Page 93 of A Shard of Ice

“Where exactly is Hollyoaks?” Merna asks, frowning.

“No idea. I made it up.” Damon smiles.

Merna chokes out a laugh. “I like that.”

“Hollyoaks is a settlement on the border of the Bohab desert. I traveled seven days and nights to get here. I almost got captured by bloodfae along the way. Then, almost eaten by a pack of hywolves. But I somehow made it with my meager belongings in the hopes of making a place for myself at the Ice Court with my long-lost family,” I say, trying to stick to some of the real facts, which will make it easier for me to remember.

“You are the daughter of my oldest and estranged sister, Mable, who, on her deathbed, told you to come and find me, which you did,” Merna says.

“Mable and Merna.” Damon laughs softly. “Did you make up that name?”

“Not at all.” Merna’s eyes twinkle. “My mother had a strange sense of humor. She named us four girls Mable, Merna, Mirtle, and Mary. Mirtle died from an illness as a child. Mary used to visit me at the Ice Court from time to time, but I haven’t seen her in years.” Her eyes go hazy. “Mable and I hated each other. I never saw her again after leaving home, and it never bothered me. You are nothing like her and more like your father, Sindy. I welcomed you with open arms.”

We talk like this for a time. I finish my tea and eat two more biscuits. We go over the fabricated story several times, making sure that we have the basic facts down and that our stories are straight.

“You’ll stay here with me until you get your own home,” Merna says. “I will introduce you to Elsie tomorrow morning. She is bringing the children here while she goes to run a few errands. You can meet her then. Elsie is sweet and kind. She will love that you are here and will be more than willing to help you find work here at the castle. We are always looking for hands.”

“I will feel bad lying to her,” I tell Merna.

“Don’t feel bad,” Merna says. “One day, you can explain everything, and I assure you that she will understand. For now, you must do what it takes to stay safe for when Damon retakes the throne.” She looks at Damon, her eyes blazing. “Please tell me that it is your plan. You are the ruler…not her,” Merna whispers.

“Yes, Merna, it is the plan. The less I say, the better.”

“I understand,” Merna says, covering his hand with her much smaller one. She gives it a pat and then folds her hands in her lap.

Damon stands. “The time has come for me to take my leave.”

No!

Now that the time has come, I am not sure I can say goodbye. I stare down at my hands, which are tightly clasped.

“Must you go?” Merna says, standing as well. “Let me make you supper. You can’t leave without warm food in your belly. It won’t take me long at all. I’ll make venison pie. It was one of your favorites growing up.”

“That it was, but I’m afraid that I need to go. Thank you for agreeing to keep Kyrie safe.”

No! No! No!

I can’t.

I must.

I don’t want to.

“It is no trouble at all,” Merna says.

“Kyrie, love. It’s time.” His voice is thick with emotion, making my throat clog right up. I force myself to look up at him.

Tears threaten as I get to my feet.

Merna looks from me back to Damon. “Let me clean up.” She turns to Damon. “Come back to us, my boy…please.”

“I will do my level best.” They hug tightly for a few long moments.

“I can die somewhat at peace now,” Merna says.

“Don’t say that, Merna. You still look great,” Damon tells her. “And healthy as an ox.”

When they pull away, Merna is crying again but smiling through her tears. “If only that were true. It was good to see you. Now, let me clear up; you will find me in the kitchen, dear,” she says to me, a kind smile playing on her lips. She packs up her tray and disappears back through the door.

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