I kneaded my clammy hands together. “What if someone doesn’t have permission?”
I didn’t want my question to insult Dommik. He apologized, said heshould have acted sooner to prevent Vaspar’s attack, but it happened all the same. And I feared it would happen again.
Dommik cracked his knuckles. The bones adjusting echoed off the wide hallways.
Gorvin pressed his thin lips together. “There aresevereconsequences and we don’t want that.”
“For me?” I asked.
“For anyone involved, yes.”
My heart sank to the pit of my belly.For anyone involved.Of course I’d already misstepped. After narrowly avoiding the axe, I had no interest in being on the receiving end of a vampiric punishment. I swallowed the knot in my throat, straightened and said, “I’m to be punished then? For what happened in the Eckwood?”
“Oh. Right.” Gorvin released a heavy exhale like he’d finally realized why I’d ask these questions. “Don’t fret.Thatwas unfortunate business.Thatwill not happen again.”
He said it so matter-of-factly, like any other truth couldn’t or shouldn’t be considered.
“But what if?—”
“It. Will not. Happen,” Dommik interjected, accentuating the words in a way that made me feel reassured rather than scolded. We nodded at each other in silent understanding.
It will not happen again.
I wanted to believe them. To believe that another violent encounter could be avoided. That the protection of the regent and his guards would deter anyone brave, cunning, or stupid enough to try. Doubt nested in my marrow. They can have all the intentions in the world, but they could never offer a stone-clad guarantee.
The dutiful steward turned quickly and we resumed our march.
“Lord Wrymark has been our Master of Archives for over a century. He is exceptional at his craft. He’ll see that you’re brought up to speed on our history and political relations to prevent any avoidable missteps in future summits. Vampire history is vast. I highly recommend you give him the entirety of your focus.”
I’ve got nothing else to do,I thought.
Dommik cleared his throat and Gorvin rolled his eyes. The two of them bickered like siblings. A small pinch pricked in my chest as I thought of the relationship Cova and I once had.
Gorvin continued his brief as we turned another corner, “There is one last item. Your training.”
We reached a set of expansive double doors. Sweat broke on my brow from the brisk walk yet there were no signs of exertion on Gorvin’s bald head.
“My training?” I arched my brow.
“Yes, training.” The steward ran a finger over a display next to the doors and rubbed the collected residue with a grunt. “For…your gifts.”
I went still, my conditioned response when magic was mentioned so openly.
“Oh, my dear, don’t worry.” Gorvin keyed into my change in demeanor. “It’s not widely known.”
I let out my held breath. “I appreciate your discretion. It’s not something I’ve ever spoken about publicly.”
“Of course. Of course.” He nodded to the ground. “Well, that won’t take place for a few days. There are other, more pressing matters that must be attended to.”
Dommik grumbled something about how we should start training right away, but the steward waved a dismissive, manicured hand.
I still didn’t knowwhatRhazien wanted me to find for him. I filed the question away with the myriad of others I harbored. Gorvin rattled off the daily itinerary once again before setting himself upon the ornate double doors.
“Lady Bergmont, welcome to the Sanctum of Knowledge.”
Rows upon rows of towering shelves held pristinely organized books. I craned my neck, trying to take in their obscure titles as Gorvin and I walked to the center of the library. A young man, who couldn’t have been more than twenty, sat at the round desk. His pristine white robes contrasted his sun-kissed skin. He stood as our echoing footsteps approached and a warm smile stretched across the soft edges of his face.
“Ah, Gorvin. Punctual as always.”
