‘I believe their prejudices will work to our advantage,’ he said.‘You can present yourself as Bethel’s lady-in-waiting, which wouldexplain your presence until the wedding.They will never expect that you are as deadly as you are,’ he added with his brows raised.
I laughed a little.‘Yes, being underestimated has its advantages, I’ve discovered.’
It was decided that until the king summoned Bethel, I would spend time with Lord Warwick’s children in Murus, to build trust – though it was unclear whether I was earning his children’s trust or his.
The irony of my situation had not escaped me.I agreed to travel to a city where Cursed women are hunted and persecuted.I would need to hide more than just my skills with a sword.Not that this would stop me from going – I wasn’t afraid of any man, even a king and his fanatics.I’d ensure Lord Warwick’s daughter would stay safe for as long as she was in my care, and perhaps my mother’s killer had made his way to Capita.
Atlas was waiting for me outside the council rooms once I was dismissed.‘I can take you to meet Lord Warwick’s daughters and son.’
I nodded, and we proceeded up another stone staircase to the family’s private rooms.
‘Don’t be mad at Tor,’ Atlas said as we walked.‘Or me.’He smiled softly.‘We were worried about you, that’s all.’
He was referring to this morning at breakfast.‘It doesn’t make it okay for him to invade my privacy like he did.’
‘Tor knows that, and he’s sorry.’
‘Shouldn’t he be the one apologising?’I asked, annoyed.
‘Yes, but I’m the charming one and he’s the overprotective one.We thought you would be less likely to put a sword through me.’
I laughed.He really was too charming for his own good.
His eyes sparkled, watching me.‘So, does this mean we are forgiven?’
‘You are.If Torgrin wants my forgiveness, then he will need to apologise.’I could sense Atlas’s eyes on me as we turned down a wide corridor with many doors.
‘How was your meeting with Lord Warwick?’he asked.
‘I assume you knew of his plans for me, and why?’
‘Yes.’Two lines appeared between his brows.
‘Then you can probably understand why I’m feeling overwhelmed and underprepared for what he needs from me,’ I said, then sighed.
‘Whatever you need to make this easier, you just have to ask.’He stopped me with a brief touch on my arm.His words and touch triggered a memory I couldn’t quite place.
‘I’m happy you are here,’ I admitted to him.
‘Then here I’ll be.’He smiled, and I couldn’t help but smile back.
‘Thank you.’Studying Atlas’s earnest face, I somehow felt like I had known him my entire life.
Guards were stationed outside the Warwick family’s private chambers.Atlas gave them a nod, and they opened the carved double doors.
The room was full of daybeds, overstuffed cushions and colourful rugs.Books and toys were scattered around.
The two young women in the room sat across from each other – one was reading a book on a daybed, and the other eating a honey cake.Perched on a large window seat was the raven-haired boy who had jumped excitedly on the balcony above the arena.He was half out of his seat with one foot braced on the ground.His mouth dropped open as he spotted us.
‘I’ve never seen Wolfe so still,’ said Atlas.‘It must be because I’m so handsome and brave!’
The young woman with the cake giggled, and Atlas beamed at her, causing her to fumble and drop her cake on the rug below.Her full cheeks turned as crimson as the rug.
‘Oh, Ania, you really are a pig,’ her sister said with an eye roll.
I felt sorry for Ania, who hurriedly picked up the honey cake and did her best not to look at anyone.Bethel rolled her eyes again as she lounged back on the daybed, her book discarded next to her.
All three siblings looked very much alike – dark hair and piercing green eyes.Ania had a soft vulnerable look to her appearance, not too dissimilar from Lord Warwick, while Bethel’s features were more refined and almost haughty.
