Page 35

The sadness dissipated, quickly steaming into hot anger. I took a deep breath, my throat feeling acidic at the sound of his name, the tears quickly clearing from my eyes as I began to see red. “He’s the one behind all of it. He’s the reason I’m here. The fucking Saint of Pain. I’ll tell you, he’s lived up to that title.”

“I think…” Miles started, leaning forward in his chair. “I think he’s the reason I’m here, too.”

I stared at him with confusion, the words hanging heavy in the air between us. My voice went hoarse, croaking out only in a whisper. “What?”

His throat worked beneath the mask. “I think I’m a part of his plan. Well, I think Iwasa part of his plan.”

My head shook in disbelief, my hair falling around my bare shoulders as I sat straighter. “How?”

He took a tentative breath. “I’m still trying to figure that out myself.”

Goosebumps rose across my skin despite the fire that crackled in the hearth. Sparks flew into the chimney, the reflection of the flames dancing in the dull metal of the ram’s face. “Who are you?” I whispered.

Miles sat back, expelling a deep breath as he nodded. He slowly reached for his mask, a fist gripping each metal horn as the gnarled scar beneath his chin peeked out.Holy shit–

The door burst open.

“Oh, goodness!” the woman I recognized as the innkeeper — Helmina — chimed as she closed the door behind her. Miles and I both jumped at the sudden intrusion, my eyes still glued to the mask that had beenso closeto coming off. “Wasn’t expectin’ to see ye awake, yer Majesty.” She lowered herself into a clumsy curtsy.

I cleared my throat, offering her a small smile. “Thank you for dressing my wound.”

“Tis my honor,” she replied, reaching into the pocket of her apron and pulling out another roll of bandages. “Just wanted to check on how ye were healin’. Lieutenant Landgrave here said ye’d heal yourself, but I didn’t know how long it’d take ye.”

I ran my hand over the bandages, the dried blood rough beneath my fingers. I knew that nothing beyond a small red mark remained of the wound that would’ve been fatal to anyone else. “I think I’m okay. Thank you, Miss Helmina.”

She smiled in return. “I’ve washed yer clothes, though I don’t think ye’ll be gettin’ much use out of a shirt wi’ a hole in it.” She gave a hearty chuckle as she looked toward the chair near the fire. “There’s a fresh one there, yer Majesty.”

“Thank you, and I’m sorry about the man downstairs. The one I…killed.”

Her shoulders bounced with the laugh that erupted. “That was Aysik. Ye did us all a favor by riddin’ us of ’im. Nasty bugger.” I fought back a smile, but her easy going nature was most welcome in a time where everything was uncertain. “Please, if I can be of any assistance, don’t be hesitatin’ to ask. Stay as long as ye like, yer Majesty, and ye too, Lieutenant.” She bowed her head, crossing a fist across her chest. “Tis truly an honor, Daughter of Katia.”

As she left, a stiff silence fell over Miles and me once again, but exhaustion was threatening to pull me under.

“Sleep, Petra,” Miles ordered.

“Take the mask off.”

He leaned forward. “Sleep, Petra.”

I rolled my eyes. “Where will you sleep?” I asked lazily, letting my cheek hit the pillow.

He opened his hands, gesturing to the chair he was perched on. “Right here.”

Even though I could control flame and wind, even though I was far more dangerous than the Lieutenant who sat before me, knowing that he was watching over me instilled a sense of peace in me I didn’t know I needed.

“You…”Shit.I wasn’t actually going to say it, was I? “You can join me, if you’d like.”

I fucking said it.

He straightened, clearing his throat. “Oh, it’s… It’s okay. I’ll be okay here.”

Disappointment and relief at his answer were a heady mix in my chest. Mostly relief, I thought. “Okay. Please take the mask off,” I tried one more time, my words slower than I’d anticipated, eyes drooping.

“Maybe tomorrow.” But something in his voice told me that probably wouldn’t happen.

“Then read to me again.”

He crossed an ankle over a knee as he picked up the book. “You better listen. I’ll be quizzing you tomorrow.”