Page 8 of Ringmaster (The Kingdom of Shadow & Bone #1)

Mercy

Dewdrops cover the tiny leaves and bright blades of grass as I kneel in the cool garden.

It’s still early in the morning, and the sun is only beginning to warm the ground for the day.

Birds return from early breakfast to feed their newly hatched eggs, chirping away in nearby tree branches, delighting in the frenzy of morning.

I work efficiently, crouching in the damp dirt, pulling weeds from around the root vegetables and harvesting herbs to bring inside.

Some we will eat, and the rest we will dry in order to begin preparations for winter, distant as it may seem.

There’s comfort in the garden's silence. It’s honest—unlike the strange safety I felt in his arms. I place another handful of herbs in my basket, then stand, brushing the loose soil from my clothes.

As I pour water over the small garden, I spot two figures approaching.

Curious, I watch until I can make out their faces.

“Miriam,” I gasp, scurrying to the edge of the yard to intercept her and our youngest cousin, Tavien.

It’s still hard to believe he’s younger than me, now that he towers over us both—more man than boy.

Miriam throws her arms around my neck, embracing me in a warm hug. “Mercy,” she cries. “It’s so good to see you. We brought a few treats, leftovers from the market yesterday.”

I eye the basket Tavien is holding, wary.

My mother will never accept their generosity.

Still, I take it from him, gripping the handle tightly, and peer down at the dried fruits and nuts.

These will be perfect for storing. I decide I’ll put them away while my mother does her sewing and conveniently forget to mention them.

For now, I set the basket on a rock near the back door.

“You didn’t have to come all the way out here, but I’m so happy you did,” I say, a little awkward in my thanks.

“Father gave us the morning off in exchange for bringing it by. Besides, we love coming to town,” Tavien shrugs.

“Come, let’s catch up. Yesterday was busy, and we didn’t have time to talk,” Miriam says, looping her arm through mine and strolling deeper into the garden.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was trying to get out of earshot of her brother.

Tavien, on the other hand, doesn’t seem interested in the two of us or any of the gossiping we might do.

Instead, he leans against the trunk of a tall tree, sliding down to sit on the ground.

He pulls a small knife from his pocket and begins to whittle a branch he found.

“It’s a good thing Tavien came with you. Yesterday on my way home—” I pause. “Promise you won’t tell anyone.”

Miriam nods, wide-eyed. “I promise.”

“I ran into trouble. Thankfully, Azrael showed up, or it could have been worse. It wasn’t even dark yet. But it was terrifying. They must’ve followed me from the market.” A shiver runs up my spine at the memory of that lingering stare I couldn’t place.

Miriam schools her face into an indifferent expression, doing her best to appear as if we’re talking about boring girlish things or the weather. Tavien continues to be oblivious to our hushed whispers—or at least he’s good at pretending—only glancing up every once in a while to check on us.

“Tell me everything,” she exclaims, eyes wide.

“There’s not much to tell,” I reply, deciding to play it down.

“A creepy man in a trench coat was following me. Azrael appeared out of nowhere and told me to run to him. He caught me in his arms, then stalked off to do I don’t know what.

There was an altercation between the two of them, and he walked me home. ”

“It sounds romantic,” Miriam swoons. “He practically saved you.”

She nudges me in the shoulder, and I giggle uncomfortably. “Azrael and I can never be anything more than friends, and I don’t even think he wants that.” My smile fades.

Miriam puts her arm around me and squeezes my shoulders, leaning close to whisper, “We’ve both seen the way he looks at you, Mercy. If he told you that, it’s a lie and you know it. I’m sure he’s just scared.”

I sigh. Lie or not, the sting of rejection still hurts. I change the subject. “Speaking of scared, how are things going with…” I drop my voice even lower. “You know who?”

“Mercy!” Miriam hisses.

I laugh. “Don’t tell me he’s still too afraid to ask your father.”

Miriam rolls her eyes. “He’s terrified.”

I sigh. “You have to convince him. I can’t miss your wedding—not when my father’s already looking for the highest bidder.”

Miriam beams. “I know. I couldn’t possibly get married without you there. You’re like a sister to me, Mercy. Only better. You’re my best friend, and I don’t get to see you nearly enough.”

I squeeze her hand. “I feel the same way too, Miriam. And I know you’re going to be a beautiful bride… as soon as Sylis finds the courage to talk to your dad.”

From against the tree, Tavien whistles, and we both look up. “C’mon, Miriam,” he says, holding up a golden pocket watch. “It’s time to head back so I can be there when the boats arrive.”

She nods, and with a quick wave to Tavien, I turn back. “Thank you for coming. I’ll see you in a few days.”

He smiles. “See you soon, Mercy.”

Miriam and I hug tightly, promising to see each other again soon.

I watch them walk away, shadows stretching long beneath the sun.

My chest tightens with sorrow, longing for connection.

All my life I thought I was alone, but it turns out, I’m not so lonely after all.

I’m lucky to have my cousin, and my mother is lucky to have her brother, quietly keeping watch.

A peace settles over the garden, and I return to my work.