Page 131 of Insolence
Lydia’s clear brown eyes bore into mine from beyond the Waymark. Her expression cryptic, she takes off toward the Orrery Tower. For once she doesn’t have a guard hovering nearby.
Heart thumping in my chest, I do a quick scan of the courtyard.
Elodie and Lady Maida are at the refreshment table, heads together chatting. Cordelia sits with Ghisele, talking and laughing on one of the Waymark’s benches. Gods only know what she sees in the brash redhead, but they seem to have struck up some sort of friendship.
Meanwhile, Sadrie manages to twirl Imogen so hard that the little girl staggers backward and drops to the ground, dizzy and giggling hysterically. Instrument case in hand, Brigit walks up to corral her charge for bedtime.
Behind me, the prioress is drunk and still greatly enjoying being the center of attention at the bonfire she’s sharing with most of the sisters. Now that the dancing is over, Delia has joined them.
With everyone distracted, I slip away unnoticed.
When I catch up to her, Lydia is standing with her back to the great yew tree, warming her hands at a dying fire. The Orrery Tower rises beyond it. Like the other temple buildings, it’s draped in celebratory banners that ripple in the breeze.
"It's really you." I hold my hands to the flames.
Head down, hood pulled forward, she makes a noise in her throat.
"I saw you the night you were attacked. Do you recognize me?"
“Mm-hmm.” She lifts her chin to meet my eyes. Her mask is gone. Aside from the black thread marring her mouth, she's very pretty. Beautiful, even.
"I watched for you after that. Gods, I thought you were dead when you weren't at the lottery. I asked after you, but the prioress made a veiled threat, and one of the priestesses warned me to drop it."
She gives another strangled hum, making me wonder how painful the stitches are. The skin around her lips looks inflamed.
Not wanting to stare, I shift my focus to the winding path to the Observatory. Lit lanterns dot the trail up the steep escarpment. Although the Observatory appears unoccupied, lights are on inside the building.
I gesture to her mouth. “Are you being punished by someone?”
She nods.
“Did you do something bad?”
She emphatically shakes her head. “Mm-mm!” A lock of sleek, dark hair escapes her hood.
“I wish we could talk. I’d really like to know some things about that night.” I give a sardonic snort. “Let’s be honest, I want to know alotof things. Somehow, I think you might even answer my questions without making me jump through hoops.”
“Mm-hmm,” she nods and pantomimes writing.
Of course.I almost slap my forehead at my own stupidity. If I hadn't been so wrapped up in Elodie, I’d have run to grab a pen and paper as soon as dinner ended.
Temple Guardsmen stand at attention, spaced out evenly along the courtyard’s circumference and half-hidden by shadow. A glance confirms Lydia sees them too.
“Tiss?” Maida’s voice comes from behind us. “What are you doing all the way over—Oh. I see.”
When she registers Lydia’s sewn mouth, she snatches my arm and drags me away like a child. “Come along now.”
Aggravation flashes through me.
She releases me once she deems we’re a safe enough distance away and jams her hands on her hips. “You know better than that, Itissa!” she hisses, a blade-like edge to her voice. “You’re lucky it wasmewho came along. She’s the Screamer, I take it?”
“Lydia. Yes.”
Beyond Maida’s shoulder, I spot Ghisele and Enid at the refreshment table. The handmaiden blathers excitedly, her chestnut curls bouncing while she whispers to Ghisele.
“I know you’re concerned about her, and I appreciate why. But I assure you all is well,” says Maida. “Now you’ve been told to leave her alone, soleaveher alone.”
Exasperation bunches my shoulders. “All isnotwell,” I whisper, “and I can’t imagine why you’d lie about it, Lady Maida.”
