Page 41

“I think I would like to go back to my room.”

I felt my stomach twist but nodded. Swallowed. I still tasted her blood in my mouth. “I’ll fetch your maids to escort you.”

“Could you do it?” she asked, her voice small. At my hesitation, she dropped her gaze. “Faline will fuss over me, and I don’t want to answer any questions just now.”

“Of course, My lady.”

I set to removing her cape and armor, carefully placing the pieces on the cart—no one ever trespassed here, so I could return for them without trouble. And then I escorted her through the secret door.

Usually I preferred silence, but this one felt torturous, nothing but our footsteps to fill it. But I didn’t know what to say. Didn’t want to say anything. I was bound to say something wrong.

“What time are we leaving for The Dark tomorrow?” Cali asked.

“You’ll be woken at nine,” I said, thankful for the neutral topic.

“Rather late.”

“It’s been a long day and tomorrow may be even longer. It’s best if you get as much rest as possible.”

“I’d never protest a bit more sleep.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that. Nothing I thought of seemed appropriate.

Blessedly, she began to sing. It was nice to see her mood had improved. Sometimes all it took was getting away.

“I’ll send Eliza and Faline to you,” I said, when we reached her door. “And have them bring you something to eat.”

“Thank you so much, Beric.” Her fingers were laced together, her expression hopeful. “I feel as if I’m in your debt for everything you did for me today.”

“It’s my job,” I murmured, thankful the hall was dim enough that perhaps she wouldn’t notice my blush.

“Well … you’re good at it.”

I didn’t dare ask her if she was finally going to send her cousin away, if she’d let me be good at it forever. Not now that she was happy, not when she needed rest. Besides, from her behavior, it seemed she would handle that issue of her own accord.

She held out my handkerchief, but I shook my head.

“Keep it,” I said.

She grinned. “But what if I need it again? Am I to carry my own handkerchief, when I’ve been so reliant on yours?”

“Mine is yours now.”

She sounded so sweet when she said, “But I want yours to be mine.”

I paused, processing her words. “That’s … what I said.”

Cali laughed. I couldn’t begin to name why—I’d misunderstood something again, as I often did. But I liked hearing her laugh. She’d cried so much today, that this was a needed change.

She stuck the cloth into my front pocket, despite my words, with a slight grin. “I know where to find it the next time this palace makes me cry.”

Before she could move her hand away, I took it, turning her palm upward.

“It’s already healed,” she said.

“I feel guilty, that’s all,” I said. “It was by my sword.”

“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself all the time, Beric. Not everything is your responsibility.”