Page 116 of The Ruler
“Sweetie, you have something in your nose.”
“Where?” She planted a finger up her left nostril.
“No, the other one,” I instructed with a patient smile.
Raven sat up and after digging around she leaned her head back, showing me her nose and asking, “Did I get it?”
“Yes, you got it.”
“Great.” Using her hands, she pushed up from the floor and walked toward the exit. “Are you coming? The tour isn’t over, you know.”
I enjoyed spending time with Raven, and it was interesting that the things she wanted me to see were so different from the details the adults were concerned about.
First there was the place the honey and cookies were kept in the kitchen; next there were her insights on which bed she would choose in each room. And then we arrived at a single room that I guessed to be Archer’s because of the pair of black boots on the floor.
“Shhh.” She put a finger to her lips. “Don’t tell the adults, but I know how to spy on them.”
“You do?” I whispered.
She nodded and looked over her shoulder. “But you can’t tell them that I told you so.”
I didn’t answer but was honored that Raven evidently trusted me with her secrets although we hardly knew each other.
“If the door is askew and you squeeze up against the wall like this, you can see through the crack of the door without them seeing you,” she revealed with a secretive glance.”
“Do you think it’s okay to spy on people?” I whispered.
A little triangle formed between her eyebrows. “It’s not like they ever do anything interesting,” she defended herself.
“But still?”
Her shoulders fell. “Nah, I guess not.”
I nodded, satisfied, and pulled at her shirt. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah.” She turned her full attention on me. “What is it?”
“Why are you telling me your secrets?”
She shot a glance at the exit and looked thoughtful. “I’m not supposed to tell you, but Kya says lying is bad so I can’t do that either. It’s because the adults asked me to keep you distracted.”
“Why?” I asked curiously, proud of her for telling the truth. As a councilwoman honesty and integrity were on the top of my list of values.
“Because they want to surprise you.” She bit her lips and narrowed her eyes as if squeezing in the secret so it didn’t slip out. “I’m not allowed to tell you because it’ll ruin the surprise.”
“Okay, I understand, and how long are you supposed to distract me for?”
“Until they come and get us.”
“All right.” I looked around. “So, this is Archer’s room, isn’t it?” I said to make small talk.
“Yeah, but it’s the same with Kya’s and Magni’s room. You can spy through their door too.”
My spine stiffened. “Did you say Kya’s and Magni’s room?”
“Uh-huh.” She pointed to a door across the hallway. “It’s that one.”
The door was open and I peeked in, seeing one twin-sized bed, a chair, a closet, and a small desk. The only logical conclusion was that Kya was forced to sleep with the largest brute in the Northlands in a bed that was small enough to guarantee he would be touching her.
