Page 85 of A Cursed Son

I take the cup he gives me and drink it.

He blinks slowly. “You’re quiet.”

“Better than saying nonsense.”

He’s staring at me, thinking, observing. “Are you feeling well? Recovered?”

“I think so.”

“You’re coming with me.” He says it fast, as if it was a decision he’s just made. “I mean, there’s no hurry. Eat, change, and bathe if you want, and then we’ll leave.”

Has a week gone by already? “For the wedding?”

“Later, yes. Now…” He stares at the edge of the table. “I’m heading north again.” He looks at me. “And bringing you with me.”

I almost choke on the milk. Really? He’s going on his super secret mission and taking me?

Well, this is fantastic.

I want to ask why he changed his mind, if he’s not afraid that I’ll find out all his secrets, but I have the presence of mind to keep quiet. After all, I don’t want to give him any reason to reconsider his odd decision.

“I’ll get ready.” I set my cup on the table and get up.

Oh, I so want this!

This is my chance to figure out what he’s looking for, to unveil his secrets, to peer into his heart.

My chance to find out who he is—and then use all of that to betray him.

My heart stops beating for a second.

Well, it will depend on what I find out.

I’m still in disbelief that Marlak wants me to travel with him, still waiting to hear he changed his mind, that he decided to take me to a dungeon. Well, he never said where he would take me or what he’s going to do to me. And yet I have that odd certainty that he’ll never hurt me. Not physically, at least. And sharp words cause nothing but scratches.

After a cold meal and a chilly bath, I put on leather leggings and a linen tunic, and go to my room, where Ferer is waiting for me. I’m so glad to see him! Weird that I’m starting to find my situation here normal and bond with my jailors.

He’s sitting on a chair by my bed and smiles when he sees me, but there’s something about the tightness of his jaw or perhaps his posture.

“Are you all right?” I ask.

He forces a bigger smile. “I am. How are you?” His voice is tight, though, and there’s a strange coldness in his eyes.

“Perfect. Are you…” I’m having trouble figuring out what’s wrong with him, when it hits me. “Did something happen to Nelsin?”

He huffs. “Something. He lost his honor, that’s all.” He clenches his fists and looks down.

I can only assume that they’re no longer together, and can’t imagine what it must be like to break up with someone you love. “Everyone makes mistakes.”

Ferer huffs again. “Most people don’t survive such egregious mistakes.”

I approach him and touch his shoulder. “But we did. We’re here. And you’re glad Nelsin survived, aren’t you?”

He clicks his tongue and points to an extravagant suitcase on my bed. “I’m here to help you pack. Put everything you’ll need there, enough for four days.”

The suitcase is an ostentatious enormity, in old, hardened brown leather with golden details and encrusted clear stones. They don’t look like opus or beacon stones to me, but I could be mistaken. I think they’re some kind of crystal. What’s odd about it is its size.

“It’s heavy and cumbersome,” I say. “Who’s going to carry it?”