“What do you suppose we do, march him through the inn as our prisoner? Won’t that draw some unwanted attention?” Nathaniel threw the rope in the wagon.
Brax scowled and moved away. “Have it your way.”
“I’m not going to run away.” The boy rubbed his wrists. “I’ve eaten better with you than any other day in my life.”
“He has a point.” Valoria gave Brax an encouraging smile. Maybe she could wear him down over time and show him these raiders were people as much as he was.
“Very well.” Brax gave the boy a hard, skeptical glance as if daring him to disobey, then turned to Nathaniel. “Show us these private rooms.”
They entered the inn from the back door and climbed a rickety stairway up to the third floor. Nathaniel brought out two room keys and opened the door at the top of the stairs to the right. “This is your room, Val.”
“Thank you.” Valoria had to bite her tongue when she heard him say her nickname. Her childhood nickname coming from his lips warmed her heart. A little too much.
Her room was bright with a northern exposure and two large triangular windows. A simple four-poster bed with a pink quilt looked cozy after so many nights sleeping in the wagon or on the hard ground. Then, she saw the ivory washbasin, scented pink soaps, and bathtub and she knew she was in heaven.
“We’ll be across the hall.” Nathaniel called in, and Valoria realized she’d forgotten about them.
“Good. Thank you.” She closed her door and peeled off all of her traveling layers.
Three buckets of warm water sat beside the washbasin. She poured them in, wishing Cadence was there. They’d always talk about their days while she took her bath, and she missed her handmaiden’s responses. There was so much she’d like to tell her and giggle over. How Brax claimed he had no fantasies, how Ardent didn’t like fancy cheese because it smelled foul, how Nathaniel liked to dip his biscuits in his tea. But she couldn’t talk to Cadence about Nathaniel, could she?
Her handmaiden wouldn’t hear of it.
Truly, there were things that Valoria had no right speaking to Cadence about. Perhaps it was fortunate Cadence wasn’t there.
She dipped into the bath, immersing herself in the water. The soap smelled like the roses in her father’s gardens. Valoria breathed deeply, rubbing the soap up and down her arms and legs. She would not think of Cadence’s chastising glares now. Not even the hard truth would ruin her bath.
A knock came at her door.
Valoria stood and reached for a clean towel. “Who is it?”
“Just bringing in your midday, miss.” A woman called from the other side.
“Very well, bring it in.” Valoria covered herself as the door opened.
A curly haired woman entered bringing a tray with soup, a heel of bread and a bowl of fruit. Her eyes widened. “My, my, my. Nip didn’t tell me his companion was so beautiful, and so young.”
Jealousy surged. That must be Blanca, the woman who knew Nathaniel from his past. Valoria didn’t like her calling Nathaniel by his old nickname. He’d been an adult for many years and deserved more respect. If only this inn maid knew how high up the command he’d risen.
Blanca studied her. “You don’t look related.”
“I’m his sister.” Or she would be very soon.
She placed her hands on her hips. “He doesn’t have a sister.”
“When you knew him, he didn’t. But, that was a very long time ago, was it not?” Honestly, wasn’t she supposed to be the guest? As a princess, she’d never been treated in such an impertinent way.
“Hmmph. His sister, eh?” Blanca snorted and turned to the door. “Enjoy your meal.”
“I will.” Valoria waited for the door to close before she splashed back into the tub.
Thank Lyric and his golden lyre they’d only be staying a single night. After second thoughts, she preferred the wagon bench.
Chapter 21
Mercy
Nathaniel offered Ardent a glass of water and a bowl of soup. Thank Helena he’d been able to rush Blanca from their room with the excuse of his exhaustion from the journey. The more she asked, the closer she got to his secrets.
Hopefully, Blanca didn’t bother Valoria. She’d always had a fiery tongue, and might rile Valoria up when she beheld the princess’s glowing beauty. Valoria was a rose among wild flowers. Often, he wondered what the princess was thinking when she turned away from him with a melancholy look in her silver eyes, showing her delicate profile and high sculpted cheekbone.
“She likes you.” Ardent slurped his soup without the spoon.
Nathaniel almost dropped his bowl. The princess? Fond of him? How would Ardent have any idea?
“You knew her when you were young?” Ardent chewed a heel of bread.
“Oh, the inn maid?” Nathaniel breathed with relief, and a little disappointment. “She has a strange way of showing it.”
Ardent shrugged. “Strange or not, that’s more than what I’ve got.”
Compassion for the boy overcame any lingering longing over Valoria. How could he be preoccupied with a dead end when a lad needed his support to set him on the right path? “You’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
Ardent shrugged and wiped soup off his chin. “No one will take a shining to a thief.”
“You shan’t be a thief forever, isn’t that right?” Nathaniel handed him a cloth. Ardent could work on table manners after he sorted out his life, but a little nudge in the right direction wouldn’t hurt.
“Once I’m in prison, I shall have a black stain on my reputation for life.”
Nathaniel thought of all the stains on his: orphan, blacksmith’s son, lesser brother. “One black stain is something that can be overcome.”
A knock sounded at the door, and Nathaniel’s heart jumped to his throat. He asked Helena, Horred, and their godly son for it not to be Blanca.
“May I come in?” It was Valoria’s light voice.
“Of course.” Nathaniel stood eagerly and opened the door.
The scent of sweet roses wafted up, making the blood flow through his veins. Valoria wore a simple white dress. She’d let down her braids, so her auburn hair fell in wavy curls around her shoulders. Her porcelain skin was pale and perfect like a lily’s bloom.
He moved from the doorway and she slipped by him. “Where’s Axel?”
“He had business in town.” Nathaniel offered her a seat by the window.
“Business?” She glanced nervously to Ardent.
Nathaniel gave her an apologetic frown. “I could not stop him.”
“Oh.” She sat down and gazed out the window. “I’m not sure I want him to find what he’s looking for.”
That statement could have so many subliminal meanings, none of them good. Unease spread over Nathaniel as he sat down in the chair opposite her. “Perhaps he’s purchasing supplies.”
“Supplies…” She didn’t take her eyes away from the window. “We’ll need them where we’re going.”
The door opened, and Brax strode in with bags of apples, blankets, and dried meat. His eyes scanned the room and fell on Valoria. Did interest flash in his gaze? “I did not know you were here.”
“I just stopped by.” Valoria stood abruptly, as if she’d done wrong.
Guilt plagued Nathaniel’s heart whenever Brax caught them together. At least they weren’t alone.
“Wait.” Brax placed the bags on the bed. “You should stay to hear the news.”
“News?” Nathaniel stood. It was a better stance to come between anyone should they argue. All his life, he was used to keeping peace.
Brax straightened and adopted the commanding tone he used when giving a speech or ordering the army. “I have found a place for our raider.”
Ardent stopped chewing and his mouth was still full of half-eaten bread. His eyes widened as if a judge delivered him his death sentence. Nathaniel stepped over to the boy and placed a hand on his sh
oulder.
Brax pulled an apple from the bag and took a bite. “I have spoken with a local fisherman who is in need of an oarsman. He is willing to take Ardent on knowing full well of his prior indiscretions.” Brax turned to the boy. “The work will be strenuous, but you will be paid adequately. You’ll have to sleep on the boat for now, but with a couple months labor, if you save correctly, you will have enough for a small room in town.”
Ardent dropped his bread. “You mean I’m not going to prison?”
“No.” Brax shifted uneasily as if he wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea. “You are not.”
Valoria cheered and rushed across the room to Brax. She took both his hands in her own and kissed his knuckles. “Thank you.”
Brax blinked in shock. Then, he regained some composure and nodded in deference. “You should thank yourself.” Brax’s voice softened. “Your arguments led me to this conclusion.”
Jealousy ripped through Nathaniel. He smothered it immediately. There was nothing wrong with Valoria thanking Brax with kisses. So, why did it feel so wrong in his heart?
“I do not deserve this kindness.” The tension in Ardent’s voice stilled everyone in the room. The boy dropped both hands at his sides.
“You mean you will not accept it?” Valoria stared at him in shock.
Ardent sighed and pulled at the frayed edges of his pants. “I’ve been shooting arrows at passing caravans all my life.”
Valoria stepped toward him and crouched beside him on the floor. “You’ve done it because Gibson ordered you too, because you had to survive.”
Ardent shook his head. “I chose to, just like I told you back in the wagon. I wanted to keep on living, and I didn’t want to become weak like the prey. But, I knew it was wrong.” He wiped at his eyes. “I tried to honor the gods by delivering superficial wounds. But, about a year ago, I grazed this man’s arm. I thought he’d survive. I intended for him to.”
Valoria reached out and placed her hand on his arm. Sorrow touched her beautiful face.
Nathaniel could only squeeze the boy’s shoulder. He wished he could have found Ardent many years ago, like the king and queen had found him in the ashes of Shaletown. He’d been lucky to have such loving saviors. This boy did not have half his luck.
“It’s all right.” Valoria patted his arm. “It’s not your fault.”
“But, it is.” Ardent spat back in anger. “He died. Lost too much blood on the way to the city.” The boy’s hands shook. He pulled away from Valoria’s touch. “I learned the man’s name from a letter he’d had in his pocket. I had some people ask questions about the man’s family. He had a son. My father died when I was young, and I took another boy’s father away, continuing the cycle. I’ve turned my back on the way of Helena and Horred. I’m cursed.”
Brax stepped forward and Nathaniel’s chest tightened. Would he judge the boy harshly? Would he rescind his earlier bargain?
“Warriors kill many men in battle.” Brax crouched next to Valoria on the floor. “They are taught to mourn their loss, but not to carry their deaths on their hearts.” He offered his hand to Ardent. “’Tis time to right your wrongs, my son.”
Ardent chewed his lower lip. This moment of indecision reminded Nathaniel of Bronford Thoridian asking him to join the Royal Guard. His life had balanced on a thin branch, and he could have fallen either way. He was glad he’d chosen the path he had. Now Brax was following in his father’s footsteps, offering a second chance to a lad down on luck. Bronford would be proud of his son.
Ardent took Brax’s hand. The warrior stood, pulling the boy up. “Come, pack your things. A new destiny awaits.” His voice had turned lighthearted, or as least as lighthearted as Brax could be.
Valoria stood and studied Brax with a mixture of interest and awe. Nathaniel had never seen such admiration in her eyes when she’d looked upon him. She touched the warrior’s arm. “I’m going to pack a few things of my own for Ardent. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
Brax nodded awkwardly as if he didn’t expect her to tell him anything of her whereabouts. “Very well.”
Valoria glanced at Nathaniel and nodded, then left. The sunshine in the room went with her, along with Nathaniel’s heart. Someday he’d have to come to terms with the fact she’d never be his. But, one tragedy at a time. Save the boy, save the kingdom, then save his own heart.
While Ardent packed, Nathaniel approached Brax by the door.
Brax had resumed eating his apple, but his gaze glazed over, as if his thoughts had gone with Valoria as well.
“Why?” Nathaniel whispered.
Brax raised his brow in question and bit off another piece of apple. He didn’t answer.
“Why did you change your mind?”
“Something you’d said.” Brax swallowed the bite of apple and a ponderous expression came across his face. “You said to acquaint myself with the treasures of her heart. Well, I listened.”
Nathaniel nodded, surprised his advice had gone so far. He didn’t think Brax would listen to him, never mind to Valoria. “That, you did.”
* * * *
Valoria wrapped a fig cake in a cloth along with a piece of gold. Ardent’s sad history had touched her soul. She could not imagine being forced into raiding to stay alive. But, deep down in her gut, she knew she’d have done the same. She didn’t have her mother’s wholehearted kindness, the kind that forgives so easily and places everyone’s happiness above her own.
Valoria was a survivor. She’d rather endure pain than give in. She was her father’s daughter, and she would make him proud, even if it meant marrying Brax.
That thought didn’t have its usual harsh sting. Brax had surprised her. He’d shown kindness instead of judgment, thinking beyond the walls of right and wrong he’d so carefully constructed.
He’d said he did so because of her. Perhaps, she’d been the one to judge too harshly.
She opened her door. Brax, Nathaniel, and Ardent stood at the top of the stairs. Nathaniel had his hand on Ardent’s shoulder. “Listen to the fisherman. Do as he says and be respectful.”
Brax glanced in her direction and nodded. “Ready to see him off?”
“I am.” Valoria approached Ardent and handed him the cloth. “Something for the road.” Ardent consumed anything in front of him, so she didn’t think her fig cake would go uneaten. As for the gold, maybe he could buy that room in town sooner than he thought. “Remember, you shape your own destiny.”
Valoria smiled, but it felt forced. How much of that was true in her case? Could she shape her own destiny? Hadn’t she been fated to unite the House of Song with Ebonvale since birth? Her statement was true for him but not for herself.
Ardent nodded gruffly and stuffed the cloth in the bag strapped across his back.
Brax cleared his throat. “Time to depart.”
The warrior took the stairs two at a time, and Ardent followed him. A few steps down, he turned his head to Valoria and Nathaniel. “I won’t forget this.”
With the rhythmic sound of footsteps, they were gone. Valoria wished him a silent prayer and ran her fingers along the wood railing of the stairs.
Nathaniel turned to her. “Do you think he’ll stay on the right path?”
Melancholy mixed with confusion made Valoria shift on her feet. What was the right path? The path we choose for ourselves, or the one laid out by our parents or, in Ardent’s case, by his circumstances? “He has as much of a chance of any of us.”
The raw truth of her answer surprised her.
Nathaniel gave her a questioning glance, and Valoria ignored it. To be alone with him after what Brax had done for the boy made her feel guilty in a sticky, tortured way.
Without another word, she disappeared into her room.
Chapter 22
Last Kiss
The morning cast a dull, grey light. The sea, the clouds, and the air had a misty, bleak quality that did not bode well for their journey. Nath
aniel tightened his cape around his neck, eager to leave New Shaletown behind him no matter what the future brought.
“Where is this captain that your…lady friend recommended?” Brax spoke from the inside of his hood. Out of the three of them, he was the one who was most likely to be recognized, so he kept his face hidden at all costs.
“She’s not my lady friend.” Brax made her sound like a mistress. “I knew her as a child, that’s all.”
“But, you knew her well enough to trust her now?” Valoria sounded suspicious, as if he were withholding some secret relationship, which would not be wrong considering she was betrothed to Brax and not to him.
“Without her recommendation, we’d be choosing blindly. We do not have any other choice.” He counted the ships at the dock. Blanca had said it was the fifth one in, double-masted with a flag of red and gold.
“There.” Nathaniel pointed to an older, but sturdy looking ship. “That’s the one.”
They walked down the dock, their boots echoing on the wood. The sea lapped at their feet as if eager to swallow them whole. A seagull picked at an oyster on the top of a mooring, watching them with an orange eye. He cawed, and it almost seemed as though he warned of their coming.
An old, white haired man wearing a dark overcoat threw netting off the side of the ship. It fell in the sea with a splash and sunk to the dark depths below. The man gazed up as they approached. He had a timeworn, withered look, his long hair blowing every way of the wind, and a tattoo of a shark’s fin on his neck. But his eyes were a bright blue, and when he smiled, his face was kind.
“What brings you to Amok’s dock?”
Nathaniel gave Valoria and Brax a look that told them to let him handle negotiations. “A friend recommended we speak to you. We’re looking for passage through the Sea Of Urchins.”
“The Sea of Urchins, eh? That’s not a place one crosses without a purpose, indeed.” Amok smacked his lips together, then his eyes filled with mischief. “Depends on who this friend is, lad.”
Doubt made Nathaniel hesitate. How much did he really trust Blanca? Somehow he doubted she was in it for the money, at least with him. “Blanca Grainville from the Gilded Hopper.”
Orphan's Blade Page 15
