Page 23 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)

C Hapter

As Ezra finishes his lesson on all the provinces in Hedera, I glance over at Nadya to see she’s fallen asleep. She’s slouched back in her chair with her arms crossed over her chest, her mouth slightly agape as slow steady breaths flow in and out. I almost feel bad waking her, but the alternative is to leave her alone in the classroom to continue her slumber.

Ezra looks like he’s holding back a laugh as I poke Nadya’s arm.

“Nadya, wake up.”

Her lashes flutter as she blinks, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings. Her gaze darts between me and Ezra before she straightens her posture, her cheeks growing red. “I wasn’t sleeping.”

I can’t help but giggle. “Come on, sleepyhead. Lessons are over for the day.”

“Thank you for your undeterred attention, Lady Nadya.” Ezra smirks as we head for the door.

“My pleasure, Ezra.” She waves as we slip through the door.

Once we’re out of earshot, I hook my arm through hers. “You know, you might be able to stay awake during lessons if you wouldn’t stay out all night.”

“It’s not my fault all these men in Ivystone beg for my company. And a few women.” She waggles her brows. “Besides, even if I were awake for the lesson, I would never be able to remember the names of all those towns and provinces and lords and ladies Ezra was listing.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I mix up the names all the time.”

“Celeste, I need an update. I hope you’re well.”

My uncle’s voice causes me to straighten my posture, but my steps don’t falter as Nadya and I enter the main hall of the castle.

Nadya bristles, and I follow her gaze to see Indira coming in our direction, carrying a basket propped on her hip.

“What’s wrong?” I whisper to Nadya.

But before she can answer, Indira blocks our path.

She gives me a slight curtsey before glaring at Nadya. “Lady Nadya, I don’t mean to overstep my station, but I do have a request.”

Nadya lifts her chin. “What is it?”

“The other maidservants and I have been finding your belongings all over the castle. Now and then, your books, but particularly your… unmentionables. In rooms that do not belong to you.”

Nadya scoffs. “How do you know they’re mine?”

“They’re all a ghastly bright-red color. A lacy design, Messanyan in origin, I believe? After a bit of puzzle-solving by me and the others, the consensus is that they belong to you.”

Nadya bites the inside of her cheek, obviously trying to stop herself from smiling. “I see. And what is your request?”

“It’s becoming a bit embarrassing when the other maidservants keep handing me underwear, guessing they belong to you. It would be a lot less hassle if you could stop littering the castle with your things.”

“Are you implying I’m too generous with my time?”

Indira sets her jaw. “I’m suggesting that you might return to your room with the same amount of clothes you left them in, just to save me time.”

Nadya blinks but otherwise keeps her composure. “I will try to keep that in mind. ”

“Thank you.” Indira curtseys for me once more. “Your Highness.”

As Indira continues on her way, I pull Nadya’s arm, bringing her closer to me. “You might not want to piss off our maidservant. We rely on her for so much.”

“I think she’s simply jealous.”

I nudge her. “You’re incorrigible.”

Nadya and I walk down the dimly lit corridor, our footfalls echoing softly against the polished, stone floor. The faint hum of conversation and the clink of glass draw us toward the lounge. As we enter, the warmth of the fire welcomes us, its flickering light casting dancing shadows on the walls. The room is adorned with plush armchairs, a long couch, and a large, ornate fireplace, its mantel adorned with intricately carved ivy motifs.

In front of the fire, Dante and Torbin sit comfortably, each with a glass of brandy in hand. The amber liquid glows in the firelight, matching the warmth in their brotherly banter. I notice Torbin’s sabre and Dante’s falchion leaning against the hearth. Torbin spots us first, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our charming commander and her loyal shadow,” Torbin calls out, a grin spreading across his face. “Come, join us. We were just discussing our younger years. You don’t mind some feminine company, do you, Dante?”

Dante looks up, his expression shifting from mild annoyance to polite indifference. “If it’s your wish, Brother, who am I to deny you?” He gestures at the empty couch.

I hesitate, feeling Dante’s eyes on me, but Nadya strides forward with a confident smile. I’ve been avoiding Dante since the night at the pub, but I haven’t spent a lot of time with Torbin, so this is the perfect opportunity. “Don’t mind if we do. It’s not every day we catch you two sharing a civilized drink.”

Torbin chuckles, standing to retrieve two glasses from the side table. “I hope you like your drinks as stiff as we do.”

Nadya plops down on the couch and smooths out the skirt of her dress. “The stiffer the better, I always say. ”

I take a seat next to Nadya, who takes the glass Torbin hands her.

Torbin bows slightly as he hands me mine, a twinkling in his eyes as he smiles. “It’s good to see you. I trust your lessons aren’t boring you to death.”

I study him for a moment, making sure to keep the pleasant expression on my face. Even though he claimed that the incident with Lord Alistair was an accident, I refuse to let my guard down. Just in case. “They’re fine. Ez… I mean, Magister Kadmiel is a wise man, and some of the subjects are intriguing.”

“Well, I’m sure you won’t have to continue the lessons for long.” Torbin returns to his armchair with a sigh. “Once we’re married, the rules will change to our favor.”

I’m not exactly sure what he means, but I offer him a nod and a smile.

Nadya casts me a knowing glance. Like me, she is wary of him. She takes a sip of her drink and then leans forward. “So, what grand secrets of the universe were you two unraveling?”

Torbin swirls his brandy thoughtfully. “Oh, just reminiscing about our glorious youth. Like the time Dante here tried to impress a girl by jumping off the stable roof and nearly killed himself.”

Dante shifts in his seat, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “I landed just fine, thank you.”

“Landed in a pile of manure,” Torbin adds, laughing.

Nadya bursts out laughing, and I can’t help but smile. “I would have paid to see that,” she says.

Dante shakes his head, a fond look in his eyes as he gazes at Torbin. “You forget to mention that it was you who dared me to do it in the first place.”

Torbin raises his glass. “But that’s what brothers are for, isn’t it? To challenge each other, to push boundaries.”

“To try to kill each other and clean up the mess afterward,” Dante adds dryly, taking a sip of his brandy.

Nadya places a hand on my arm but regards Torbin. “Have you told Dante about your daring escapades with Celeste? Like the time you thought it would be a grand idea to sneak into the stables at night and take the horses for a midnight ride?”

I can’t help but laugh at the memory, and I relax a bit. “Oh, right. I remember now. You convinced me it was the perfect way to prove our bravery.”

Nadya giggles, looking at Dante. “Celeste was always the more cautious one, but Torbin’s charm never failed to get the better of her.”

Torbin chuckles, taking a sip of his brandy. “It wasn’t a problem getting the horses saddled without waking the stablehands. But once we were out in the fields, we decided—”

I cut in. “ You decided.”

“Yes, of course.” Torbin puts his hand on his chest. “ I decided it would be even more thrilling to jump the stone quarter wall at the edge of the estate.”

Dante, who has been listening intently, raises an eyebrow. “Did you make it?”

“Well,” Torbin says, laughing, “Celeste’s horse did just fine. But mine? Not so much. I ended up tangled in a bush on the other side, while my horse trotted off like nothing happened.”

Nadya giggles. “I remember Celeste telling me about it in the morning. She couldn’t keep a straight face. I thought for sure you two would be found out somehow.”

“I thought so too,” I admit, smiling at Torbin. “But we were never caught.”

Torbin raises his glass in a mock toast. “To our reckless childhood adventures and not getting caught—most of the time.”

Dante joins in the toast, smirking at me. “To not getting caught.”

“What about you, Brother?” Torbin reaches over and playfully slaps him on the shoulder. “What kind of trouble did you get into before you graced me with your presence?”

Dante cuts his gaze toward him, tilting his head slightly. “I’d much rather keep those tales to myself.”

Torbin narrows his eyes, but his smile remains. “No, no, Brother. I know that look. You can’t glamour your way out of this. ”

“Why not?” Dante slowly swirls his drink in the air.

“Because, you can’t just use your magic on people whenever you feel like it. It’s not fair play.”

“Sure, I can. I’m the bastard, remember? That means I can do pretty much whatever I want.”

Torbin’s smile widens. “I think you’re just trying to make me envious.”

“Usually, the situation is reversed.” Dante’s eyes meet mine for the smallest of seconds.

“Ah, the truth comes out.” Torbin chuckles and then takes a quick sip of his drink. “You know what, Dante? I believe this is the longest we’ve ever gone without you insulting me.”

“Well, I hate to disappoint. Let’s give it a minute.”

The drinks flow and the conversation carries on. By the time the candles shrink down to small stubs, my body feels light and my vision sways.

I put my hand on Nadya’s arm. “I hate to break up the fun, but I know my limit. I need to turn in.”

“What? It’s so early.” She holds her glass out for a refill.

“It has been a tedious day. I spent the entirety of it in the council chambers going over treaties, debating trade routes, and finalizing the troop deployments for the northern borders.” Torbin pours a bit more liquid in Nadya’s glass, then turns to me. “I’m ready to turn in as well. But I will escort you to your room first, Celeste.”

“That’s not necessary,” I say.

“Wouldn’t want you stumbling around the castle, getting lost trying to find your way to your room.”

“I’m fine.” I stand, and the room spins.

I don’t even realize I’m teetering until Torbin catches my arm.

“Sure you are.” Torbin chuckles.

“I forgot to mention that Celeste is a lightweight,” Nadya teases.

Torbin retrieves his sabre and sheathes it before he returns to my side. He turns back to his brother and Nadya. “Help yourself to the rest.”

He twirls me toward the door, and I have to steady myself so I don’t trip.

I look over my shoulder. “Good night, Nadya.”

She raises her glass. “Sweet dreams, Celeste.”

For a second, my gaze drifts to Dante, who gives me the slightest of nods before returning his focus to his drink.

And as I turn away from them, a strange feeling washes over me. Like I don’t want to leave them alone together. Like I don’t want anything to transpire between them.

It’s not… jealousy. It can’t be.

No. It must be my protectiveness of Nadya because I don’t trust Dante. I wouldn’t put it past him to use Nadya as a way of hurting me.

But maybe that’s the brandy speaking.

Torbin’s hand on the small of my back travels up and down as we walk. I can’t tell if it’s comforting or bothersome.

When we get to the door of my room, Sir Holden gives me a nod. I wonder how long he’s been standing there, waiting for me to return. His duty is to stand sentry, to guard my room when I’m in it, but this is the latest I’ve come to my room when there wasn’t a ball or a party taking place.

Torbin casts him a weary glance.

“I’m glad we were able to spend some time together,” I say to Torbin, turning to him. “Feels almost like old times.”

“Except this time with brandy.”

“Yes, that does add a new level to it.”

He smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Oh!” I perk up. “I have something for you.”

“For me?”

I glance up at Sir Holden for a second before addressing Torbin. “Wait here.”

The floor feels uneven under my feet as I push open my door. I waver as I make my way to the drawer where I’ve stashed his present. A giddiness comes over me that is part brandy and part excitement about giving Torbin the special gift I picked out for him.

Holding the gloves, my mind flashes back to the day I bought them, and how Dante came to my aid when I was cornered. I didn’t express it at the time, but I realize, in the quiet of my thoughts, that it was a noble gesture. Gestures like that usually speak of unwavering sense of duty and desire to protect someone.

Is that what it was? Did Dante have a desire to protect me?

The room spins, and I realize I got lost in my thoughts. Damned brandy! I hold the gloves to my chest and turn toward the door.

When I return to Torbin, I find him rocking on his heels. I smile to myself, remembering how he’d often do that when we were young. It’s reassuring to know some things haven’t changed. And it eases my mind a bit too. Maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe it was wrong of me to assume he can’t be trusted.

“What’s this?” he asks, reaching for the hunting gloves. He runs his fingers over the fine material.

“I chose them for you.” My chest swells with pride.

The look in his eyes softens. His gaze moves over the gloves like he’s reading a love letter. When he shifts his focus to me, there’s a warmth behind his expression. It’s as if he’s actually seeing me for the first time since I’ve arrived at Ivystone. Really seeing me. As if, up until now, it was all for show, part of the arranged union and the parts we were meant to play. But now, he seems genuinely pleased being bonded to me.

Or maybe I’ve had too much to drink and my mind is playing tricks on me.

“They’re perfect.” He locks his gaze with mine, leaning closer.

I’m tempted to close the distance between our lips, wanting to see if his feel as supple as they look. But Sir Holden shifts slightly in my peripheral, and I stop myself.

Torbin’s smile widens, as if he’s read my mind. “Thank you, Celeste.” Though his eyes drift over my mouth, he leans closer and places a soft kiss upon my cheek. “I hope to see you in your dreams.”

He backs away, still holding my gaze for a moment before turning around and continuing on his way.

I watch him until he turns the corner, biting the inside of my cheek and feeling giddy. It’s not until I turn back toward my door that I remember that Sir Holden has been standing there, witnessing me acting like a fool.

As I accept the blush that covers my face, I give him a nod. “Good night, Sir Holden.”

“Good night, Your Highness.”