Page 19 of The Iron Dagger
Was she such a cold, unfeeling daughter? She could not help but feel that Gideon was right—she was a grown woman now, with the best chance that she could wish for staring her in the face. Or rather, crumpled on her hearth.
Gideon rolled over in his sleep.
He had looked upon her with suchlustlast night. He stared at her with devouring heat, his lips parted as though he was ready to take her mouth with the slightest invitation.
She knew he watched her, even if he tried to hide it.
He watched her while she cooked and weaved, while she gathered kindling, and she even caught his eyes flicking away while she washed her hair. Despite his contempt for magic, he could not hide his attraction. Men were predictable in that way, tempted by the mere proximity of a woman.
It was only natural, she supposed, cooped up and emotionally distraught as he was, and so she tried her best to ignore it and carry on with her work.
Hara had no qualms about taking pleasure when she desired it. Her relationships served their purpose for a while, and then they naturally ended. She had fallen in love before, and she even wept over a lover, but she knew what to expect from her trysts.
What she did not expect was her reaction to Gideon’s touch. The goosebumps that formed across her skin as he undid her stays were unexpected and pleasant, and Hara did not know what to think of it.
He was a beautifully made man to be sure, but that was where her interest stopped; his rudeness negated his looks. She was not wanting for male company lately, so that did not explain it. Perhaps she recognized the erotic anticipation ofbeing undressed by strong hands, and so it was only natural for her skin to tingle and her breaths to quicken. It had been foolish of her to suggest that he help her undress—what did she expect?
As she watched the sunlight glint over the silver in his ear, she considered why it would not be a good idea to take pleasure with this lord of Montag. He had some strong notions about debts, and fate only knew what sharing pleasure would result in. He wasn’t exactly her enemy, but his father and his liege lord most definitely were. Even if she trusted him as a man, would it be right? It was definitely foolish.
She did not have the answers now, and so she thought it best to view him only as her patient. And, now, her traveling companion.
She rose from the bed and went to him, shaking his shoulder. He woke instantly, pale eyes fixing upon her face.
“I accept your offer of repayment. You will help me find my mother.”
Gideon’s foot was not yet well enough to travel, but that gave Hara time to plan. She made the rounds in the village, visiting those who came to her for regular remedies and handing out salves, syrups, and bundles of herbs.
She found Samwell Thorn mending the low stone wall outside of his hut. He looked up from his work and straightened, his cheeks red from the cold. When she told him of her journey and said her goodbyes, carefully omitting any mention of Gideon, he wrapped his big arms around her and she breathed in the scent of his fresh sweat.
“You’ll find her,” he said in his gruff voice. Sam was a man of few words, which was what Hara liked about him. Their relationship had always been expressed through deeds, and so instead of making promises she wasn’t sure she could keep, Haracradled his jaw and brought her mouth to his. She did not know when she would return, but the sweetness of his lips as they moved over hers was the best farewell she could give him.
This, at least, was an easy goodbye.
One of the last stops made her stomach turn guiltily. She told herself that the snows had made it difficult to visit sooner, but the truth was that she could not bear to sit by the fire and accept a cup of tea from the person Gideon had held for ransom, knowing all the while that she was sheltering him in her own home.
She felt like a duplicitous wretch as she stood on the doorstep, willing herself to knock. Hara thought it best to make the visit quick, lest she give it away that she had nursed her friend’s abductor back to health and that she was planning on making a journey with him. With a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
Alexandra opened it and broke into a wide smile. At least she looked well and content; it seemed Gideon was telling the truth and she had been treated gently during her ordeal.
“Angharad! How good to see you,” said Alexandra. “I had a horrible cough some weeks back, but the snows were too thick near the woods, so Tom had to use the apothecary in the village.”
With a jolt, Hara realized she must have been ill with the same fever that Gideon had. She quickly recovered her expression.
“I’m glad to see you are well. I wanted to give you this,” she said, passing over her bundle. “It’s stoneseed root. It should see you through the next month or so while I am gone. I hope to be away no longer than a season.”
“You’re leaving?” said Alexandra, her happy smile wilting slightly.
“I am going in search of my mother. The time is right, and I have reason to believe she is alive,” said Hara. One ofthe benefits of being a witch, she thought, was that no one ever asked prodding questions if she said things in a vague and mystical way.
Alexandra’s expression softened. “Good. I wish you all the luck on your journey. I’m grateful for the herbs, too,” she finished on a blush. Then her eyes became serious as she rested a hand on Hara’s arm. “I’ve been meaning to thank you. Your teaching saved me.”
Alexandra recounted the story of her abduction, and Hara worked hard to balance her reactions between surprised and stoic.
“Well done for your quick thinking,” she said honestly. She hoped that her neutral response wouldn’t betray the guilt that writhed in her stomach. Thankfully, Alexandra did not seem suspicious.
“The children will miss you,” said Alexandra. The Widderstone orphans relied on the kindness of a few of the villagers to scrape by, and Hara felt another small tug of guilt at leaving. She knew Alexandra and her husband would continue to look after them, but late winter was the hardest season.
“I visited them today and I gave Bess some possets for croup and ointment for Jimmy. That should see them through the spring,” said Hara.
