Page 148 of Ashborne Forged

What had I missed? What was happening about which I remained ignorant?

I was confused, and did not like the sensation.

Then the maids were hurried inside, along with the footmen and servants carrying the trunks.

“You make yourself comfortable here, dear,” Breckon said, almost sweetly, which turned my stomach. “I’ll take my rooms and come to collect you before dinner.”

“Thank you, my Lord,” I said softly, with a demure curtsey that pleased the queen. “And thank you for your generosity and welcome, Your Majesties. I remain humbled.” The queen smiled and nodded to accept the compliment. The king eyed me for a beat too long, but didn’t respond. Then he led Breckon out, the queen trailing in their wake, and finally, I could relax.

To a point.

Around me, servants bustled. Jade, who’d been assigned to me for this trip, directed the men on where to place the trunks for unpacking, while two of the castle servants checked the fires that had been set in anticipation of our arrival, and undertook final checks.

Suddenly exhausted, I took a seat on one of the chairs near the largest of the fires and tried to catch my breath. But this entire scene felt so out of place, so unexplained. My head buzzed and my heart beat too fast. I watched, silent, as the servants hurried about their tasks.

Jade glanced at me more than once, but I ignored her, trying to find my feet in this murky place. I’d been so sure I understood what was happening here. But now it was as if an entirely new gameboard had been produced, and I was afraid to apply the rules I’d always known. Because what if I defeated myself?

‘Do not fear. I will protect you,’ Koa sent kindly—and stoutly. I had to cover a smile.

‘I know you will. I’m just unsettled. I didn’t expect this.’

‘Your humans are hurtful?’

‘No. The opposite. We’re being welcomed like family.’

I could always tell when Koa wasn’t sure of her words, because her pauses grew longer. Though over this distance, sometimes she was slower to respond. When she did speak, her confusion was plain.

‘You don’t want family? They aren’t safe?’

I fixed my eyes on the window opposite, the gleaming sunlight outside, the sky above the castle blue, with scattered clouds. ‘That’s the problem… I don’t know what’s safe, and what isn’t. The royals should be disinterested in me at best. Displeased, even. I didn’t expect personal greetings and… it doesn’t matter. Everything just feels a little unreal, and that makes me nervous.’

‘I break window. Pull you out. Wait until night for safety.’

‘Thank you, Koa, but I don’t think that will be necessary,’ I sent sincerely, with a rush of love through the bond. ‘Knowing you’re close makes me safe, even when I’m unsure.’

‘Good.’

From the corner of my eye, I watched Jade take something from a bag that she held to her middle with both arms, then approach with a hesitant smile. I looked up when she reached my side.

“My Lady, while you rest, perhaps you’d enjoy something to distract you?” she said quietly.

“Oh, I don’t think—”

“I’m certain you’ll be pleased,” she said gently. I froze when she opened her arms to produce a book. The book. The one that hid my blade.

I blinked, then reached for it slowly, as if it might bite. “I… thank you… I thought I’d left it at home.” Clasping the book tightly in both hands so there was no threat of it falling open to reveal its precious contents, I stared up at her, my heart fluttering.

“I collected it for you when the Master ordered us to pack your things. I knew you’d wish for it, but you weren’t there to consult. I hope I did well,” Jade said, bowing her head slightly.

“Yes. Yes, of course. Thank you. You did very well,” I said faintly. Why didn’t you tell me? You saw me return to the room. Why didn’t you warn me? Dear God, if I’d mentioned it to Breckon…

My heart thudded so hard, it ached behind my ribs. But thankfully, Jade turned on her heel and hurried back to the bags in the bedchamber to continue unpacking.

I don’t know how long I sat there, staring at the cover of that book, but I didn’t dare check that its precious contents were still there while there were so many eyes in the room.

Yet, I was grateful. So grateful.

And so confused.