Page 32 of Degradation

“Did you truly not want to wed?”

“What?” I was so shocked that I wasn’t sure I’d heard correctly.

“I was asking around for you. The caster you saw said you’d been there and spoke of your wish never to marry. The spell she gave you will ensure no marriage will last.”

I could feel the innkeeper looking at me in disbelief, and I wanted to cuff the lot of them for even attempting to have a conversation with me in front of her. What did they think I could truly say? That I remained true to them? All seven of them? My supposed kin? That would certainly draw attention.

“Have you nothing to say?” Brandle asked softly.

“I do. Look at yourselves, and you’ll know the answer. Now, if you’re done treating me like a child, I believe I’ll retire for the evening.”

I turned on my heel and climbed the stairs with a level of refinement I hoped would convey my annoyance. Were they purposely being unreasonable? Did they truly not understand I could say nothing in my defense in front of the innkeeper?

Brandle’s hand stopped the door from closing.

Facing him, I waited for him to speak. The silence grew, as did his anger.

“Do you truly have nothing to say for yourself?” he asked.

“I believe, in your current mood, any words I utter would be wasted.”

“Try,” he said. His imploring gaze loosened my tongue.

“Do you truly believe I would let another cast a spell on me?” I asked quietly. “I am not so foolish, Brandle.”

“Yet you climbed out a window, dressed as a man, in a place we’ve repeatedly warned you is dangerous.”

“Running through the Dark Forest was dangerous, too. Yet, if I hadn’t risked it, I would not be standing before you now.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. I could feel the storm of his raw emotions abrading him from the inside, and I captured his face between my palms.

“What is it that truly troubles you, Brandle?”

His turbulent gaze held mine.

“We thought we’d lost you.”

“You will never lose me. I’m steadfast and too resilient to fall.”

I kissed him lightly on the lips. He made a pained sound and tried pulling me closer. I slipped from his grasp and shook my head at him.

“You lecture about caution in one breath then do risky things in the next. Edmund looked more fierce than any armored guards I saw today when he strode down the street looking for me.”

“Did the guards take note of you?” Brandle asked, gripping my arms firmly.

“Of course not. I did nothing to stand out.”

He sighed heavily. “Will you tell me the real reason you went to the caster?”

“To test how well hidden I am from other casters.”

Understanding lit his gaze, along with immeasurable fear. “You cast? Here? In Adele?”

“Breathe, Brandle. I didn’t openly cast. Only small manipulations. I promise. What I was testing was the effectiveness of my hiding.”

“This lid on your well,” Brandle said, understanding.

“Yes. In order to cast, I need to touch the energy within my well. I needed to know if I could lift that lid without being detected so I could cast if needed. And I can.”

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