Page 117 of Nocturn

Bjorn Estate

The Bjorn Estate kept fresh fruits in the stable. The maid, an elderly blueblood, always ensured to check the food each dawnlight during her routine feedings of the chickens and horse. I would start by taking that food.

I slipped into the barn.

It would not be long until Miriam showed up, and I couldn’t deny the urge to see her once more. She rode her steed daily, attempting to better her sidesaddle technique. Stella, Miriam’s mare, neighed from her stall as I entered, swishing her head.

Piper dawdled behind me, poking her head around the entrance.

I rushed to the riding satchel hanging beside Stella’s tack and looped it over my shoulder, then went to the food items placed on the wooden platform behind the door. Apples and carrots piled over each other filled the woven basket. I reached inside and shoved as many apples into the bag as I could, leaving room for bread.

‘She’s coming.’

I cinched the bag shut and backed into the second stall where the hay bales were stored and hunkered down. Piper came sliding around and reached my legs.

I crouched and whispered, “Did you see anyone else with her?”

‘No.’

A hinge creaked, followed by the crunch of dirt and straw. I waited a few more moments and heard Miriam’s familiar voice murmuring to Stella.

I jerked my chin at Piper, and she inched closer and looked out. ‘She is still alone’.

This is the final time I will be able to see her . . .

I stepped out.

“Why did you not wed?”

She yelped and whirled. “Amara,” she gasped, eyes so wide. “Piper? What are you doing here?”

“I am glad you continued your riding lessons,” I said instead.

She ran to me, her arms going around my midsection.

“I only came to bid you goodbye before I leave.” I patted the heavy satchel. “And to grab some food.”

She pulled back, her wide blue eyes scanning me, then the bag. “Leave?” she gasped, eyes welling with tears. “Where could you possibly—” she cut off, her gaze bouncing over the bag again. “You’re going to the Barren?”

I nodded and her eyes bulged even more.

“It is much too dangerous.” A displeased frown crossed her face. “I am wasting my breath. You made your decision.”

I smiled, drinking in the rosy flush of her face and her emotional gaze. “I have a favor to ask,” I began.

She clasped my hands, nodding, suddenly looking serious. “Anything.”

“I need food for the travel. Food that will last. Grain biscuits or bread, anything you can spare.”

She nodded. “I will collect some for you.” She hugged me once more and drew back to look at me for a few moments. “I cannot believe you are here. One moment you were here, then you were gone,” she choked out. “Amara, you have to know—” She exhaled shakily. “Mother knew something was wrong with me the eve your Sigil appeared. She got the truth out of me. If I had been stronger.”

“Miriam.” I raised my voice slightly, grasping her hand. “I understand. Lady Bjorn always had a way of sensing things.” I was amazed it was not her gift.

“No, Amara, that eve, it was one of the guest’s gifts. She knew I was hiding something important, and she told mother.”

“I knew there had to be an explanation,” I breathed, squeezing her hand harder. Miriam could not have betrayed me so. “Hurry, I must take my leave.”

She nodded curtly, staring at me closely. She finally let my hand go and retreated.