Lia cried for innocence that had been taken from her.
Grieved for the little boy who had to grow up too fast.
Wept for the mother who’d been taken from them too young.
Cried for the pain she’d caused to those she loved.
And sobbed for the love she’d lost.
There seemed to be no end of tears.
Throughout it all, Cosmos held her.
Lia hiccupped and leaned back, wiping her cheeks on the sleeve of her flannel nightgown that was three sizes too big. Her head hurt, and her eyes were swollen, but she felt a little lighter, and that was something.
“When did you get so smart?” she asked, a little proud of the young man her brother was becoming.
Cosmos smirked, sitting a little taller. “I’ve always been this intelligent.”
She rolled her eyes and picked at the blanket that had fallen into her lap. Her smile somewhat dimmed. “Are we okay?”
Her brother blew out a breath and looked away. “I know you’ve had to raise me, to protect me from the world. I can even understand why you kept the truth about mum from me, but it still hurts.” He picked on his thumb. “Is that why you worked all the time? It wasn’t just about paying for my medicine but mum’s care too?”
He was a smart boy. “Yeah, Cosmos, it was. She deserved comfort after what she’d given for us. Also, I just wanted you to have a childhood free from guilt. I didn’t want mum’s sickness to hang over you. She didn’t know us anymore. She didn’t know who she was or where she was.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too.”
Despite the outpouring of feeling, the fear and anxiety had not waned. Lia stared at the door. “When was the last time Lo was here? Did she use the cosmetics I got her?”
Now it was her brother’s turn to roll his eyes. “She painted her face before she went out this morning and has been wearing her scarf. Lo is smart. She has taken care not to be discovered. You have to trust her.”
“I do. I just don’t trust everyone else.” She shivered and pulled the blankets up to her chest. “I don’t like it.” She hated the idea of Lo being vulnerable and alone in Mizar. The people here owed them nothing. It would be so easy to turn the healer in if they thought they would receive a life changing payment.
Cosmos shrugged his shoulders, shoulders that had begun to fill out. “She’s of thenonnae.What did you expect?”
“When did you start learning Loriian?” Lia asked.
“I’ve been picking up words here and there. Plus, Lo has been teaching me while you’re at the tavern.” He smiled, and it was a little sheepish. “She’s been teaching me the healing arts too.”
“You’re her littlenonnaette?”
He puffed out his chest. “I’m not little.” Some of his humor drained away. “If you weren’t so sick, I think you would be out there helping people too.” His tone turned a little sullen, and he scowled at the door. “I wish I could be out there too.”
“I know, Cos,” she murmured, placing her hand over his. They’d agreed to keep him home as much as possible. They didn’t know what either monarchy knew about her brother. For all Lia knew, there could be assassins with contracts to kill any or all of them. She refused to have Lo or Cosmos’ blood on her hands. Lia would do whatever it took to keep them safe. Even if it meant keeping him home when he wanted to go out and make friends.
“I’m tired of being trapped in here.”
“It will be over soon enough. Fierre is getting closer every day.” The Fire Nation was the safest place for them.
“That’s what you said months ago.” He nodded toward the jug on the floor. “You thirsty?”
Her tongue practically stuck to the roof of her mouth. “Yes, please.”
He poured a cup of water and handed it to Lia. She licked her dry lips and took several long sips. Carefully, she set the blue crystal glass in her lap. It was odd. In Astera, crystal glasses were a luxury, but in Loriia, they were commonplace.
