Page 39 of Ringmaster (The Kingdom of Shadow & Bone #1)

Mercy

It’s early in the morning. The sun has only just begun to rise, painting the sky full of color.

Azrael will come for me tomorrow, which makes today a day of goodbyes.

I scan my room. It’s been my home, my safe space, my solitude for all my life.

As I look over each wall slowly, I dwell on the memories, good and bad.

When I’ve finished reminiscing, I stretch, climbing slowly from my bed, and begin braiding my hair in a crown.

On my windowsill sits a fresh flower. That’s strange.

I thought I dreamed of Azrael briefly, but I don’t remember the details.

Regardless, I weave the flower into my braid, then dress quickly in the clothes my mother laid out.

She’s waiting for me in the kitchen with her cloak and an oversized, worn sunhat. She hands me a cup of tea and hugs me tightly. “Be quick, my dear sweet girl. I’ve relayed the information to your uncle, and Miriam will be waiting for you at the stands. You’ll only have a short time to slip away.”

“Thank you, Mother.” I whisper, biting back the tears threatening to fall endlessly down my face.

I never imagined goodbye would be so difficult, considering all we have endured, but there’s something undeniably melancholy about the entire ordeal, despite knowing we’re leaving for a better life.

Gulping down the tea, I shove a handful of berries from the garden into my mouth.

They’re sweet and tangy, just enough to get me by until I return.

Once I’ve finished a few handfuls, I put on my shoes, wrap the cloak around my shoulders, and place the hat on my head.

I stand in front of my mother, waiting for her assessment.

“Perfect,” my mother gasps, “No one will ever suspect you’re not me. Hurry now. Say your goodbyes and return with the basket your uncle sends.”

“Yes, Mother.” I hug her tightly, then slip out of the house and down the road.

As I walk, I silently say my goodbyes to the houses and the rest of the town. I think about my garden and the orchard—I will miss them. I wish there was a way to bring them with us, but to move an orchard or a garden is a preposterous idea.

The smell of the salty ocean tickles my nose as I approach the market, ready for what just might prove to be one of the hardest conversations of my entire life.

I take a deep breath, weaving through the maze of vendors and people, and make my way to my uncle’s stands where Miriam’s solemn face greets me.

She waves, beckoning for me to follow her. We slip around the corner into a secluded corner of the market, where we’re all alone. Once she’s sure we are free to speak, Miriam flings her arms around me with a sob.

“Oh, Mercy, I’m going to miss you,” she chokes out.

“Don’t cry, Miriam, or you’ll make me start,” I say, but it’s too late. Tears are already streaming down my face.

“It’s only goodbye for now. Once things calm down with my father, I’m hopeful we can see one another again. I can’t imagine Azrael keeping me from you—not when he’s allowing me to bring my mother along.”

Miriam gasps. “Your mother didn’t mention that she’d be accompanying you.”

I nod, grinning from ear to ear. “I may not have given her—or Azrael—a choice.”

“This will make my father pleased. I’m so glad you’re getting away from him.” Miriam’s eyes dart around. She’s clearly worried someone might overhear us, despite our seclusion.

“Me too. Honestly, things were going too far. I’m thankful to be escaping the arranged marriage he brokered.”

Miriam squeals, “Speaking of marriage, does this mean you and Azrael are a thing now?”

“I’m not sure. I have so much to tell you—“ My voice trails off as thoughts consume me.

“Tell me everything as fast as possible. There’s no time for details, but maybe we can write. I think I’ll need a pen pal.” My face drops.

Why would she need a pen pal?

I take a deep breath, “Ok, but then I need to know why you want a pen pal.”

She smiles, because she clearly knows something I don’t. “Deal.”

“Okay, this is going to get strange. I sold my soul to Azrael in some kind of strange ritualistic deal. He’s more than what he appears to be, but that’s all I can say.

” Miriam’s jaw drops, but she listens silently.

“He promised me the freedom I’ve always wanted, a way to escape the man who isn’t even my father.

When he agreed to allow my mother to come with me, my choice was clear. ”

“Anything else?” Miriam asks.

“I think that’s the shortest version possible. We leave to move into his manor tomorrow.”

We hug again. “I’m happy for you, Mercy, and I hope Azrael will still allow me to be a part of your life, no matter how far away I am.”

There she goes, being cryptic again. “Your turn. Spill. Why would you be far away?”

She beams, swaying back and forth on her feet. “Because Kaelric has finally asked my father for my hand in marriage.”

It’s my turn to be surprised. “Does this mean you’re going with him?”

“Yes. Kaelric will return in a few months, and when he does, we’ll be married. He plans to take me with him to live in a house his father has gifted him. I imagine I’ll be quite lonely all by myself, but maybe by the time he comes home, we will be a family of three.” She’s blushing.

“Oh, Miriam, I’m so incredibly happy for you. Please invite us to the wedding. I wouldn’t miss your special day for anything.”

“I’ll do everything I can to get an invitation to you, even if I have to deliver it myself.”

“Promise,” I whisper.

“Promise,” she replies.

We hold each other like the sisters we’ve grown to be for a few more minutes before we each release our grip.

“I should go. I had to sneak out to be here.” My words are full of emotion.

“I know,” Miriam replies. “We’ve already been gone too long.”

“Tell Tavien goodbye for me,” I start, wiping a tear away, “and thank him for saving me.”

“I will,” Miriam sniffles.

“I love you, Miriam.”

“I love you too, Mercy. Be careful. Stay safe.” Miriam sobs.

With one final hug, she presses the basket into my hands. I turn and walk away without looking back, because if I do, I might not have the strength to leave at all.