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“A lot of them suffer from the Great Pox—including the queen herself. It causes hair loss. So, they have the hair made into wigs.”
The Great Pox—Ezra had treated a few people with it before. It was a disease that caused an inferno of a rash, as well as other symptoms—hair loss included. It was spread predominantly through sex.
I shook my head in disbelief. “All of these young girls and women believe that by having their hair plucked out, they are denouncing their beauty to the goddess and in return, she will bless them for their offering. But in all actuality, their hair is going to the rich nobles who can’t stop fucking?” I scoffed, painting this hoax for what it was. “Just so they can cater to their own ego and cover their bald heads?”
“You are correct,” Arkyn replied, a slight smirk touching the corner of his lips.
“That is disgusting,” I hissed, furious at the corruption and all of those who dwelled within in it. I looked at Arkyn accusingly, who sat quietly in his chair, expression blank.
For the remainder of the ride, I seethed in silence, processing what I had been told. For a moment, I wished I were born with the Fire Curse because I would gladly burn the corrupt monarchy to the ground, and anyone who stood for it.
The carriage came to a rolling stop, the abruptness of it returning me to the present. I slid the curtain to the side, looking out the window.
“We have arrived at your address,” Arkyn stated, not bothering to look.
I jerked my head back to Arkyn but didn’t move from my seat. My brow quirked expectantly. “The information you agreed to give me?”
“I’ve run into a few issues with gathering your brother’s whereabouts.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me this earlier?” I argued, a mountain of frustration weighing on me.
Amusement touched his lips. “It didn’t seem important.”
“Important?” I fired the word back with all my might.
"Patience, Sage. I will find the information you seek,” he said, a confident lilt to his voice.
It did little to reassure me. “When?” I demanded.
“Tomorrow,” Arkyn replied, flicking an invisible speck off his pants. “I will pick you up for another outing, and then let you know at the end of it.”
I scoffed. “That wasn’t part of the deal.”
“No, I suppose it wasn’t,” Arkyn answered with a slight careless shrug. “Regardless, you will agree to it.”
I hated the way he said it. Hated that he was right. I would agree to it because he was the only lead I had.
“Fine,” I grated. “When should I expect you next?”
“Early tomorrow morning,” he said, his honey-brown eyes dancing like liquid fire.
Annoyed at the situation, I offered him no goodbye. I gave him a curt nod, gathered my skirts, and left. If the coachmen had not been holding the door open, I would have slammed it behind me.
“And Sage,” he called out as I walked away. “Make sure you pack an overnight bag.”
The door swung closed, and the carriage pulled away.
Mumbling a few unladylike words under my tongue, I stormed up the path. I had higher expectations for today, had hoped the king’s advisor would produce the information I needed, but all I’d learned was something I already knew—the system was corrupt.
The wealthy would always take from the poor—like leeches latched on, feeding until they were fat and plump and ready to fall off. I despised leeches. I despised the ruling system. I despised all of it. Anger scourged my veins.
Von loomed beside the front entrance, his back pressed against the wall, a knee casually bent. His face was cloaked in darkness, but when he tilted his chin, it was just enough to part the shadows, just enough for our eyes to meet. One black brow raised. “How did it go?” It was a question it felt like he already had the answer to.
I replied anyway. “It didn’t. The king’s advisor says it is going to take more time to find out where Kaleb is. He says he wants to meet again tomorrow.”
Von’s gaze flicked to the side as if he were blotting out a roll of tobacco he no longer wanted.
I felt compelled to reach out, to touch him, but I stilled my hand at my side, fighting the urge that swelled within. Why was it always like this with him? Even when I was riddled with frustration and annoyance, I felt compelled to be in his arms.
