Page 36 of Vows Forged in Blood

I throw my head back and laugh, and hear chortles behind me from Malcom and Cyrus. I stick my tongue out at them.

“I suppose I can accommodate that request.”

“Oh thank the gods,” Takara says with a dramatic sigh of relief.

After a bathand a change of clothes, we set off for the village. I’m excited for an afternoon away from the camp. Nova is still off with Alaric, though Takara says they should be back this evening or tomorrow, and Wesley is out on watch, so I’ve been a bit lonely. Plus, I’ve become very fond of the village and its inhabitants, knowing almost everyone by name by now.

We make our way towards the jewelry shop. I’ve never cared much about jewelry, but Enidlovesit and the owner, Rayner, is one of my favorite people here.

“Lady Dahlia!” Rayner exclaims, grinning widely and showing off his gold-capped teeth. He begins to make his way towards me, but I quickly cross the space to him instead. The man is almost ninety—if I can save him a bit of walking, I’m happy to do it.

“How are you, Master Rayner?”

“You are too kind to an old man, my Lady,” he says, taking my hand in his and patting it gently with the other. “I am well, as I hope that you are.” I incline my head in answer and the man beams. “Good, good.” He holds up a finger, telling me to wait a moment. I arch a brow but obey as he shuffles behindthe swinging doors that lead into the back room of the shop. He emerges a few moments later carrying a small case.

“I think you may like some of my newest pieces. I have several amethyst and blue topaz—your sister’s favorite, yes?”

I smile widely. “You remembered!” I’m touched by the old man’s kindness. He proffers the case, opening it so that I can see its contents and I gasp.

“These arebeautiful,” I breathe. Rings and necklaces and bracelets lay within the velvet lining of the case, all of them expertly crafted, the delicate details surrounding the stones making them truly stunning.

“You are again too kind, my Lady,” Rayner says, bowing his head. He breaks out into a coughing fit and I reach out to place a hand on his shoulder to steady him.

“Are you alright?” I ask, worriedly. I know that he has problems with his lungs, but he has medicine for it. Is it not working? The coughing subsides and he pats my hand gently.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ve had to cut back on the amount of medicine I take. The coughing is a bit worse now because of it, but it’s alright.” He smiles warmly at me, gray eyes shining with kindness.

“Why have you cut back?”

“It is not something you need to worry yourself with, my Lady.”

I give him a pointed look and cross my arms over my chest, letting him know that I won’t be leaving without an answer. He looks somewhere between exasperated and touched, and exhales roughly, admitting defeat.

“You remind me much of my youngest granddaughter, Rosalind.” He gives me a soft smile. “She is as stubborn and immovable as the mountains, just like you. The medicine has become quite expensive, my Lady. I cannot afford to pay the apothecary for the amount I used to take.”

A rush of shame spills through me. Here I am, spending the abundance of wealth belonging to the Montclares freely on whatever frivolous thing I wish, while Rayner has to go without medicine he desperately needs.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly and he waves the words away.

“It is no worry, my Lady. I promise, I am fit as a fiddle. A ninety-six-year-old fiddle, true, but I can still carry a tune.” He winks and I huff out a laugh.

“Well, I will take this lot, please.”

“Of course, my Lady.” He bows his head and closes the case, eyes crinkling at the edges when he smiles. I thank him and promise to visit again soon. Once outside, I walk purposefully towards the apothecary shop. He’s more than happy to help me in my mission of making sure Rayner never pays for medicine again. I pay the mandoublewhat a year's supply of the medicine would cost.

“This is quite generous of you, my Lady,” Fredrich says as he makes a note in his ledger.

“Are there many others like Rayner? Who cannot afford the things they might need?”

“At times, yes, my Lady.” I nod, mind made up.

“If someone cannot pay, you will give them what they need—you may take whatever they can give or nothing at all, I’ll leave that to you—but send word to the camp and I will make sure you are paid for your wares and services.”

Fredrich’s brows arch so high that they’re hidden in his black-and-gray hair. “Truly, my Lady?”

“Yes, of course.” He blinks, tilting his head to study me.

“You are…very unlike the last Consort I met.”

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