Page 26 of Only Flames Remain

“The job?” I prodded, jabbing Enora in the side without looking up.

Burying my head between my knees appeared to alleviate some of the churning in my stomach. I knew I was dehydrated and had to be a complete and utter mess without a proper bath. Being half covered in vomit, soaked through with saltwater on a soiled dock, was a torture I hadn’t had the pleasure of experiencing before.

“Right, the job.” Enora settled back, crossing her legs before her. “Queen Dyata said something about a maidservant. You will attend to every whim of one of the royals. Preparing their baths, cleaning their chambers, plaiting their hair. Dressing them. Emptying their chamber pot. That sort of thing.”

I nodded. “Sounds like a lady’s maid. That, I can do.”

A long beat of silence had me lifting my gaze to meet Enora’s. That was a mistake. The realm tilted before me, and I splayed my hands against the slippery deck to steady myself. I buried my head back safely between my knees and pressed my eyes shut once more.

“What?” I asked. “Why does it feel like there is something you aren’t telling me?”

Enora swallowed audibly. “Word has it that two of the three princes are seeking new maidservants.”

“And why is that a problem?” I asked, my head still buried. “That’s good news. The closer I am to them, the better. The easier it will make this undertaking. The sooner its finished, the sooner we can go home.”

“While that is true, I heard that the way in which they lost their last maids was quite…gruesome.”

This had me lifting my head once more despite knowing better. My brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

She cast me a sidelong glance and turned away. I was sure my skin was as green as the sprite we had tried to capture in that river in Elenwyth when I was eleven.

“They were charged with treason, cast out of the castle,” she replied.

“And?” I prompted impatiently.

“They were burned. Put to dragon fire.”

Air caught in my chest. “What…type…of treason?” I asked slowly.

“Stealing.”

I swallowed down the fear that rose in my throat.

“They said it was quick,” Enora added, as if that was any consolation.

I met her gaze, expression serious. “They were put to dragon fire for stealing. Imagine what might happen to me if I were caught. Perhaps it would be best if I wasn’t the personal servant to one of the princes. Maybe its best if I keep my distance and avoid suspicion.”

“I think that might be wise. Though, I don’t think you’ll have a choice,” she replied.

“What do you mean I won’t have a choice? Hasn’t Queen Dyata already arranged the position for me?” I asked.

Enora nodded, her ivory hair shimmering beneath the sun as it began its descent beyond the ship’s bow behind her.

“She has, but things don’t exactly work the same in Gothryn as they do in Myros. You will be…there will be…”

My expression tightened as she fought for the right words. She turned away, avoiding my gaze.

“Well, it’s a sort of…market. You see, those searching for work are brought together and those seeking indentures will …essentially…bid on them. Negotiate.”

“Bid on them?” My voice rose. I cast a furtive glance around the deck of the ship to ensure no one had heard my outburst. I hunched my shoulders, my face buried in my hands. “I will be auctioned off to the highest bidder? One of the Vireth will own me? What in the seven hells Enora!”

Dyata had said nothing about this. But why would she? This was all working out just perfectly for her.

Enora shook her head. “Not own, not in the way you are thinking,” Enora replied softly.

“Is there another way to own a person, or am I mistaken?” I snapped.

She reached out and grasped my hand in hers despite my outburst. I didn’t mean to snap at her. I could see now why Queen Dyata didn’t want to tell me any of the details herself.