Page 20 of Mistress of Bones

XIV

AZUL

SEVEN YEARS EARLIER

The lad, sixteen years of age, stared down at Azul del Arroyo, herself a mere twelve years old. Azul’s eyes were as round as boiled eggs; her mouth hung ajar at the sight of the boy, at all the finery perched on him, at the sword hanging from his belt, at the smugness on his face.

“I am Sergado de Gracia, and I am your half brother,” he said. “I have come to take you home.”

Azul closed her mouth and glanced around them, seemingly unimpressed by the notion of having a half sibling.

Of course, De Gracia knew about her mother’s occupation and knew this girl had a lot of half siblings.

He knew a lot of things—coaxed out of his father’s study late at night, when curiosity was best satisfied.

That’s where he’d learned about his half sister.

A sister! Left behind when his mother had died, when his father no longer needed another baby to make her happy.

But what about his happiness? Did he not deserve a sister to dote upon, to tease, to keep him company in the dull hours of the day?

The slip of a girl with her too-long breeches and too-long shirt—made so to save on clothes down the road, he assumed with a snicker. Something she wouldn’t need in Almanueva—finally her attention returned to him.

“I can’t go,” she whispered.

“Why?” he asked in surprise. Did the girl not realize who their father was? What position the Marquess de Gracia held, what advantages it would bring her?

Her small face became quite solemn. “I must look out for my sister.”

THE PRESENT

The memories had gone hazy with time, but Azul recognized that boy in the young man sitting in front of her. Less arrogant, more joyful, but with the same determined lift of his chin.

Sergado was doing his own study of her person, the satisfied smile never dropping from his face. As an afterthought, he dipped his head respectfully toward Nereida.

“Forgive me, Sirese De Guzmán, I wasn’t aware you’d be one of my sister’s companions.”

Nereida watched him carefully. “I wish to keep my presence in Cienpé unknown for the time being.”

Sergado showed no surprise at the request, either because it hadn’t been one or because he was used to his guests’ eccentricities. Or, more likely, he simply didn’t care. He sat next to Azul, perching on the edge of the settee.

“If that is your wish, I will keep quiet. But it won’t last long,” he warned. “Servants eventually talk, no matter how well they’re paid. In fact, I received a visit from Sío de Guzmán a few days ago.”

Nereida cocked her head, her expression smooth like silk. “Is that so?”

“Indeed, your brother accompanied the Count de Anví.”

“What a coincidence.”

Sergado smiled slightly. “Isn’t it? Worry not; your name did not come up.” His attention returned, eager and unabashed, to Azul. “And your other companion? I am told he chose to visit the city until supper.”

Azul’s smile twisted into a grimace. Nereida sipped from her glass of juice to hide her reaction.

“Is there something amiss?” Sergado asked with sharp interest. “I assume that he, too, is of some importance. Or is the guard outside the house one of yours?” he asked Nereida.

Nereida put the glass down. “No. As I said, I do not wish to call attention on my person.”

“A feat, I assure you,” De Gracia told her, the words pretty but cold. His voice warmed when he faced Azul again. “Should I do something about it, Sister?”

Azul blinked. Sister . She had always been Azulita, never Sister. She wasn’t sure she wanted the role. Sergado didn’t need her protection, and what did she have to offer as a sister without that? The thought sat like an ill-fitting vest, too tight across her chest.

“It’s not needed, thank you,” she finally said.

Sergado agreed, “Better to see the vermin than hear it scurrying.”

A startled laugh escaped Azul. “Yes, indeed.”

“But if anything changes,” Sergado said, his tone still light, “let me know, and I’ll be glad to deal with it.”

“You are very generous. I must thank you and our father for giving us such a wonderful welcome and allowing us the use of your house.”

Nereida stilled at this. Sergado bit his lower lip.

Azul watched them with suspicion. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, Sister dearest.” Sergado reached to cover her hand with his. “I thought you were aware. You see… our father passed away a few months ago.”

“Oh.” Azul thought this over. It came as a shock, and a slight pang of regret did rise in her.

The man had sired her. Once upon a time, he had agreed to raise her if her mother didn’t want to be responsible for her.

Once upon a time, the opportunity had appeared for her to meet him.

But it hadn’t come to pass. If it had, maybe she’d feel more than a fleeting sting of pity.

“I am sorry to hear,” Azul said truthfully, and grabbed another small cake. The action seemed to relax her brother, who drew back his hand.

“One day I will tell you about him,” he told her, allowing the words to trail into silence.

Azul smiled. “But not today.”

“But not today.”