I wasn’t sure why I’d now said “Wolfe’s bed” twice, and I once again felt my cheeks heating.
Nevan stared at me long enough that it made me squirm. “Okay, then. If you start feeling nauseous or dizzy, or your head is hurting, stop by the healer’s quarters.”
I nodded, and he left, and I slumped back, boredom and anxiety overtaking me.
I would snoop, but I was pretty sure Wolfe was just in the next room, and also, there was absolutely nothing to snoop through. The room had a bed, a wooden nightstand with a lantern on it, and a wardrobe that was half opened and looked depressingly empty.
I slumped farther down, unable to believe I was going to be stuck here all day with nothing to do. I wanted to be back at the castle, cleaning out the library or exploring the city or going shopping. I looked down at the form-fitting tan hose and oversized maroon tunic I wore. It was all I could find in the little wardrobe in my room while my other dress was being cleaned. I’d been so focused on getting to know the castle that I hadn’t made my clothing a priority. But if I was to be the queen, I should probably find a few nice dresses to wear.
A crash sounded in the next room, followed by swearing, and I got out of bed and went to the doorway to see Wolfe bent over, cleaning up a shattered teacup.
“Need help?” I asked.
He shot up, scowling. “What are you doing out of bed?”
“I’m—Oh!” I yelped as he slung me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and deposited me back in his bed.
“You’re not to move. Healer’s orders,” he barked.
I crossed my arms, settling back down, feeling grumpier by theminute. “Why can’t you be more pleasant? Do you always have to yell and order people around? I can’t just sit in a room by myself all day.” I tugged at the end of my braid, most of which had come undone. “Besides, it’s your fault I’m here.” His face lost some of its color, and I felt a little bad. “At least keep me company. I’m already bored out of my mind.”
He heaved a sigh and walked out the door.
Well, that was that. I’d tried and failed, and now I was stuck here all day with absolutely nothing to do. I groaned, and just as I let my head thunk against the headboard, Wolfe returned, this time carrying a small wooden chair that he set by the bed. He sank down into it, almost looking comical with how big he was.
I eyed him. “What are you doing?”
The tips of his ears turned red. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m”—he flung out a hand—“keeping you company.”
“There’s my sunshine.” I patted his arm.
He grunted, and a laugh burst out of me.
“Okay, I won’t tease since you’re being so kind. And I’m sorry I said it was your fault. I should’ve advocated better for myself.”
He swallowed, jaw ticking. “You did advocate. Many times. But I thought I knew best, and I’m sorry. We probably shouldn’t train together anymore.”
I’d been thinking the same, but now that he’d said the words, my stomach sank. “No. We just need to be more careful next time. Take it slower, drink plenty of water, and take more breaks.”
He cocked a brow. “You really want to keep training with me?”
I gave a half shrug. “You taught me a move today I’d never even heard of before. It’s simple, but now I have something to use to defend myself. To make me feel brave.”
He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “I can’t train you again after today. I’m clearly not meant to be anyone’s teacher.”
It was a gamble, but maybe if he understood why I wanted to be trained so badly, he’d agree. Maybe if I told him this part of myself, he’d treat me no differently than he already did and it wouldembolden me, help me overcome my past. “My home was attacked,” I said, voice quiet. “By the Brotherhood of Magic.”
Wolfe swore under his breath.
The brotherhood had seemed positive at first. They were all about using magic to better our society. They visited kingdoms around Aubergn with the idea that magic should be protected, regulated. And they would be the ones to do it. People were sick of wars, thieves, and constant attacks because of magic. But what the brotherhood was actually doing was far more sinister: they were plotting, planning, and infiltrating, and by the time smaller villages and people gave them control to patrol and protect their magical possessions, it was too late, and their full plan was revealed.
“They took control of our river and started demanding payment for anyone who wanted to use the water.” I remembered hearing the warning calls, shouts from the royal guard, the clanging of weapons, the screams. “I was Princess Ashami’s lady’s maid. One of the brotherhood killed her personal guard. We saw him shove a sword lit by fire through her heart—right outside the princess’s bedroom. So I stepped up to protect her, except...”
My voice caught in my throat as it squeezed tight, as my heartbeat picked up its pace, that familiar sound of the blood rushing in my ears. I swallowed and took a deep breath to steady myself before continuing.
“Well, I did my best. We hid until we were sure the attacker was gone, then I led her out of the room and into the hallway. I grabbed the fallen guard’s shield, even though I didn’t know the first thing about using it.” Tears pricked my eyes. “I kept squeezing Princess Ashami’s hand, looking back at her in reassurance, and then we rounded a hallway and were met by flames. They were taller than us, not normal. It must’ve been magic the brotherhood had stolen from some other kingdom it had conquered. Either way, we couldn’t go forward.”
Wolfe sat there, head cradled in his hand so I couldn’t see his face, couldn’t guess what he was thinking.
