Page 92 of A Shard of Ice

We take a seat while Merna disappears behind a door that must lead to the kitchen.

“She seems nice,” I tell Damon. “I can see why you thought to bring me here.”

“Merna is the best. Elsie is just like her, except Elsie has dark hair like her father, whereas Merna used to have blonde hair in her youth. Her husband died when Elsie was just a babe.”

“That’s terrible.”

“It was.” He nods, looking grave. “My father kept a brute of a stallion. A huge creature called Magnus. The horse was a handful, both in hand and under saddle. He hated anything that moved. We couldn’t even use him to cover mares because he would tear them to pieces.”

I gasp. “That’s terrible.”

“Merna’s husband was head groom at the time. One day, Magnus cornered Zack and stomped him to death. It was tragic. My father had Magnus shot.”

“Poor Merna and terrible for Elsie.”

“It was.”

We sit in silence for a few long, tense moments. Both of us are feeling Damon’s leaving acutely. It’s there, hanging in the air between us like a living, breathing thing.

Thankfully, Merna returns with a tray. On the tray is a teapot, cups, and a plate of cookies. There is also a little glass honey jar.

“Here we go,” Merna says, beaming at Damon. She glances my way, as well. “Can I pour you some tea, dear?”

“Yes, please, Merna.”

“Elsie brought me these. She baked them herself. They’re sugar cookies. Try one. The two of you look like you just got off your horses and could use a snack.”

Damon sniffs at himself. “I’m sure we smell like it, too.” He smiles. “Apologies.”

Merna waves her hand. “Don’t be silly. I always loved the sweet scent of horses. Reminds me of Zack.” She gets a wistful look.

I take a biscuit and bite it, a moan instantly forming on my lips. “These are delicious. You were right about Elsie being able to bake.”

Merna’s whole face lights up. “You should taste her pastries; they are truly sublime.”

Damon takes a cookie as well, making all the right noises while he eats it.

“So, what brings you here?” she asks while she pours three cups, pushing two of them toward each of us. “Help yourself to some honey.”

“I brought Kyrie because I need a safe place for her to stay. She’s…special to me, Merna.” Damon looks me in the eye, his gaze softening. His jaw tightens as he looks back at his old nursemaid. “I was hoping that Elsie would be able to help out. Perhaps she could get Kyrie a job in the castle. No one must know that I was ever here or how Kyrie came to be here.” He rubs his jaw. “It’s probably best if I discussed it directly with Elsie as well. Perhaps she can tell others that Kyrie is her cousin who has come to stay. The two of you are practically furniture here at the castle; they would believe you. I know I would be asking a lot. If you were caught, there would be consequences. If either of you feels uncomfortable, I would understand. It’s just that, although there are others I trust, none more implicitly than the two of you.”

“No, itisn’tbest if you spoke to Elsie about this.” Merna shakes her head, her tone clipped. “You’re right; there would be consequences, and they could be dire indeed. Elsie has three children to raise. She has a good life here, and you would be asking her to put herself at risk. Her family would be at risk. I can’t allow that, Damon.” She shakes her head.

“You’re right, Merna. It’s selfish of me. I shouldn’t have come here.” He starts to stand.

“Wait! I, on the other hand, am old and frail. I do not have long of this world. I have been sickly of late. I would be more than willing to take the risk on myself. If any of this ever came to light, then Elsie would be in the clear. I would take all the blame.”

He sits back down and clasps his hands on the table, looking troubled. “I hate to ask this of you. I wouldn’t if I had any other choice.”

“Don’t be silly, Damon. You needed help, and you came to just the right place. Kyrie is welcome here. We will look after her as if she were one of our own. I will never breathe a word about seeing you. We will lie to Elsie.” Merna looks at me. “She isneverto know the truth. I will tell her that Kyrie here is her cousin seeking a new life. Only we shall call you…” she lifts her eyes in thought, “Sindy. From here on out, you are Sindy.”

I nod, taking a sip of my tea, which is quite delicious. “Sindy is perfect. Thank you for agreeing to help me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“Think nothing of it, child. If you are special to Damon, then you must be special. It means that you are part of the fold.”

My eyes prick with unshed tears. I nod because I don’t trust my voice.

“You’re right, Merna. It’s probably better if Elsie truly believes that Sindy is her actual cousin from Hollyoaks.”

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