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“How… how everything’s so different for you. The things you have to put up with, that we don’t. Father… to put it bluntly, he’s anassholeto you.”
I nod sharply, a sudden knot of emotion tightening in my chest. “I know, Aderick.”I don’t understand it either, but that’s the lot that was given to me in this life.“It doesn’t matter now. You just do what you need to do and focus on getting better.”
“I can’t condone it,” he snaps. “If you want to escape this arrangement, I swear I’ll find a way.”
Escape?Since I arrived, the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.
“Don’t be foolish. You know that wouldn’t end well. We need to play this game, Rick. It’s the only way we can move forward. I’d rather you and Kastel go to the Knights’ Academy and make something of yourselves. I’ve accepted this, sodon’twaste the opportunity. Make the most of it.” I lean in and drop my voice to a whisper. “And when the time comes for you to inherit Ruen,don’tbecome like father.”
That will be my revenge. That, and joining in union with Corvan.
If I have that man on my side, father will become insignificant.
I’m not even bitter about it.
Even if father and Lady Dorava are harsh and indifferent toward me, I’ve been more fortunate than some.
Growing up, I was mostly ignored. I had the run of the castle; the freedom to poke my nose into just about anything. Some of the servants—the younger ones—were kind to me. And the boys and I… even though we were treated differently, we always played together, and later, when the tutors and instructors came to teach them, I would sit unnoticed at the back of the room, feigning ignorance when I was secretly watching, listening, absorbing everything.
I gained a lot in Ruen Castle. I was hungry, insatiable, always learning; eager for any scraps of knowledge that fell from the table.
And in some things, I quickly surpassed my brothers.
None in Ruen can shoot an arrow truer than me. Not even the most experienced soldiers.
Father has no idea of some of the things I can do.
I squeeze my brother’s shoulder.
Aderick is still young.
A ginger-haired servant appears beside us, offering a dignified bow. “My lady, may I request your presence for a moment?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“His Imperial Highness wishes to see you privately before the festivities commence. Please, follow me.”
I nod, carefully keeping my expression neutral, even as a sublime little thrill courses down my spine.
Kastel glares at the servant suspiciously. “My sister is withus. If there’s anything the archduke wants to say, it can be said in front of all of us.”
“Kastel, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, but Corvan and I are already acquainted. It isfine.”
“My lady. Masters. May I offer you a drink?” Another servant swoops in; an older man with swept back dark hair elegantly greying at his temples. “Do you have a preference for mulled wine, or beer?”
“I’ll have a beer,” Aderick says, deliberately breaking the tension. “After all this lying about, I’m craving a pint of good stout. Meal in a glass, they call it.”
“You’re in luck, Sir. Tyron is renowned for its dark-roasted malt stout.”
“Rick.” I bend down and whisper in his ear. “Don’t forget that you’re recovering. No getting drunk or doing anything strenuous or stupid, all right? I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
“Yes, sister,” he says meekly, an angelic smile crossing his lips. “I’ll behave. It’s just that I’ve looked death in the eye and survived, so I think I deserveonebeer, at least.”
Aderick can be too charming for his own good, but he can be reckless. He’s the ringleader, too. I’m more than certain he was behind the decision to go after me.
Kastel’s the opinionated one, never afraid to speak his mind.
Garan is stoic. He’s strong and hard-working and has all the makings of a fierce soldier, but he’s a man of few words. I can hardly ever tell what he’s thinking.
