1
A loud meow stopped me from turning the page.
What in the blazing fires are you reading? Misty demanded.
I closed the anthology and set it beside me on the stone bench. The embossed letters gleamed from the light of the overcast sky: A Sailor’s Seduction: Tales of Romance at Sea .
“What is it?” I said as my cat brushed against my skirts. “Are you cold again?”
Yes. I told you five minutes ago but you were too absorbed in your humiliating romance novel.
Misty shook off the frost on her paws. A few droplets flew onto the lawn, threadbare from the cold. Even the gardeners Father hired couldn’t keep the grass in prime condition during mild Olderean winters.
“Forgive me for entertaining myself,” I said, raising a brow as I scooped her from the ground. “Would you rather us return to our room?”
Not a chance, darling , Misty said drily. She nestled into my arms. Despite her complaints, she was warmer than I was. You forget I can go where I please, unlike you.
“Right.”
I stared blankly at the three-tiered fountain before us. What little water it held had since frosted over and bare patches of dirt replaced the daffodils that used to grow at the marble base. At the perimeter, white heather bushes flourished, obstructing everything within view with snowy blossoms.
This corner of Greenwood Abbey was the only place I frequented during the past six months. Its isolation was part of its charm, though I was beginning to grow sick of it.
“Why not visit the kitchen, then?” I said, scratching Misty underneath her chin and around her ears. “There’s a nice big fireplace and probably a chicken roasting for supper.”
Misty purred as I continued to pet her. I’m warm enough. Besides, there’s wild poultry out here. She eyed the maple tree behind the fountain, green eyes glinting.
“Chickadees are not poultry.”
Could have fooled me, she said.
An angry chirp sounded within the tree. A small round bird fluttered out and landed on the barren branch above, her inky feathers popping out from the dreary surroundings.
Not you again, she said disdainfully.
Misty stilled, flexing her jaw. I held her down lest she got any ideas. “Good evening,” I said to the chickadee.
She gave a chirrup. I wish you would stop bringing that cat here. I plan to live long enough to nest.
“Misty won’t be any trouble. Isn’t that right, Misty?”
My cat made a disgruntled noise. That’s right. No need to weigh me down like a prisoner.
I let her go and resumed petting her in her favorite spots.
The chickadee chirped a laugh. You domestics, she said haughtily. I’m glad I’m not forced to repress my natural instincts.
Misty hissed.
I frowned. “Don’t push your luck,” I said to the bird, “or I might accidentally set her loose.”
I was bluffing, of course. If Misty ate the chickadee I would be down to one companion instead of two. I was nearly done with A Sailor’s Seduction. There was only so much I could fill my day with.
Oh, very well. The chickadee fluttered to a higher branch and rearranged her feathers. Nevertheless, you should come here more often. Those pesky gardeners want to remove my nest.
I raised my brows. “And how does my presence solve anything?”
You scare them away. They treat this place like the plague whenever you’re around. I see them turn and leave all the time.
My cheeks flushed, though not from the cold. After all my time living at Father’s abbey, I had only caught brief glimpses of the gardeners. Certain spots of the garden had seen drastic improvement, but not this corner.
Of course they were avoiding me. Who wouldn’t after hearing the rumors?
Misty pawed my hand. Don’t listen to her. Birds are ridiculously stupid creatures.
Why I never! The chickadee chirruped in indignation and flew back into the maple tree, muttering profanities.
“It’s getting dark.” I set Misty aside and stood, leaving the book. “Let’s go back.”
She twitched her tail and walked the length of the bench, making a point to leave a dirty paw print on the cover of the anthology.
This is because your brother bad-mouthed you all over the abbey, she said.
My mood dampened at the mention of my half-brother, Maddox. I would have to see his sour face again this evening. But even without his bad-mouthing, I was sure nothing would change. I was, after all, Mother’s daughter.
Misty landed noiselessly on a patch of grass. Well. It’s nearing dinner time. Save me a morsel, will you, darling?
I sighed.
Meals were always tense. Tonight would be no different.