“Because wielders like us aren’t even allowed in the castle.” He scowled, surprised by what he’d just said.
Felix clearly hadn’t missed it. He gave August a smug look.
“You know what I mean,” August muttered. “I’m not sure my mother won’t call my power dangerous and lock me away.” He’d seen wielders executed on the street. He’d heard of hangings in the market square, all on her orders.
“She’s your family.” Felix pushed, crouching in front of him. His warm hands framed August’s face. “If anyone can make her listen to reason, it’s you.” When August didn’t respond, his eyebrows snapped together. “You can’t just hide away and pretend none of this is happening.”
“Oh, I absolutely can. If I show up demanding change or ranting about wielder rights, it won’t end well. I’m not getting involved.”
Felix released him. “You’re already involved. Not choosing a side just means you’re letting someone else choose for you. Even if it’s only out of fear. You have to go back and fight.”
“No, it’s notmyfight!”
Felix’s expression darkened, his mouth opening to argue, but a knock at the door cut him off.
“We’re closed!” he shouted as he shoved up from the ground.
“Open the door, Felix.” Marlow’s voice.
He exhaled sharply, the tension in his face easing as he smoothed away all traces of his anger, then went to the door and threw it open.
August jumped up from the bench.
“Lottie?”
Felix stepped back to let Marlow and the second aesling into the pub.
Gods, what a strange turn his life had taken.
Lottie threw her arms around August. “Thank Baellas you’re alright! I was so worried.”
“What are you doing here?” August asked, hugging her back. “How did you find me?”
“Marlow helped.”
Felix cocked his head and gave Marlow a curious look. “Full of surprises, aren’t you now?”
Her lips tightened into an unamused line. Marlow hated nobles, and dressed in her fine skirts and lacy collared shirt, there was no mistaking Lottie for anything but. Did she know who the girl actually was?
“Found her at the night market,” Marlow said. “Throwingyourname around, looking for her brother. You’re lucky the Watch didn’t overhear. They might’ve put two and two together and come looking for the aesling.”
She did know then.
Felix waved her off, unbothered. “I’m not holding him hostage.”
“Might as well be. They’re out thick looking for him. They’re gonna pin his disappearance on you.” She gave August a disgusted glare, her nostrils flaring. “Why’s he still here, anyway?”
Felix placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gently. “Breathe, Mar. You’re more paranoid than usual.”
She shoved him away, sending him staggering back.
With a dramatic wince, he clutched his chest. “Be nice. I’m still recovering.”
She scoffed.
Was Marlow right? If the Watch found August in a place associated with wielders, would they try to paint it as something else entirely? An act of rebellion? An attack on the crown? The masses would easily believe that story. It would only confirm what they already surmised.
She crossed to the bar and placed a caernon top before she poured herself a drink.
