A Dawn of Onyx (The Sacred Stones, #1)(20)

“Sorry! Sorry. Ugh, what a day,” she said frantically. Her wavy mess of bright red hair framed a face with delicate features and a freckle-dotted nose. She smelled like cinnamon and cloves, and there was something about it that felt familiar and warm.

“It’s fine, I—” Before I could finish, the spritely girl unceremoniously dumped her satchel on the floor and sank into one of the lambskin chairs in the center of the room. She tied her unruly hair up with a quill—a unique skill I hadn’t seen done before—and kicked off her slippers, tucking her feet underneath her.

“My papa was in here earlier and left his sock behind. I told him we aren’t so unfortunate to need a single sock back in our possession, but you know fathers,” she said.

I stared blankly at her. I didn’t, actually.

“Always waste not, want not and whatnot, so I told him I’d come fetch it on my way back from the library. But then I got stuck there until almost dusk. I guess every single person in the keep has decided today is the day they want to enrich their minds or just ruin my day or something, so here I am, hours later than planned, about to miss the first play of the spring, because of a damned sock.”

I must have looked bewildered because her eyes widened at me before she let out a slight breath and laughed.

“Sorry. I’m Mari. My papa says my speed comes from my red hair. Makes me feisty, I guess. You must be Arwen. He said you were really spectacular. Healed him quickly and with little pain. Thank you for that.” She smiled at me kindly.

“Oh, yes. Of course. He was lovely.” I leaned over the counter and produced the sock in question. “Here you go.” I expected Mari to leave but she just took the sock and settled further into the chair.

I shifted awkwardly on my feet. She didn’t seem threatening, but I was still anxious. I peered around her and out at Barney, who looked like he had dozed off against a dark granite column in the gallery overlooking the courtyard.

Some bodyguard.

“So, new healer,” Mari said, “How’d you end up here in Shadowhold?”

Like father, like daughter. Both Mari and Owen had a contagious ruddy cheer in their smiles, but Mari had a keen knowing to hers that Owen lacked. She seemed about my age, and was shockingly beautiful, in a slightly wild and breathless way. It was intimidating. She seemed like she might eat men for breakfast. Maybe there were men out there who would enjoy that.

I wasn’t sure if I should tell her I was a prisoner. Would anyone trust me to heal them knowing I was from an enemy kingdom? I debated outright lying to her but remembered how that had worked for me last time. I fisted my hands in the thick skirts of my dress and settled for a half-truth.

“I just came here yesterday to fill the open position, and don’t know much about the place.”

I hoped that Mari’s eagerness could help my predicament. Maybe she would tell me a bit too much, and I’d garner some information that might be useful in my escape. As long as she didn’t ask where I was from. I knew better than to say Amber, but my lack of world experience made making something up impossible.

“Well, I can tell you everything you need to know. Most folk here are fairly dull and not too educated if I’m being honest. The keep houses soldiers and their families, the commander and generals of the army, some dignitaries and noblemen, and people like Papa and I who keep the place running.

“Anyway,” she shifted, pulling her knees up under her, “I’ve lived here all my life, only been into Willowridge once for a holiday and it was grand. So much history and loads of ancient books. But Shadowhold is lovely if you don’t go outside much. I’m sure you already know, but the Shadow Woods aren’t safe for anyone, even folk like me who know it inside and out. One too many creatures in those woods for my liking, and I’m pretty brave. Not to brag, but I’m not really humble either.”

She looked off for a moment, as if debating if she really was humble.

“What was I saying? Sorry. It has been such a day.”

I gave her a warm smile. She was kind of charming. “That you’ve lived here all your life?”

“Right. The great hall serves a decent supper most nights. The rabbit stew is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the brisket either. People keep to themselves but are kind if you get to know the right folk, like me. I’d steer clear of the commanders and soldiers. They weren’t too friendly before the war, and now they really have their trousers in a bunch. I’d especially keep clear of Lieutenant Bert. He’s a foul brute. My papa thinks something horrible must have happened to him as a child because he’s so twisted. That’s just basic trauma though. I have a lot of books on that if you’re curious. He’s been even worse lately. Ever since King Ravenwood arrived, they’ve all been more on edge.”

My stomach suddenly felt like lead.

The wicked king was here? In the same castle as me?

“Do you know what he’s doing here?” I tried to keep my question casual. I’m sure it was common for kings to leave their capitals and visit their army outposts, but I feared what it meant for our kingdom’s position.

Mari frowned. “I’d imagine he’s working with his army to plan their next attack on Amber. He’s a brilliant war general, our king. Don’t you think? Amber is an interesting kingdom to go after. No doubt it has its logistical perks. I just wish he had stronger diplomacy. No king can succeed with a reputation as a sadist and womanizer.”