Page 16

“ G ood news,” Jesmine sang.

Jarrett had just pulled the razor over my skin—another slit added to the collection. He held the drawing vial near.

Jesmine continued, “Lord Embers has admitted to the error in his ways. Too humble to bring his own servant. And as it turns out, he is busier than expected, making reports for the king. He specifically requested your services today, Nova.” Her lips curled upward, while my stomach sank.

What? Lord Embers’ room was completely organized the day before, he had no need for a servant. Obviously, his suspicions had been raised, or he had a hidden motive to make such a request.

Jesmine continued, “Oh, don’t look so disgruntled.

This is good. You will have another opportunity to complete your task.

” Her eyes bore down on me as Jarrett abandoned my side to take the vial of my blood into the back room.

“I will check in with you tomorrow, as I am sure you will have something to report.” She flicked her hand in my direction.

“Now be off. You have duties to fulfill.”

The chair creaked as I rose.

It was growing increasingly hard not to react to Jesmine’s taunts. As I marched away, I clenched my jaw to keep bitter words from escaping.

I desperately wanted to join Claire. Cleaning was safe.

Instead, I took measured breaths and made my way across the third floor.

Turning left at the bust of a supposedly important man, and straight past the owl tapestry that marked my path, I ultimately arrived in front of the intricately carved door of dancing figures.

This time when I knocked, a voice answered. “Come in.” Lord Embers’ voice boomed from the other side.

I entered to find the Ashlora seated at the quaint table in the middle of his chambers. My eyes caught with his silver gray stare before noticing the feast spread out before him.

“Nova, perfect timing.” He smiled and gestured toward the empty chair on the other side of the table. “Our meal has just been delivered and looks delicious. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I requested a little bit of everything.”

I remained by the door, in shock. “You ordered this food … for me, my lord?” My mouth was dry. This was worse than snooping and cleaning. Lord Embers planned for me to arrive this morning and deliberately had a meal set out. Hard as I searched, I couldn’t produce an excuse to leave.

“Of course,” he replied. “When I invited you yesterday, you voiced concern about your other assignments, so today I have made sharing a meal with me part of your duties.” A wry smile tugged at his lips.

For a moment I was lost studying his grin.

It was a genuine smile, a rare sight for an Ashlora, and I was almost compelled to return the sentiment.

“But Lady Jesmine said you were terribly busy. I don’t want to interrupt.” Jesmine would be furious if I came back empty-handed, and I couldn’t exactly search the room with him here.

“Yes, well, I am busy. And lunch is the thing that I am busy with.” He stood and gestured again to the empty chair.

Still unable to conjure up an excuse, I slowly approached.

Lord Embers waited, observing my every move. My eyes widened at the sight of golden-brown rolls and spiced jellies. I hadn’t seen such delectable food since … well, I couldn’t remember. There were an overwhelming number of choices.

“Please, go ahead. Would you like any tea?” he offered.

“I was sent here to be of service to you. Allow me.” I reached for the steaming pot.

He put a hand out to still me. “Yes, but this is my way of apologizing for my crude behavior in the dungeon. I won’t have you serving me today.” He seized the teapot before I had a chance. Then leaned over and filled my cup to the brim.

I settled, feeling out of place. No one had ever waited on me before and the entire circumstance made me uncomfortable.

After filling his own cup, he waited for me to select something to eat.

All at once the mouth-watering aromas burst forward, awakening my appetite and melting away my reservations. I reached for the biscuits, smothered them in gravy, then added an egg before loading the remaining space with blueberries and apples coated in cinnamon and sugar.

Satisfied with my selection, Lord Embers filled his own dish. “Judging by your plateful, is it safe to assume that I am forgiven?” He smirked.

I nodded and couldn’t help but smile as I savored my first mouthful.

Since arriving at the fortress, I had been constantly hungry, wasting away with the small portions and physical labor required as Jesmine’s servant.

Here was an opportunity to feel satisfied, and I was determined not to waste it.

As un-ladylike as it may have been, I carried on with my feast.

It was the best meal I had had in a long time, a welcomed change to the slop I’d been fed below. I wished Claire could have been there to enjoy it, too.

Glancing up from my food, Lord Embers appeared unbothered to sip his tea and let the sound of clinking silverware fill the room while I unabashedly cleaned my plate.

Yes . My little scare in the dungeon was worth it for this apology feast.

As I washed down the last bite, Lord Embers started, “I’m curious. What did you do before you came here to help restore the ward?” He made it sound like I chose this path.

Does he not know? I guess other Ashlora may not restore wards and have arrangements with humans, so it is possible he’s unaware I came from the lowest rung of society.

“I was a prisoner,” I said with as much dignity as I could gather.

“I was sent here as the Blood Offering.” Maybe it was the food, but my mood shifted, and I didn’t care if he was taken aback.

I continued, “Along with a handful of other women serving long sentences, I took a gamble and entered my name in a drawing. There was much promise for a chance at freedom.” I shrugged as if the next fact bothered me less than was true.

“The others got their wish. Fate was not so kind to me.”

His brow creased. “Hmm, that is unexpected … but with Lady Jesmine’s reputation, I had wondered what your story was.

” He glanced down; a look of distaste crossed his face.

I didn’t think it was intended for me, but it was curious.

His expression cleared. “So you think it is fate that has led you here, not a choice of your own making?”

“Yes.” Of course. A flash of heat washed over me. “Why would I choose to be a prisoner? No human would choose to be trapped in these stone walls surrounded by Ashlora.”

He rolled his lips as if hiding a smile. “Well, I assure you that not all Ashlora are as heartless as you suggest. But I agree, I don’t think a human would choose the fate which you have been dealt.”

Right. “I didn’t choose this. Whether you call it fate or bad luck, that is why I am here.” I tried not to sound cross, since he seemed to be trying to understand.

“So, you believe in fate. But do you think one’s fate can be changed?” he asked.

“Yes ... I hope so.” Otherwise, there would be no sense in planning my escape. Eager to change the conversation away from myself and my imprisonment, I asked, “And yourself? Are you here to test fate? Here to earn the affections of the Keeper?”

A deep chuckle rattled from his chest. “No. Nothing like that. I have been sent here by the Ashlora king to create a report of the work Lady Jesmine is doing. I am a correspondent, that is all.”

“I see.” My full belly had made me too bold. “Sorry, it seemed you two were friendly in the library.”

“With Lady Jesmine, it helps to appease her ego if you want to get any information of value. My purpose here is purely business.”

It must be nice not to be under Jesmine’s command like everyone else.

His gaze, again, fell to my left arm. “You mentioned that you have over two moon cycles left in your service as the Blood Offering.” He nodded to the strip of gauze. “I can’t help but notice the redness creeping from your bandage. May I see the wound?”

I shook my head and tucked my arm to my side. “It’s rather … disgusting.”

“That is my reason for concern. I know she must take the blood daily to fortify the ward. Which means there is an open wound with repeated trauma, a strong case for infection. Does Lady Jesmine give you anything to keep it clean?”

I shook my head again. My arm throbbed as if triggered by the conversation.

He frowned and rose from his chair. “Give me a moment.” He crossed to the back side of the room and disappeared into the bedchamber.

Remembering the underlying purpose of my presence, I scanned around for any journals or notebooks. Everything looked the same as my last visit … except for a scroll at the center of his desk.

I can at least try to get a peek.

The leg of my chair screeched on the floor as I made to rise—too late; Lord Embers re-entered the room and strolled over, stopping by my side.

The smell of wood-smoke and sage surrounded me, making me acutely aware of how close he stood.

He held out a glass jar fitted with a black lid. “For your wound,” he said. I hesitated to reach for it. “Apply a thin layer to the cuts at night. It will help with the healing, as well as the pain.”

I looked into his eyes, noticing tiny specks of the darkest gray. “Thank you,” I said, taking the medicine.

Tension filled the air. A moment passed as we stood in front of one another.

Snapping my eyes away, I tucked the jar into my smock. Heat rose in my chest.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have been suspicious of his kindness.

Other than our first startling encounter in the dungeon, he had only been kind to me.

Looking into his silver eyes, it was tempting to believe I was seeing his true nature—but I was not a fool, and I had no intention of finding out what he was truly after. That would be reckless.

I wiped my palms against my skirt and looked around the room. “Is there anything you would like me to tidy up before I go, Lord Embers?”

“Please, call me Devrix,” he said. “You are leaving already?” Disappointment laced his voice, then he took a step back and shifted his tone. “You’re right. You must have other duties to attend to. No, I won’t be needing anything more today.”

There was still a bounty of food remaining on the table. I couldn’t let it go to waste. “I … I was wondering if—I hope it is not rude of me to ask, but may I take an extra roll or two ... for my friend Claire?”

“Certainly.” A smile lit up his face. And before I could move, he grabbed a tray and started filling it with a scoop of everything.

When there was no room left, he placed a shiny metal cover over the top and handed it to me.

“Thank you for letting me apologize properly.” His eyes sparkled.

“I hope I will see you again soon, Nova.”

Tucking my chin before the flush in my cheeks could betray me, I hurried to the door. How foolish would I be to entertain feelings toward an Ashlora Lord?

It wasn’t until I’d delivered the tray to Claire and finished the first guest chamber that dread sunk in. I had found nothing to report to Jesmine, and she would certainly make me regret it.