‘Because you’re biting that lip of yours.’
I was glad it was too dark for him to see my burning cheeks.‘Do you remember me?’I whispered.‘Do you know who I’m looking for?’
‘Yes.’Torgrin’s eyes seemed to reflect the light of the moon.
‘I met the soldier who removed the sword from my mother’s body.’
‘Webber,’ said Torgrin, taking a step closer.
‘Webber wouldn’t be here ifhewas here, would he?So … where is he?’My voice trembled.‘He needs to pay for what he did.My mother was kind and gentle, and she was all I had left.’
We stood there, locked in a stare, and I felt the heat radiating off him, steady and unnerving.My mouth was dry, but I couldn’t look away.He was so close, close enough that I thought maybe – just maybe – he might finally say something.Anything.
‘Please?’I begged him.‘He was your captain.You must know something.’
Light shimmered in his black irises.The silence between us stretched out, thick and heavy, and I fought the urge to break it and ask again.I stilled, waiting for his answer.
‘Atlas and I left the night I pushed you into the river.I don’t know what happened to him or where he is now.’
That was not what I wanted to hear.
‘You’re lying.’Warm tears trickled down my cheeks.
‘I would never lie to you, Caris.’Torgrin lifted a hand to brush away my tears, but I turned and fled before he could.
I was back at the campsite, surrounded by shadows and blood.I heard my mother calling my name.The sound of her voice led me away from the man with fragmented blue eyes.
Deep in the woods, I followed her calls for help, until I found a black-feathered owl screeching my name with my mother’s voice.I ran from it in terror, halting when I reached the river.
There, they waited.Floating on the surface – looking up at the night sky with empty eyes – were all the people I have ever loved.
I woke with a start and the strong sense I was being watched.
Someone was here.
I peered around the dark room to find it quiet and empty.I rose from the bed and pulled the large iron latch across to lock the door.Feeling more at ease, I stripped off my clothes and returned to sleep.
It was morning, and there was a knock at the door.I grumbled as I got up to open it, but I paused when I saw that the book of fables I had dropped on the floor yesterday was now closed and sitting on the table next to the chair.I hadn’t imagined it; someonehadbeen in my room while I was asleep.
A servant was waiting with a jug of water when I unlocked and opened the door.
‘I have fresh water for you and some things you might like.’
‘Did you or any other servant enter my room while I slept last night?’I let her in, my mind still on the book.
‘No, ma’am,’ she said with wide eyes.‘I swear none of us girls would disturb you during the night.’
She left the jug along with some items to clean my teeth and tie my hair.She also left a small mirror leaning against some books stacked on the writing desk.I dressed in another pair of breeches from the chest and found a black shirt, much like yesterday’s.I brushed my hair out and braided the sides using the mirror to check it was tidy.The graze on my cheek was gone, the skin smooth and unmarked.My colour was decent, with a little flush to my cheeks.I just hoped I was respectable enough for today’s meeting with Lord Warwick.
I fastened my sword around my hips and headed to the barracks for breakfast.This time, the soldiers dining took little notice of me as I headed to where Torgrin and Atlas sat.There was already a chair and plate waiting for me.
‘Good day,’ I said as I sat down.Both men were looking at me strangely.‘What?’I asked, confused.
‘Are you all right?’Atlas asked, his hazel eyes searching my face.
‘Yes.Why?’
I looked at Torgrin, who was also watching me closely.‘I followed you to check that you were okay.’
