Page 24

T o my displeasure, Jesmine appeared in the lab just as I lowered into the wooden chair.

“Nova!” she sang, her steps springy. Taking an elixir from one shelf, she danced across the room to gather another, then continued, “You were quite the talk among the lords last night. What a surprise! You are not only a favorite of my human, but intriguing enough to turn Ashlora heads.” Her human?

Jesmine continued as I analyzed her words, “This bodes well for my plans.” She winked.

“I’ll be sure to share the details with you later, but for now, I must get back to my guests.

” She vanished out the door without further explanation.

Between the open remark Jesmine planted and the upcoming evening with Lord Embers, for the entire day, I could barely concentrate on the simple task of cleaning. To my dismay, the day flew by, bringing me before Lord Embers’ chambers.

I took a deep breath and rattled my knuckles against the solid carved wood, announcing my arrival.

The door opened to reveal a smiling Lord Embers. “Come in,” he said, stepping aside to invite me forward. I stood at the threshold, my muscles coiled so tight that my movements felt rigid when I finally entered the space.

Lord Embers gestured for me to take the cushioned burgundy seat I had occupied the previous night. He offered me a drink, which I declined knowing that any bit of alcohol would not sit well on an empty stomach. After fixing himself a pour of amber liquid, he took the chair across from me.

“I debated whether it was right to collect my winnings this evening, especially after seeing your fondness for the butter knife,” he said. “So, let me ease your worry, and reiterate, I am only seeking a bit of conversation. You can leave whenever you wish.”

He sounded earnest, and it was tempting to believe him, but I wasn’t about to let my guard down. “And what is it you wish to talk about?” I asked.

He crossed one leg over the other and sat back.

“I advised you not to be so quick to judge, and I feel I owe you the same. Please tell me, what have I done to earn your disfavor? I thought you’d accepted my apology for my behavior in the dungeon.

And before you say it again, I know it was more than just a bad day. ”

I couldn’t tell him I knew about his experiments with Slips and different methods of torture, couldn’t tell him I’d been spying. There was a long silence as I reached for a plausible excuse.

“Perhaps I can guess.” He smiled. I tilted my head in doubt. “You don’t like the books I read … or, to be more specific, the notes within them.” The corners of his mouth hitched up ever so slightly.

He knows I have been spying . Tension snapped between my shoulders, and spit clogged my throat.

“Don’t panic,” he said in a smooth tone. “I’m not angry.”

Despite his assurance, anxiety stirred. I worked to keep my expression blank.

“Nova, have you interacted with any Ashlora outside of Jesmine’s fortress?”

I shook my head, still not ready to form words.

“That’s what I thought. I want you to know, Lady Jesmine and much of the company she keeps, Lord Turner, for example, are less than representative of the way many Ashlora treat humans.”

That may have been what he wanted me to believe, but his notes proved different. And I thought of all the children’s songs that confirmed my disbelief in what he said.

“I am not like the Keeper,” he said after I denied him a response.

“I do not enjoy the torment of others, or think every other race should be hunted like animals. Jesmine’s past has made her an extreme case of prejudice, which, unfortunately, I can only assume you are a victim of.

” He let out a sigh. “I know you saw my notes. It’s the only thing that explains your shift in behavior toward me. Please, tell me if I’m mistaken.”

Still not sure if it was safe to admit that he guessed the truth, I remained quiet.

He studied me, patiently waiting for a response that didn’t come.

His voice softened. “I’m taking a chance by telling you this, but those notes do not represent my true character.

While I’m here, I need Jesmine to see me in a certain way …

to think I am making a good report of her, so I planted the notes, knowing she had sent you looking for them. ”

“You knew?” Can that really be true? … I want to believe him. Before finding the notes, he had been one good thing in a fortress of many sorrows. “But why would you tell me this?”

“I …” He gathered his thoughts, then continued, “I saw the fear in your eyes when we crossed paths in the hall, and I see it now when I move my hands too suddenly. Something happened. I think it’s more than just finding my notes.

And maybe you don’t want to tell me, but I don’t want you to fear me.

In fact, I’d like us to be friends, equals.

Which is why I hated pulling rank to get you here tonight.

I only wish to clarify my motives, even if that is all this is—an attempt to settle your fears.

” He let out a long breath and swiped a hand over his face.

“Yes, it’s a risk. And I hope you won’t tell Jesmine about the false notes, but if you do, I will deal with the consequences.

The last thing I want is to put you in a difficult situation. ”

I relaxed some, wanting to believe him, praying I wasn’t being na?ve. “I won’t tell Jesmine. Why would I? She is just as likely to find a reason to punish me for it.”

His eyes darkened. “Is that what happened? The other day when I saw you in the hall, you looked ... distressed.”

I nodded. “I got lost in the hallway, on the third floor, and made a poor choice. Set off some sort of ward and it literally dumped me in the dungeon.” While I told myself to remain guarded, it felt nice to talk to him.

“So, not a lover’s quarrel?” He smirked.

My brow pinched at the unexpected question. It was the second time he had mentioned a lover. “No,” I answered. Is he referring to the situation with Arden? “Where did you hear I had a lover?”

He shrugged. “Jesmine mentioned something about a favored guard and you in a supply closet … or, it seemed that was what she was hinting at.”

Arden said he had tried to explain, but what exactly did he tell her?

“There was a moment of conflicting emotions,” I said. “But Arden and I are not lovers.”

Lord Embers raised his hands. “I am not trying to pry. I was just concerned that you were hurt.”

“I am fine now, thank you.”

“Good.” His shoulders relaxed a bit. “And have your fears of my character been resolved? … At least enough that you won’t scurry to the furthest side of the room at the sight of me?” That lopsided smirk appeared again.

Maybe I was a fool, but I nodded and agreed.

Thankfully, Lord Embers must have sensed I didn’t want to discuss the incident further. “How about we end the evening with a friendly game of cards?”

“I’m not much of a card player,” I lied.

I’d always watched my dad play with his work pals and memorized the rules, hoping that one day he would ask me.

And on the rare opportunities that arose, I excelled.

But playing cards with Lord Embers would make the situation seem nice.

And I wasn’t ready to let things between us progress to nice.

I was still questioning whether to trust my instincts and believe the secret he revealed.

“Well then, I guess there is nothing left to do but bring out my final peace offering.” He rose from his chair and walked over to the desk at the far side of the room.

A covered silver tray sat in the middle.

He retrieved it, bringing it to the small table at the center of the room.

Lifting the domed top, he revealed the most decadent chocolate and berry tart I’d ever seen.

He smiled at my wide-eyed expression. “I had it made for us to share. I hope you won’t make me eat it alone.”

“Why?” I asked, rising to my feet. The tart looked delicious and I would have happily eaten it all, but I couldn’t understand. What is he after?

“Well, half of the pleasure in life is to share your joy with others. I couldn’t think of anyone else in this fortress that I would rather share it with.”

“No. I mean, why are you being so nice to me? I am a servant, a servant that you have won an evening of services with. And on top of that, I am a human—all the other Ashlora treat us like dirt … but not you. Why?”

“I’m sorry that has been your experience.

I was regretful for startling you in the dungeon, and initially intended to apologize and leave it at that.

But then I saw you in the library, and later found you snooping in my chambers.

My intention with the apology meal, and the walk in the courtyard, was to learn more of the mysterious woman who acted scared, yet showed defiance—and even last night was ready to attack with a butter knife.

” An amused smile curved his lips. “The truth is, I want to know you more.” He briefly paused, then added, “Also, I hate seeing Jesmine manipulate people to do her bidding, and I sensed it with you, that Jesmine was using you to work her schemes.”

“So, are you trying to work your schemes on me instead?”

“No.” He took a moment to think on his next remark. “I won’t say that I don’t have my own schemes … but I would never put you in danger to see them fulfilled.”

A period of silence passed between us while I considered his words.

“Are you satisfied with my answer … maybe enough to consider sharing this dessert with me?” There was a sparkle in his eye I wished I wouldn’t have noticed, because it affected me in a way I was trying to ignore.