Page 59 of Alchemised
Helena heard rapid footsteps and barely managed to shrink into an alcove before a viper-faced man with thick sideburns came around the corner. He was markedly less lavish in his clothing than the other guests.
Helena heard the clatter of Aurelia’s heels on the wood floor, and a door in the distance slammed.
She released a slow breath. She’d known the Ferrons were an arranged marriage, but she hadn’t realised how dysfunctional they were.
When she reached the hallway leading to her room, she peeked warily around the corner and found Ferron standing outside the door, waiting for her. Her blood ran cold, the crack of the boy’s neck still ringing in her ears. She’d known what he was, but seeing it was different.
It had happened so fast, and in front of everyone.
He hadn’t even hesitated.
He glanced over. “Enjoy your spying?”
She swallowed hard and made herself walk towards him. “It was—something new.”
He inclined his head, studying her beneath lidded eyes. “Are you bored?”
Of course she was bored. There was little for her to do but frantically search his decrepit house and worry over her inability to find anything. “Imprisonment is not particularly diverting.”
“You do realise you’re allowed to ask for things. Within reason.”
She most certainly did not. “I am?”
He nodded as if it were obvious. “Ask the servants if you want something. They know what you’re allowed.” His eyes narrowed. “Why is Lancaster interested in you?”
Of course that was why he was there.
“I don’t know.” She shook her head, a curl falling across her face, suddenly tired. “I don’t think I knew him. Guild students never spoke to me.”
Curiosity bloomed in his eyes, real interest rather than the feigned attention he’d employed during the party. “You’re full of surprises.”
“Do you say that to every girl?” The words popped out thoughtlessly.
Ferron gave a short laugh, his gaze sharpening, eyes darting across her face.
“I think you should go to bed,” he said.
She looked at him in confusion, feeling as if the encounter had suddenly veered off course, but she wasn’t sure how.
She was tired, though. She hadn’t expected to be up the whole night. She looked at him for another moment, then went into her room without looking back. When she climbed into her bed, she could still see Ferron’s shadow outside her door.
Somehow, knowing it was his, the sight of it didn’t frighten her even though it should have.
THE NEXT DAY WHEN HELENA spotted one of the maids, she stopped her. “Can I have a knife?”
The maid shook her head.
Helena cocked her head, eyes widening innocently. “What about scissors?”
Another no. Well, she’d expected as much.
“Books? Or the day’s newspaper?”
The maid hesitated then nodded slowly.
Helena stared at her, torn between triumph and abject frustration. Had she really been allowed reading materials the whole time? And Ferron had assumed she’d know she was allowed to order the servants around?
“Then I would like them,” she said, her jaw tense. “Please.”
