C. Bryant - Broken

Ussay paused for a moment, a bewildered look on her face. “You would consider a commoner a friend?”

Kira smiled through her tears. “ I’m a commoner. There’s not a drop of Royal blood running through my veins.” Well, except Octavion’s.

“Kira, I am honored to call you my friend.”

“I’m glad. I need one right now.” They both wiped their tears again and continued with their breakfast. Somehow, most of the food Ussay retrieved from the village had been eaten. Kira sat back in the chair and rubbed her stomach.

“Ugh. I ate too much. I hope I don’t get sick-I hate being sick.”

“If you become ill, I will make you some Kostai.”

“Is that the stuff you tried to feed me when I woke-that grey goo in the bowl?

“Yes, but you never tasted it,” Ussay said. “How do you know it is not good?”

Kira turned up her nose. “It smelled like dirty socks.”

Ussay frowned, but when Kira started laughing, her new friend joined right in. It felt good to laugh.

They spent most of the morning walking around the village, taking plenty of opportunities to sit and rest Kira’s shaky legs and sore foot. She was determined to gain her strength back as soon as she could. She hated the idea of being weak and others having to take care of her.

Kira was surprised at how friendly everyone acted and how they all seemed to know her. Of course, who could miss her red hair and dark eyes? Some people shied away, especially mothers with small children, but most were kind. They curtsied or bowed as if she were royalty. At first it made her a little uncomfortable, but then she thought it was kind of fun, like pretending to be a princess when she was little. And she had to admit, she liked the special treatment.

Shortly after midday, Kira happened to step out onto the main road leading up the hill to the castle. When she’d seen the castle earlier in the day, it had appeared dark and mysterious with the sun obscured behind it. Now the sun reflected off the white stone, illuminating every detail. She stood there for several moments, taking in the glorious view.

“Kira, are you all right?” Ussay asked.

Kira nodded. “I didn’t realize how beautiful it was. It’s like a vision. . a heavenly palace for angels.” She tried to remember how it looked when Lydia used the journey stone in Octavion’s lair, but even then, it held no comparison to what she saw now.

“I like seeing it through your eyes,” Ussay said. “When you work there every day, you forget.”

“I hope I never forget.” Kira turned to look at her. “Do you mind if we sit for a while? My feet hurt.”

“We need to get you some shoes.” Ussay motioned for Kira to sit on a small bench near the well in the center of the village. “Once you are rested we will see the cobbler. He may have a pair of shoes to fit you. I do not believe mine are small enough.”

They’d barely sat down when a sense of dread crept over Kira. She had the distinct impression that a Royal was nearby. Surely one wouldn’t appear in the village this close to the new moon phase-at least not a good Royal. “Didn’t you say the Royal’s would be sleeping?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Curious, that’s all,” Kira lied. But the feeling grew stronger before it finally went away. She couldn’t help be suspicious of the villagers around her. For all she knew, any one of them could be a Royal who meant to do her harm.

“Ussay!” a small voice rang out. Kira and Ussay looked in the direction of the voice to find a young boy running up the cobblestone street. “I have something for you.” He waved a small piece of paper in the air.

Ussay stood and waited for him to come to her. “This is for you. Mara. .” He took a deep breath. “Lady Mara brought it to your mother at the marketplace. She said to give it to you.”

“Thank you Braden.” She ruffled his hair. “Now run along.”

“I cannot,” he said. “I am to wait for a reply.”

“Who’s Lady Mara?” Kira asked.

“Luka’s mother.” Ussay studied the envelope she held in her hand-parchment sealed with a small blob of red wax, the letter “O” stamped in the middle. She slowly turned it over. “I believe this is for you.” She handed it to Kira.

Kira took it from her. On the front were several letters and symbols she didn’t recognize. She ran her finger over the markings and a voice whispered in her mind.

Ussay,

Please see that Kira receives this.

O

Kira stared at the words she could now read written on the paper, but she couldn’t bring herself to open it. She still wasn't sure how she felt about what she saw the night before and she certainly wasn't ready to hear what Octavion had to say about it with the villagers watching and waiting for her reaction.

“Tell her. . there will be no reply,” Kira said.

Ussay motioned for Braden to return with Kira’s answer and then put her hand on her shoulder. “What is it?”

Kira slipped the letter up the sleeve of her dress and brushed off the front of her skirt. “Nothing. Can we get those shoes now? I’d really like to go back to your cottage.”

“As you wish,” Ussay said.

Chapter Twelve

The cobbler had two pairs of shoes-both made for children and way too small. Ussay offered Kira hers, but she refused. By the time they got back to the cottage her feet were on fire. Kira felt grateful they at least weren’t bleeding or all their work would have been in vain. Ussay helped Kira wash them and apply salve. Kira convinced her to apply the same medicine to the scratch on her wrist-the infection appeared to be getting worse.

As the room slowly began to lose its light, Ussay lit a candle and let Kira help replace the black pieces of cloth in the windows. Because of the cramped space, Narissa agreed to stay the night with Ussay’s aunt so they had the room to themselves. Kira offered to stay on the floor, but Ussay refused. When the sounds of the village grew silent, Kira knew the time of darkness was near. Ussay seemed to sense her need for privacy and began straightening the already organized cupboard on the other side of the room.

Kira numbly slipped the envelope out of her sleeve. What could he possibly have to say? She already knew he’d be mortified by what happened the night before and would beg her forgiveness. Reluctantly, she broke the red wax seal and opened it. Inside she found a single piece of parchment. She slid it out of the envelope, unfolded it then held it to her face and took in a deep breath. His musky scent filled her soul with warmth. She’d only been gone one day and she already missed him.

She held the paper in the flickering candlelight and read the words written in her own language.

Kira,

I have seen the fear in your eyes and would give my life to remove it. My worst nightmare could not compare to how I felt when the sun rose on Xantara and the realization of what I had done came to my mind. I pray I have not broken your heart, for I know not how to heal it and I dare only to ask your forgiveness. I hope you do as Ussay instructs to ensure your safety. I will send a carriage to retrieve you both when it is safe.

All my love,

Octavion

She folded the paper, inhaled his sent one last time and slid it back into the envelope. “Is it time?”

“Yes.” Ussay walked to the bed and sat beside her. “Are you all right?”

Kira nodded.

“The letter. . it has his scent?”

“Yes.” Kira knew the hidden meaning behind her words and also knew what needed to be done, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She clutched the envelope against her chest, hesitant to part with the only tangible piece of him within grasp at that moment. As the tears began to flow, she slowly released it and let if fall into her lap.