I tugged my bottom lip between my teeth to muffle a soft chuckle. “I’ve seen little of the world; naturally, questions will arise. What was the reason you finally left Dravenmoor?”
When Emi faced me, her lips curled in a sort of snarl. “I had to flee.”
“Had to? Didn’t you say you were young when you arrived at Stonegate?”
“Only fourteen.”
“They drove you out?”
“I ran before they could.”
“What happened?”
Emi’s eyes flashed with a touch of malice. “I tried to cut off my father’s head.”
With a wink, more condescending than kind, Emi slipped past me and entered the camp.
The bustle of Stav Guard was alive with curses and bawdy talk. Water splashed over the sound of palms slapping at bare skin as the guard tidied themselves for the king’s court. Boots stomped, and spitting grease hissed and crackled over the snap of flames.
“Nightlark!” A guard, bare-chested and staggering near the fire, waved at Emi. “I signed up to watch your back near the creek should you wish to bathe. I’d even watch your front if you’d like.”
Some of his nearby Stav brothers chuckled.
Emi didn’t flinch. She turned to the guard, a smirk on her lips. “Ah, Henrik, I’m not interested in helping you practice.”
The Stav grunted, palming himself over his trousers. “Trust me, I’ve no need for practice with this sword.”
I fought the urge to groan. He reminded me of theaggravating stable hands at House Jakobson, always so impressed with what they had between their legs.
Emi pressed a hand to her chest in mock relief. “I’m so relieved to hear you’ve improved. Last I heard from the madam at the Golden Wing, her girl Asha felt rather guilty taking your florin. Said you were quivering like a pup, so worried you might put it in the wrong spot. The way I hear it, all you got for your coin was a kiss on your sweet little brow.”
Henrik’s fellow Stav howled and shoved his shoulders. His face flushed and his smile faded. “That’s not true.” He pushed the chest of one of the laughing men at his side. “Had her screaming for more, I did.”
“Of course.” Emi flashed a condescending grin. “Of course. Still, if you’d like, I can draw you a guide on the proper holes for next time.”
With that, Stav Nightlark took my arm and urged me in the opposite direction of the laughter and taunts about why the guard’s dalliance with the woman named Asha had ended so abruptly.
“I am one of few women in the Stav, Melder. The others are old and serve as advisors.” Emi locked me with her sharp gaze. “In Stonegate, learn swiftly how to hold your blade and keep your wits. You are a melder, a survivor. Do not let these sods make you forget your power. Learn to use your voice, understand?”
I paused, a little stunned, but nodded slowly. If a woman from Dravenmoor could earn the respect of men like Baldur and Ashwood, I would do the same. Melders were valued by the king. A curl tugged at my lip. If I was of value, it meant I had leverage.
My service for Kael’s life. I would demand it.
Lines were forming for the departures. Supplies were draped over shoulders in fur and leather satchels.
My gaze landed on Kael’s messy golden curls. Without athought, I rushed for him. He was upright, the sun-dusted bronze of his skin returned, and a grin split over his mouth when he saw me.
Kael’s wrists were bound in heavy irons, but the chain between them was long enough he could open his arms to embrace me.
“You pest,” he whispered against my hair. “Everyone’s talking about how the Sentry had to go drag the melder from the trees and he returned soaked in blood. Use your head, Ly.”
I pulled back, eyes narrowed. “I needed to save you, fool.”
Kael rolled his eyes and flicked my shoulder as he always did when he was annoyed with me. “What did I say? This is not a game, Lyra. We belong to Stonegate. Now we must focus on how you survive in there.”
“Not just me, Kael.” My voice dropped low enough, I wasn’t certain he even heard. “You are to face the king, exposed as the one who kept melding craft from his hands.”
Kael folded his arms over his chest, the chains clinking with the motion. “I’m not as worthless as you think.” He held up a finger, ticking off each word as he spoke. “I have bone craft. I am a skilled fighter. I am of legitimate noble blood. And Jakobson apparently offered a payment to keep me from slaughter.”
