certain she had been told to keep her mouth shut about the unauthorised healing she’d received from a guard.
Maybe everyone knew Harnish had the ability, but just in case, Scarlen would keep quiet, and if anyone happened to ask why her cheek had healed quicker than her lip, she would tell them Kylar punched like a baby.
The thought had her grin, then wince, as her sore lip cracked.
Sticking her tongue on the wound, she went to the shower chamber with some others for a wash at the sinks.
Entering the canteen for lunch was quiet, mostly down to people nursing their injuries, and Scarlen wondered if Miss Harnish had secretly helped anyone else to heal.
‘I’m having soup,’ Dionne said, rubbing her jaw from a smack she had received.
‘Me too.’ Scarlen noticed most were ordering the vegetable broth. One thing could be said for the prison, it had decent food, and always some choices on offer. Perhaps another way to placate inmates for all the shit they were put through.
Sitting down again was pure joy, and supping the soup refilled energy levels, and for the first time since arriving at the prison, Scarlen didn’t feel paranoid someone would attack her, as not many were showing signs of vigour anyway.
She realised she shouldn’t have been so quick to relax as Kylar tripped her over as soon as she stood, her stomach taking the full whack as it met the floor, the broth almost making a hasty return.
‘What’s going on?’ snapped Mr Lackly, marching over.
‘Sorry,’ said Kylar sweetly. ‘I got tangled with Smithson, sir.’
He scowled at Scarlen, creaking to her knees. ‘Get up, Smithson, and remove your bowl from the floor.’
Taking a calming breath, Scarlen reached for her bowl as the guard and Kylar walked away, but there was no sign of her spoon. It couldn’t have gone far when she fell, but the floor was empty.
‘You okay?’ asked Dionne, offering a hand.
Scarlen latched on as she straightened. ‘I can’t find my spoon.’
Dionne glanced over at Kylar grinning with Judd as they departed the canteen. ‘You won’t either. They set you up.’
‘You mean they took my spoon?’
‘It’s one way to get someone into trouble.’
For fuck’s sake! Scarlen slumped her shoulders, knowing more punishment was coming, but what she didn’t see coming was Oxley strolling over to give her his spoon.
‘Saw what they did. Here, take mine. I can handle it.’ His smile was warm and friendly, but why towards her? Because he was Bear’s friend, maybe?
She went to speak, to refuse his offer, but Mr Lackly was back.
‘Torro, why are you on Green side?’
‘I was giving Smithson back her spoon, sir. Saw it fly my way.’
Mr Lackly seemed happy enough with that explanation. ‘Well, you’ve done that. Now get back to your own side or leave for your block.’
‘Yes, sir.’
Scarlen watched Oxley walk away before she stared mutely at her spoon.
‘You’re protected by the Rebels now you’re with Bear,’ said Dionne, urging her to hurry and hand in the spoon so they could leave. ‘And Oxley Torro is nice to everyone, especially fledglings. He really hates bullies.’
Bear was nowhere in sight, and just as Scarlen was leaving the canteen, she heard Miss Goolan order Oxley to the pillory for the rest of the day.
‘I don’t want their help, Dee. I feel terrible.’
Dionne shrugged. ‘Once we start jobs and get money, buy some chocolate from Temple and gift it to Ox. Not in anyone’s debt then, and by all accounts, he loves chocolate.’
Chocolate or not, she wondered what Bear would say about the spoon swap situation, not that he seemed to be talking to her.
He hadn’t spoken to her all week, and it was family time tomorrow.
Would he really expect her to show up? Some part of her wanted to go just to make a stand.
At least she could use Oxley as an excuse.
Something to talk about. Let Bear know that while his guardianship was appreciated, it wasn’t needed, and if he and his Rebel mates could kindly fuck off, that would be great.
She decided she would go to family time, but not swear at him.