Page 122 of The Bond That Burns

“Welcome,” he said, with a faint smile. “So you decided to come.”

I nodded. “You said I had a day, but...” I took a deep breath. “I thought I’d better get it over with.”

If he was insulted by the way I’d phrased things, he didn’t show it. But his lips quirked slightly. “I thought you and Florence might appreciate some familiar company, so I asked her to move here. There aren’t many double rooms in Avari.”

I glanced at Florence. Her usual cheer seemed dimmed. I could see faint shadows under her eyes, as if she hadn’t been sleeping properly. My chest tightened.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

Kage nodded. “Florence and I were just discussing her mother.”

“Jia?” I said instantly. “What about her? Is she all right?”

Kage hesitated, then glanced at Florence before answering. “I’ve had the best healers visit her. Physically, they say she’s fine. But she obviously went through something very traumatic...”

I saw Florence twist her hands in the bed covers and winced. Jia wasn’t the only one.

“...And it’s taking a toll,” Kage finished. “She’s taking some time away from her usual duties in the library to rest and recover.”

“But...” Florence burst out, her face worried.

Kage looked over at her. “It’s all right. I’ve spoken with your mother’s supervisors, and she’ll be given all the time she needs.” He looked back at me. “I’ve arranged for healers to continue to check on her regularly. With time and care, they’re hopeful she’ll heal fully.”

“I see.” I studied his face, searching for any sign of an ulterior motive. But he looked sincere. “That’s very kind of you.”

He nodded. “Of course. Librarian Shen is a remarkable woman, as is her daughter. House Avari cares for its own.”

I glanced at Florence. She wasn’t blushing like she usually would have. She just seemed...despondent.

Kage was moving across the room towards the door. “I’ll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, let me know.” He paused. “Medra, one last thing. Your timetable hasn’t changed. You’ll be expected to attend the same classes. Perhaps in the new year...”

I nodded quickly. “I understand.”

Part of me was oddly relieved.

When he left, I dumped my bags on the free bed and moved to sit next to Florence on hers. She was staring down at her hands.

“How are you holding up?” I asked gently.

She shrugged, but her lower lip trembled.

“Florence,” I said softly. “It’s going to be okay. You’re not alone.”

She looked up at me slowly, her eyes shining with tears. And then, all at once, she broke. Her face crumpled as she buried it in her hands.

I didn’t hesitate. I slid forward, wrapping my arms around her. “I’ve got you. We’ll get through this. Together.” I paused, then added, “I’m so sorry. So, so terribly sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“It’s not your fault,” she sniffled.

“It certainly is my fault,” I insisted. “They used you as a fucking hostage, Florence. Your mother must have been absolutely terrified. And then, in the carriage...” I shook my head mutely.

“I was so scared,” she whispered. “I wanted to help Theo, but I didn’t even know what to do. I just...froze.”

“It’s all right,” I assured her. “You’re still here. That’s what matters. Theo is going to be okay.” I hoped that was true.

“No,” she said firmly. She pulled a handkerchief out of her skirt pocket and blew her nose. “No, Medra. You don’t understand. It’s not okay.”

“What do you mean?” I asked softly. “Tell me, Florence.”

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