Page 63 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Do me a favor and stay out of trouble.” He turns away from me.

As he saunters away, I let out a long, shuddered breath. My mind is swimming, my focus blurred. This can’t all be because of Dante.

What the hell?

No. I won’t let him get to me. That’s exactly what he wants, and I won’t give him the satisfaction of having the higher ground. I stretch out my neck and shake out my arms, making a note to cut back on the ale.

CHapter

Twenty-Three

As Ezra finishes his lesson on all the provinces in Hedera, I glance over at Nadya to see she’s fallen asleep. She’s slouched back in her chair with her arms crossed over her chest, her mouth slightly agape as slow steady breaths flow in and out. I almost feel bad waking her, but the alternative is to leave her alone in the classroom to continue her slumber.

Ezra looks like he’s holding back a laugh as I poke Nadya’s arm.

“Nadya, wake up.”

Her lashes flutter as she blinks, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings. Her gaze darts between me and Ezra before she straightens her posture, her cheeks growing red. “I wasn’t sleeping.”

I can’t help but giggle. “Come on, sleepyhead. Lessons are over for the day.”

“Thank you for your undeterred attention, Lady Nadya.” Ezra smirks as we head for the door.

“My pleasure, Ezra.” She waves as we slip through the door.

Once we’re out of earshot, I hook my arm through hers. “You know, you might be able to stay awake during lessons if you wouldn’t stay outall night.”

“It’s not my fault all these men in Ivystone beg for my company. And a few women.” She waggles her brows. “Besides, even if I were awake for the lesson, I would never be able to remember the names of all those towns and provinces and lords and ladies Ezra was listing.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I mix up the names all the time.”

“Celeste, I need an update. I hope you’re well.”

My uncle’s voice causes me to straighten my posture, but my steps don’t falter as Nadya and I enter the main hall of the castle.

Nadya bristles, and I follow her gaze to see Indira coming in our direction, carrying a basket propped on her hip.

“What’s wrong?” I whisper to Nadya.

But before she can answer, Indira blocks our path.

She gives me a slight curtsey before glaring at Nadya. “Lady Nadya, I don’t mean to overstep my station, but I do have a request.”

Nadya lifts her chin. “What is it?”

“The other maidservants and I have been finding your belongings all over the castle. Now and then, your books, but particularly your… unmentionables. In rooms that do not belong to you.”

Nadya scoffs. “How do you know they’re mine?”

“They’re all a ghastly bright-red color. A lacy design, Messanyan in origin, I believe? After a bit of puzzle-solving by me and the others, the consensus is that they belong to you.”

Nadya bites the inside of her cheek, obviously trying to stop herself from smiling. “I see. And what is your request?”

“It’s becoming a bit embarrassing when the other maidservants keep handing me underwear, guessing they belong to you. It would be a lot less hassle if you could stop littering the castle with your things.”

“Are you implying I’m too generous with my time?”

Indira sets her jaw. “I’m suggesting that you might return to your room with the same amount of clothes you left them in, just to save me time.”

---