“No. I’m sorry. It would defeat the purpose of you leaving.”
She dried her hands with a plush hand towel, then pulled the apron over her head, placing it on the peg out of habit. I winced, knowing it would stay there, abandoned. Facing me, she said, “This has something to do with your parents’ deaths and the twins missing, doesn’t it?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“Is there nothing we can do, or offer, to whomever is after you to make them stop, Nyleeria?”
“No. I’m the only thing they want.”
Her brows furrowed, and I spoke before she could press further. “Please, Mrs. E. Don’t ask me to tell you more. I need you to trust me on this.”
“Oh, my sweet child, I do trust you. Truly, I do. But the sadness in your eyes, and the weight pressing you down… I’d do anything to free you from whatever it is you’ve found yourself shackled to.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I promise that knowing you’re safe will help beyond measure.”
She held my gaze, and her jaw tightened in an expression I’d never seen before. Was it resolve, or was she hiding her true emotions from me? If I were in her shoes, would I be so quick to abandon my life—the home I’d shared with a loving husband until his dying day? The one I’d undoubtedly thought would witness my last breath. I’m not sure I would. Then again, I hadn’t been raised healthy and whole—perhaps her depth of trust was born from the stability and love she’d received throughout her life.
“Okay, then,” she said lightly, as if we were preparing to go to the market. “Let’s get that sack of Luca’s filled with supplies, and I’ll start readying to leave after.”
“Thank you,” I said and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
As Mrs. E packed, I borrowed a sun hat and clothing from her. I’d have to make my way into the village proper to negotiate for her safe passage, and I couldn’t afford eyewitness accounts of my presence when Thaddeus came looking. Unfortunately, I’d have to walk—Luca was too conspicuous.
At least there was one thing in our favor—timing. The ship would be docked at the harbor and readying to sail first thing tomorrow morning. A chill crept through me as I realized it would be the same ship and time that Eithan had left. Stars, how I hoped Mrs. E wouldfind him without trouble.
As the port was about a day’s ride away by carriage, I’d have to make sure Mrs. E had a spot on the one that left today. I looked toward the sun, and even though it was still early, the day was fleeting. Each second that passed diminished the possibility that she’d make it in time.
I faced westward toward the village and began jogging.
After an hour and having paid far too much, I’d finally secured passage for Mrs. E to the port and on the boat.
As I entered the house, two medium-size suitcases sat by the front door. I relieved myself of the sun hat and extra clothing I’d borrowed, then knelt, untying my laces. Ready to heel off my boots, I halted, the sight of the luggage jolting me out of the habit. Clenching my jaw, I relaced the boots and walked through the long hallway to the back. The echoing of my steps sounded foreign to my ears as the last vestiges of my old life slipped away.
Mrs. E was at the back of the house, feeding Luca another apple. “You’ll spoil him,” I said.
His huff and her glare told me to butt out. I raised my hands in defeat, and they turned back to the juicy goodness she held out for him.
“The carriage will be here shortly,” I said. “Are you ready?”
She wiped her hand clean and looked longingly across the expanse of her estate, the mountain peaks crisp and clear in the background. Stars, I’d miss this place. Stepping up to her, I rested a hand on her shoulder.
“Are you okay?” I asked softly.
Her opposite hand crossed over, and she rested her delicate fingers over mine. Mrs. E took in a deep breath, floating our hands higher as her shoulders rose from the movement.
“I’d be lying if I said I won’t miss this place.” She twisted to face me, dropping our hands. “But it’s been deeply lonely without you and Eithan. I’m saddened and scared for you, Nyleeria. It must be a terrible thing that haunts you to refuse to come with me, to be reunited with Eithan, even if he’s married. Perhaps his family canbecome mine; I’ve always loved children.” Her eyes held a wistfulness, the kind that held both hope and fear.
“I wish that for you too,” I said, and sent a prayer to the stars for it to come true. Stars, to be able to join her, to leave this all behind, to see Eithan again. The ache at considering such a choice filled my chest with a heaviness that felt like a vice.
“And I for you, Nyleeria. May the gods look over you, may the Mother bless you, and may the stars guide you, child.” Her eyes filled, pooling over, and as we embraced, I couldn’t help but think her prayer would fall on deaf ears.
Luca pressed at Mrs. E’s side, nudging to get her attention, and most likely to request more sweets. We chuckled, eventually giving in to his prodding. His big eyes held an innocence that had been well practiced. I rolled my eyes, but Mrs. E pressed a hand to him.
“The suitcases at the front door,” I said, “is that all you’re taking?”
She continued to stroke his muzzle, Luca inclining his head toward her. “There’s very little in life that can’t be replaced, Nyleeria.” A lesson she’d learned, no doubt, from the loss of her late husband and, I supposed, more recently, me.
“Can you write a note to Eithan for me?” I asked.
