Eda’s hand stilled as she looked at her sister. ‘I can’t live half a life for her peace of mind. I’m sorry.’
Luella’s cries reached them from upstairs, prompting Blake to stand. ‘I guess we’ll see if you survive the training before worrying about the rest.’ She went to Eda, pulling her into her arms and kissing the side of her head. ‘For what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you.’
Eda watched her sister walk away, then released a long breath.
CHAPTER6
The frosty grass crunched underfoot as Roul strode across the training field to where the recruits were gathered. He blew warm air into his hands, then rubbed them together. At least the rain had slowed to a drizzle. He looked for Eda among the group, but she was not there.
‘Morning,’ he called to Harlan, who was fiddling with one of the shields.
The commander looked in his direction. ‘Morning.’
‘She’s late.’
Harlan placed the shield down with a chuckle. ‘It’s barely light.’
That was true, but Roul was agitated anyway. He had not seen Eda since their tense encounter at the castle the day before. That had been intentional on his part. He had been too angry to go to Wright House that night. He was still angry, and everyone else seemed a little too calm about the whole thing.
Harlan walked over to him. ‘These men are only a few weeks into their training. She’ll hold up.’
Roul looked around at the recruits. It was true, they were inexperienced—but they could still do plenty of harm.
They had all come from noble households, with the exception of Blackmane, who had arrived on a ship. It was Roul who had convinced the warden to give the ill-tempered nineteen-year-old a chance. Tatum was all but disowned by his family, and the army was a logical place for noble fathers to send unruly boys. Tollere, Alveye, and Hadewaye were all the youngest sons in their households, another common trend among nobility.
‘I’m sure Commander Wright has told you we have a new recruit joining us,’ Roul said, addressing the men. ‘She’ll be training with you for the rest of the month.’
Tatum and Alveye exchanged a smirk.
‘Something funny you want to share?’ Roul asked the pair.
The smile fell from Alveye’s face, and Tatum looked at the ground. ‘No, Commander.’
Blackmane looked far from impressed but knew better than to air his grievances aloud.
‘Why’s she training with the likes of us?’ Hadewaye asked, frowning.
‘Because that’s Queen Fayre’s wish.’ Roul looked over at Blackmane, who was shaking his head. ‘That’s not going to be a problem for you, is it?’
Blackmane leaned his weight on one foot. ‘No, Commander.’
Before Roul could continue, Eda emerged from the fog at a run. She was dressed in men’s trousers that were a mile too big for her. Everyone turned to watch her approach.
‘I’ll leave you to it,’ Harlan said. ‘Don’t break her on the first day.’
‘You’re the one who said she gets no special treatment.’ Roul looked in Eda’s direction. ‘You’re late!’
Eda’s eyes met Harlan’s as they passed one another.
‘Good luck,’ Harlan said over his shoulder.
Eda came to a stop in front of Roul, removing her cloak. ‘Sorry. I had a little trouble getting through the gate, even with a letter from the warden.’
‘Perhaps they thought you were trying to break in again.’
Eda tilted her head. ‘And good morning to you too.’
He stepped back from her. ‘Recruits. What’s the consequence for tardiness?’
