Page 44 of The Cursed and the Broken
The mirth faded from his smile, a flicker of something else I couldn’t place flashing in his eyes. “Oh, darling, I passed that long ago.”
The sincerity in that statement stole the anger from my bones. Withdrawing, I studied his face, but his mask was back on, eyes dancing once again.
Sighing, I stormed off towards my home.
I was leaving everything I knew and loved for this man.
And I was already regretting it.
EIGHTEEN
Taking a deep breath, Itook in the view from the hillside by my house, scanning the thatched roofs of the village below—the temple’s spire, the gardens and the town square. Dawn painted a pretty picture of my home. Rose-gold kissed the cobblestones of paths and buildings. Flowers and greenery bloomed as they draped over windows and signs or crept the walls of homes.
Our town wasn’t grand, but it was magical in its own way. Quaint. There were few I’d miss, apart from my family and Erika, and a part of me hoped to find new friendships. And perhaps acceptance in some place new.
I’d never fit here, always at odds with the other girls, always different.
Maybe in Mistvellen that would all change. Maybe I might just like my new life. Blowing air from my nose, I turned my sights to the rolling wheat fields by my home and, adjacent, the grassy pastures where our animals roamed free.
A new shepherd would need to tend the flock and I prayed whoever took my place would give the animals the love and care they deserved. I strolled through the field, brushing my palms over the fuzzy stalks. With winter behind us, the witches would soon begin preparations for the sowing season, gathering oats, beans, peas, barley, and so on.
The earth was rich where we lived and, with a little magic, we rarely had a poor harvest. But there was no longer a ‘we’ anymore, I thought bitterly. I was not a part of the equation and, truthfully, I never really was.
Something glinted in the rising sun and I squinted to see Dante and his guards plodding up the path on their mounts, armour and swords equipped.
It was time.
Lifting my chin, I took a deep breath and turned my back on all that was. Mama and Eszter were waiting for me by the barn and my heart broke to see their faces. Eszter was sobbing already, her cheeks tear-stained and flushed.
We made eye contact and she burst into fresh tears, diving into my arms. I patted her head gently, hushing her. I’d stayed true to my promise yesterday. We’d stayed up most of the night sharing stories and gossip and eating our fill in sweets. Me teasing her about her suitors, her begging for juicy details about Dante.
I put on a brave face, promising to visit, to write, to see her soon, and she nodded. Neither of us said a word about the cultists. We didn’t need to. She knew what I’d chosen to do and she respected it, even if it frightened her. That’s one thing I loved about my sister. She’d never judged me for my choices. For beingme.
My heart shattered as I kissed Eszter’s head and gave her the fiercest bear hug I could muster. When she laughed and protested, I turned to my mother, and that’s when my courage fled.
Her eyes said everything words could not.I love you. I’ll always love you.And …I’m sorry.A tear trickled down my cheek and I held her close, snuggling into her warmth, her smell, her comfort.
At last she pulled away, sniffing, lifting her chin high. She gripped my arms in her fingertips. Mama had never been one for sentiments, but as her brown eyes blazed with emotion—pride and love and fear all at once—she nodded, just once.
A blessing and a goodbye.
I couldn’t help myself. I threw myself into her arms one last time, needing some of her courage, her bravery. She softened beneath me, almost wilting, but I wouldn’t let her. And just as I pulled away, I whispered in her ear, “I will save the witches. I will keep Eszter safe.”
Her voice caught as she whispered back, “I know you will. Now go, child, and don’t look back.”
My gaze shifted to Lukasz, who was standing a little off to the side. I smiled at him and he tipped his hat, shooting me a disarming smile. But his amber eyes hardened resolutely. “I will watch over your family,” he said, placing a hand over his heart. “You have my word.”
His gaze flicked briefly to my sister and I nodded, satisfied that he spoke honestly. He exchanged a few words with Dante, followed by a quick embrace, and then my betrothed boosted me onto Arló.
Squaring my shoulders, I set my jaw, blinking the emotion from my eyes. I would not let them see my tears. I’d have no use of them where we were going.
As we set off into the trees, I didn’t look back.
The group was silent as our horses trekked through the undergrowth. The day was cool, a chill settling over my skin. Maybe that had more to do with our journey through the Sötét Erdo than anything else. These woods were once my sanctuary, my escape. But now, trepidation crawled down my spine like spiders.
I wrapped my cloak tighter around me, thankful for its warmth. It was a dove grey velvet with gorgeous silk ties and a draping hood, the silver trim embroidered with sweeping vines and florals. Mama’s parting gift. It was well made and far too expensive for what we could afford, but I sensed it had been with her for some time. Perhaps she’d always planned to pass it on.
Her perfume wafted every time the breeze shifted, bringing fresh tears to my eyes. I scratched Arló behind the ears as he walked, Laszlo bounding along beside us. Mama and Eszter had insisted I take them, to keep me company among strangers. We couldn’t afford a dowry, but Arló was a handsome stallion from good stock.A little too skittish, I thought with mild irritation, recalling him running for dear life and leaving me stranded. We’d work on that.
