Page 53 of Between Smoke and Shadow

“Sorry, I’m scaring you,” the servant says. He puts his hands up, as if in surrender. A boyish grin touches his lips. “I’m doing this all out of order. I should have introduced myself. I’m Alven. A friend of Vale’s.”

All my worries cease existing, replaced by entirely new ones. This man isn’t here to do me harm. He’s here for the rebels, and he’s most likely going to tell Valeexactlywhere I’m sleeping. Does he think I’m a traitor?

I swallow. If any of the guards are eavesdropping, they might hear what isn’t being said. But it’s still silent downstairs.

“I’ve got information for you,” he continues. He steps into the room, crouching in front of me. His size is no less daunting—he’s not quite as tall as Harrick, but he’s definitely wider. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he leans toward me and lowers his voice. “There’s a guy in the City, someone Vale’s been itching to talk to. It’s risky. Too risky for my comfort, if I’m honest with you, Rune. I know where to find him. I know how to set up a meeting. But sneaking into the City like that…I think you know as well as I do, there’s a chance I don’t come back.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask. My voice shakes, and I’m terrified I already know.

“When I heard Viana was coming today, I got myself added. Was hoping her servant would be here too,” he says. He grins, maybe at my confused expression. “I’ve got my ways, Rune Ealde. I’m a man who knows things. I know you’re working with Vale. I know there’s a man in the City. A man called Berg. He knows things even I don’t.”

I don’t say anything. I strain my ears, relieved to hear nothing from downstairs. A quick glance out the window ensures Harrick’s party hasn’t returned.

“I’m not about to risk my neck,” Alven says. “But I got the feeling you might want to risk yours.”

“What does he know?” I ask. Then, before he can answer, I add, “Something to get out?”

“If the rumors are true?” Alven grins at me. “Yes.”

“Okay,” I say.

My heart thrums in my chest, but there’s no reluctance in its beat. If there’s even a chance Berg can help us escape, I have to take it.

“Good,” Alven says.

He looks around Harrick’s quarters, and for the first time, his face sombers. It’s as if, suddenly, he has realized where we are.

“I hope Berg has the information you need,” he says. His dark eyes bore into mine. “I hope you get out before it’s too late.”

“Thanks,” I whisper.

“And I’m sorry,” Alven says, surprising me. “For what you’ll endure tonight.”

“Tonight?” I echo. I sound stupid, and Alven’s pitiful expression makes me feel even worse.

“I’ve never worked for Prince Harrick,” he says, his voice growing distant. “But if he’s anything like his brother…”

Alven swallows and looks away from me, out to the road where Harrick’s carriage left this afternoon.

“Will it be your first time?” he asks. When I only stare at him, mouth open, he clarifies, “Are you a virgin?”

“Oh,” I say. My stomach twists. Hard. Stupidly, pathetically stupidly, this didn’t occur to me. Harrick wouldn’t actually rape me, would he? He was so apologetic for kissing me in the training arena, but I’d called myself his pet whore, hadn’t I?

Everyone assumes that’s what will happen, and I’m suddenly terrified they could be right.

“I’m sorry,” he says again. He rises to his feet, looking almost as uncomfortable as I now feel. “Once we return to the Tower, you should seek a kitchen servant. They have remedies to prevent…”

He trails off then, a myriad of things left unsaid.

“Thank you,” I say, even though it’s horrible. I should ask what I’d be preventing. Pregnancy? Disease? I can’t bring myself to do anything but stare.

Alven nods sharply and starts back for the door.

“You’ll tell me how to find Berg?” I ask, mostly because I don’t wantthatto be the conversation I’m left with.

“Yes,” he says. He seems haunted now, like he’s suddenly realized my fate and can’t bear to look at me anymore.

I can’t decide if he’s pitying me for what’s going to happen, or if he’s hating himself for not being able to stop it.

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