Page 29 of The Thirteenth Count

Lina stepped in with a small, hurried step, her dark hair braided down her back—but a few strands had already shaken loose. Her uniform was neatly pressed, the sleeves bunched up at the elbows as if she’d been working until the moment she was summoned.

She dipped her head to Fern. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Silverbell.”

“I’ll take my leave so you can acclimate yourself.” Cassius moved toward the door. “Lessons begin at the eighth bell.”

Cassius left without another word. The door clicked shut behind him, sealing the blue suite in sudden silence.

Fern exhaled shakily.

Lina stepped forward, her posture loosening now that the heir was gone. “It’s… a lot, I know.”

Fern couldn’t speak. She only nodded.

“That’s alright.” Lina offered a small, tentative smile. “We’ll take it one thing at a time.”

Fern and Lina stood not more than three feet apart, staring at one another. Fern didn’t know what to do. Sprout, on the other hand, had taken to exploring the room with a vigor that had been sorely lacking upon entering the Keep.

“You should sit.” Lina moved to a bar cart near the hearth. She poured wine into an expensive-looking crystal glass, the liquid catching the firelight as she turned back.

Fern remained standing. “Are you allowed to do that?”

“Of course,” Lina said as she handed Fern the glass. “You are a guest. Feel free to help yourself. Though I will say, be mindful about how much you drink. It’s quite strong.”

Fern eyed the shimmering gold liquid.

“Come now, it’s just wine.” Lina lowered her voice and rested her hand briefly over Fern’s. “It will help calm your nerves. Please.”

Lina poured herself a small measure and took a sip. “See? Perfectly safe.” She hesitated, then added more quietly, “I know you don’t know me yet, but I wouldn’t offer you anything that wasn’t.”

Fern sighed. It was clear she wasn’t getting out of here, at least not any time soon, and she was anxious. Still, she held the glass up to a wardcandle. Her mother had taught her about tinctures that could coat a glass invisibly, leaving a greasy residue when touched. Highly poisonous. She lowered the glass and wiped her fingers along the rim. Clean.

Lina leaned in, tilting her head. “What are you doing?”

“Checking the glass for poison.”

“You know how to do that? I didn’t think Rootfolk knew such things.”

Fern drank the wine and set the glass on the bar cart. “Rootfolk know plenty. Having less doesn’t make us ignorant. Most of us can read, you know.”

Lina flushed. “I’m so sorry, Miss Silverbell. I didn’t mean to offend⁠—”

“I know,” Fern interrupted, the wine already warming her cheeks. “You’re a Stemblood, right? You can’t help what you were taught.”

“I… I suppose you’re right.” Lina straightened. “Why don’t we get your things put away, and I’ll show you the wardrobe?”

Fern nodded, still a little unsteady, but the wine was doing good work to ease that.

Lina took the travel bag from her before she could protest and crossed the sitting room, pushing open the arched door that led to the bedroom. Warm air spilled out, carrying the faint scent of lavender and starch.

The room was decorated much like the sitting room, blue and silver with plush velvet fabrics. Lina was already unpacking, placing Fern’s things inside a drawer beside the bed. She paused over the pressed flower in its glass panes, turning it once in her hands, then stood it upright on the side table where the wardcandle could reach it.

Lina gasped as she pulled out the black dress. “This is stunning. Where did you have it made? I’d love to have Mrs. Cordelia place an order for Lady Blackwell.”

“I wish I knew. It was handed down by my mother.”

“A shame.” Lina moved to the wardrobe, opening the double doors. It was already full of dresses. She added the black dress to the stock. “Lady Blackwell made sure that you were well-prepared for life in the Keep.” She opened the drawer below. “Here you’ll find sleeping gowns.” She pointed to the drawer below that one. “This one has undergarments.” Then the last. “This one is empty. I’ll fold your things and put them in there. Shall I draw you a bath?”

Lina moved closer, stopping abruptly as a loud grumble sounded. Fern’s cheeks heated.