Page 12 of His Noble Ruin

My smile became genuine as optimism rose in my chest.

She sighed. “I suppose I’ll give you a chance. You’ll report to me, Mrs. Whitting. And this is my husband.” She waved a dismissive hand at him. “Arrive early tomorrow or I’ll change my mind.”

I thanked them both, promising to come back the next day, before walking away with a spring in my step, blisters and all. One day closer to saving the world.

* * *

That night,back at Marcus and Etna’s house, I washed off the day’s sweat and carried a candle upstairs to a small bedroom. A single bed and a dresser filled most of the space. One rain-streaked window faced the dark street. It was nothing like my own home, but I found it peaceful and comfortable, a welcome contrast to the worries brewing in my mind.

My bag sat on the floor by the bed. I opened it and took out four silver knives with leather sheaths over the blades. Weapons were forbidden in the city for everyone except Law Enforcers, so it would be best to leave them hidden here. I was unlikely to be in serious danger in a dusty old library anyway. I slid open the dresser drawer and placed them inside. Cael was here for my protection, as my father had required, and I should try to trust him.

I shut the drawer, but the moment the knives were out of sight, I wanted them back in my hands. What was the point of all that training if I didn’t even carry the weapon I’d mastered? All that time spent listening to my father and Cael drone on about correct knife-throwing techniques would be wasted.

Besides, could I really depend on someone else to protect me?

I hastily pulled the drawer open and took back all four knives, returning them to my bag, next to my father’s journal. A small part of me protested, aware that carrying them could be a risk to my mission, but leaving them could be even worse.

Just as I lay down, I heard a soft tap on the door.

I sat up. “Come in.”

Etna opened the door timidly. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“You didn’t.” I wasn’t in the mood for conversation, but I gestured for her to come in anyway.

She crossed the room on quiet feet and sat on the edge of my bed. I leaned against the headboard, too tired to sit up any longer.

“Did you get a chance to read today’s news?” she asked.

“Not yet. Why?”

“The king announced a public address in three days. According to rumor, this is likely to be his farewell speech.”

I shrugged. “Well, I just hope he stays alive long enough for me to get the job done.”

Etna’s smile weakened as she searched my tired face. “Is this really what you want? Or what your father wants?”

I shook my head, surprised by the underlying accusation. “What do you mean? It was my idea. And my father would never support something that wasn’t right.”

Her forehead remained creased. “That could be true, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s making decisions to respect your mother’s memory instead of considering the living.”

“All we want is for everyone to be safe, and I’m one of the few people with family on both sides to protect. The islanders won’t put up with the Brennins any longer. If we don’t deliver the heir to Tramore by the next new moon, war will break out. Thousands will die! You and Marcus could be—”

Etna nodded and patted my knee. “I know, dear. I just can’t stop worrying myself sick thinking of the trouble you could get into.”

“It’s okay. All I have to do is get the heir outside the wall. Then Cael will do the rest.” I leaned forward, resting my head on her shoulder the way I used to do with my mother, so long ago. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

“Oh, my sweet girl. That’s what we do when we love.”

I stayed there and let her stroke my hair down my back as if I were a child. The closeness of touch had become so foreign that I’d almost forgotten the way it could melt away fears and make the world seem promising again.

“I’ll let you rest,” said Etna. “Goodnight, love.”

I whispered goodnight and fell asleep almost content.

ChapterFive

Before the sunbroke over the top of the wall the next morning, I climbed the stone steps of the library, hoping that Graham Brennin would keep his promise.

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