other and getting told off by the Guardsmen for disrupting the peace. That happened last year at the midsummer solstice, where we got treated to a fantastic fireworks display. After which Adam had tried to set me alight with a sparkler…
Drops of salty warmth rolled down my cheeks, and I wiped them away. The Binding didn ’t interfere, and I was given a moment to mourn the life I could never return to. Mother, Father, Uncle Allen, Adam; I ’ m going to miss you all so much. I hope one day you ’ ll forgive my carelessness.
Ryan took us around the fountain, halting at The Swan and Gate’s stable yard. He rang the brass bell. A young boy poked his head out, raising a hand to protect his freckled face from the sun.
“One room, and quarters for my horse, please,” Ryan said. He reached for a pouch on his belt, his fingers coming dangerously close to mine, and produced a silver coi n. The boy eyed it hungrily. “I’d also appreciate if you could give us one of your more private rooms.”
My jaw went slack. Private rooms ? Great, the button thing had been a step too far. Either he was totally getting the wrong impression—at least, not the impression I wanted to give—or…no. I didn’t want to consider the possibility he might know . People didn’t hide in forests in the middle of the night to protect themselves from a Binding. I was just weird like that. Rather, I had no choice, but…argh, what was I going to do now?!
“Of course!” The boy reached for Cielo ’s reins. “Alec, tell Rose we have a patron!” Someone scuffled in the yard; probably Alec.
“Thank you,” Ryan said. He nudged me, and I blinked. “Come on, Elle.”
My mind didn’t register for a moment. Before I could snap at him for such a ridiculous nickname, he pinned my arms against his shoulders, making to dismount. Just in time I remembered to hold on, and we descended to the cobbled street. His shoulder-blade rubbed against my collarbone, sending my skin tingling, so I started to count breaths again. Even if it only provided temporary relief, it was better than putting up with the fluctuations in my facial temperature.
Ryan took a step forward. My hood flopped over, screening my lateral vision. I waited for him to set me down and fetch my crutch, but instead he made straight for the tavern. He kept a hand locked around my forearm. I breathed more deeply, digging my fingers into my wrists.
I didn’t like where this was going.
Ryan pushed the door open and entered the tavern. Fortunately , it was empty at this hour. Coming here hitched on a stranger’s back was a sure way to find unwanted attention, and it wouldn’t take long before I’d be recognised.
“Greetings, travellers! You ’re quite the early birds, you know.”
I had to stifle my gasp. I knew that voice ! It was Rose, the tavern mistress. Or Aunt Rose, as she’d always been to me. She and Mother were old friends, and I couldn’t think of a more cheerful lady. Never without a quip on her lips, she could even make the Major bawl with laughter. She used to perform live shows in the square before she took ownership of the inn. After Fiona’s departure, I visited her frequently, as Mother had been in too much of a state, and her advice and support had been as valuable as her one-liners.
My tears resurged, stinging the wound on my cheek. Another stitch from the fabric of my life forever lost. More than anything , I wanted to sit in the corner with a mug of hot tea and spill my sorry tale to her. Instead I turned into Ryan’s collar, trying not to picture her rusty locks and round, smiling face. I couldn’t let her see me, not like this.
“Morning, tavern mistress,” Ryan said. “Excuse me for barging in, but my friend ’s hurt her ankle on our travels. I was hoping she could have a quiet place to rest?”
“So Alec told me,” Rose said. “You shouldn ’t be so rough with her.” I didn’t need to see to know she was grinning. “Honestly, I swear men these
Drops of salty warmth rolled down my cheeks, and I wiped them away. The Binding didn ’t interfere, and I was given a moment to mourn the life I could never return to. Mother, Father, Uncle Allen, Adam; I ’ m going to miss you all so much. I hope one day you ’ ll forgive my carelessness.
Ryan took us around the fountain, halting at The Swan and Gate’s stable yard. He rang the brass bell. A young boy poked his head out, raising a hand to protect his freckled face from the sun.
“One room, and quarters for my horse, please,” Ryan said. He reached for a pouch on his belt, his fingers coming dangerously close to mine, and produced a silver coi n. The boy eyed it hungrily. “I’d also appreciate if you could give us one of your more private rooms.”
My jaw went slack. Private rooms ? Great, the button thing had been a step too far. Either he was totally getting the wrong impression—at least, not the impression I wanted to give—or…no. I didn’t want to consider the possibility he might know . People didn’t hide in forests in the middle of the night to protect themselves from a Binding. I was just weird like that. Rather, I had no choice, but…argh, what was I going to do now?!
“Of course!” The boy reached for Cielo ’s reins. “Alec, tell Rose we have a patron!” Someone scuffled in the yard; probably Alec.
“Thank you,” Ryan said. He nudged me, and I blinked. “Come on, Elle.”
My mind didn’t register for a moment. Before I could snap at him for such a ridiculous nickname, he pinned my arms against his shoulders, making to dismount. Just in time I remembered to hold on, and we descended to the cobbled street. His shoulder-blade rubbed against my collarbone, sending my skin tingling, so I started to count breaths again. Even if it only provided temporary relief, it was better than putting up with the fluctuations in my facial temperature.
Ryan took a step forward. My hood flopped over, screening my lateral vision. I waited for him to set me down and fetch my crutch, but instead he made straight for the tavern. He kept a hand locked around my forearm. I breathed more deeply, digging my fingers into my wrists.
I didn’t like where this was going.
Ryan pushed the door open and entered the tavern. Fortunately , it was empty at this hour. Coming here hitched on a stranger’s back was a sure way to find unwanted attention, and it wouldn’t take long before I’d be recognised.
“Greetings, travellers! You ’re quite the early birds, you know.”
I had to stifle my gasp. I knew that voice ! It was Rose, the tavern mistress. Or Aunt Rose, as she’d always been to me. She and Mother were old friends, and I couldn’t think of a more cheerful lady. Never without a quip on her lips, she could even make the Major bawl with laughter. She used to perform live shows in the square before she took ownership of the inn. After Fiona’s departure, I visited her frequently, as Mother had been in too much of a state, and her advice and support had been as valuable as her one-liners.
My tears resurged, stinging the wound on my cheek. Another stitch from the fabric of my life forever lost. More than anything , I wanted to sit in the corner with a mug of hot tea and spill my sorry tale to her. Instead I turned into Ryan’s collar, trying not to picture her rusty locks and round, smiling face. I couldn’t let her see me, not like this.
“Morning, tavern mistress,” Ryan said. “Excuse me for barging in, but my friend ’s hurt her ankle on our travels. I was hoping she could have a quiet place to rest?”
“So Alec told me,” Rose said. “You shouldn ’t be so rough with her.” I didn’t need to see to know she was grinning. “Honestly, I swear men these
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