Page 29 of Degradation

“Because this is a land where the strong devour the weak. Where parents sell their own children to survive. And no one does anything to make it better.”

“And if someone tried?”

“They would quickly find themselves in the royal dungeon.”

I nodded my understanding and left without another word.

Outside, the sun sat low on the horizon. Long shadows covered the roads as I made my way back to the inn. The number of guards patrolling grew, and I was forced to take several wrong turns to pass undetected.

Just before the sun set, I felt Edmund prowling down the center of a busy market street. Anger radiated from him, and people scurried out of his way. He ducked inside a dress shop, and I felt his anger grow along with his fear.

He was looking for me.

I slipped into a nearby alley and picked up a stone smaller than a pea. He didn’t leave me to wait long. When he passed the alley’s opening, I flicked the stone at him, helping it stay true with some air, and it hit his arm.

The way he stopped dead sent a thrill through me, and some inner demon made me smile when he slowly turned his head to look at me. I felt his relief, along with the need to toss me over his knee and thrash my backside until I couldn’t sit comfortably.

I beckoned him to join me with a crook of my finger.

“You left,” he said lowly when he reached me.

“I did. But in a way that did not call attention to me. Unlike you, Edmund. The way you just stalked down the street drew every eye. Be upset with me, but do not show it. Not here. Not now.”

His hand captured the back of my head, and his mouth was on mine before I even sensed his intent. He kissed me with hunger, anger, and desperation. As much as I wished to lose myself in his kiss, I knew neither of us could afford that. So, I stomped on his toe.

He pulled back with a growl and glared at me.

“By all appearances, you’re kissing another man in an alley. Stop this madness, or I will make you,” I hissed.

He let out a long breath and released me. After ensuring my hair was properly tucked up into my cap, I turned away from him and started down the narrow alley.

“Where are you going?” he asked, following.

“Back. I imagine you’re not the only one upset.”

He said nothing else as we weaved our way to the inn’s road. When we reached it, I motioned for him to continue.

“Not without you.”

“And how will it look to everyone paying attention if I return dressed as this?” He opened his mouth to answer, but I cut him off. “Take a leisurely stroll down this road; then check the stable. There’s a boy hiding in the hay who might like a bite to eat. While you’re busy, I will find a way to reappear as if I’ve been there the whole time.”

His anger boiled again. “Your departure will be discussed when you return.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.”

He pivoted away from me and took one angry stride before visibly relaxing and slowing down. Satisfied he was listening, I continued to the neighboring street and cut through the side yards of the vacant homes to reach the inn.

Despite the darkness, climbing up to my open window was easier than the descent. However, my arrival did not go as unnoticed as my departure.

Liam sat on the bed. Anger radiated from him as well—which upset me a great deal. The few times I’d seen him angry had been because of the trackers. This time, as he watched me pull myself through the narrow window, his anger was directed at me.

“Is your anger out of fear, or did I unwittingly do something that will cause harm to you or your brothers?” I asked once I was on my feet.

“I’m not yet certain.”

“Does the innkeeper know I’m missing?”

“She does. It was hard to keep quiet about it when we searched every inch of this place.”

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