Page 112 of Midwinter Wiles & Valerian Dreams
“I have something to say.”
I rack my brain. Did I offend this man somehow?
“I’ve spoken several times with Mikael Sokki,” he says, voice deep and steady. “It’s my understanding he’ll be of age in two moons’ time.”
I glance down the row to Mika, giving him a look that demands,When were you going to tell me this?
He offers only a little apologetic shrug.
“My partner and I are willing to take him on as an apprentice…er, if the family stays here in Ylvara.” The blacksmith gives me a solemn nod and returns to his seat.
I can’t even ask Mika what in theDeepjust happened before the next person steps forward.
“My middle boy’s the same age as the twins,” Anja Thicket says warmly. The Thickets live down the road from the inn and enjoyed a few nature walks with us. “We’ve got a rotation of schooling they can slot right into. Helkki too, of course, and little Aili when she’s old enough. Lark’s already been a wonderful teacher, showing my boys all sorts of edible plants around here. We hope they’ll stay.”
The next speaker is a tall, reed-thin woman I’ve never spoken to. “As Ylvara’s only healer, I’m eager for the chance to train another. Katja’s shown a genuine talent and interest. I’d be happy to teach her whenever they feel she’s ready.”
Through it all, Daria listens, her mouth twitching once or twice as the list of offers grows. Occasionally she leans toward the other sentries, listening to hushed words passed between them. Finally, she raises a hand.
“Anyone with objections—or who has witnessed anything of concern to this board’s decision—please remain standing. The rest of you nitwits,sit down.”
The entire hall sits faster than I’ve ever seen a crowd sit before.
“Better,” Daria says dryly. She gives me a sharp look. “Now. About the joint petition with your fiancée.”
Ah. And just like that, the air thins in my lungs again.
I rub a hand over the back of my neck. “Right. About that…”
Her silver brow could slice me open from here.
“Things…have changed,” I manage. “Val isn’t actually—well, as you know, Daria…er Sentry Daria—”
Bang! Every head jerks toward the double doors crashing open behind us.
“Here! I’m here!”
Talvie barrels into the room, skirts flying, cheeks flushed with panic, spitting out words that tumble over each other in a desperate rush. “Sorry! I’m sorry I’m late. I can ex—ex…plain?” She skids to a stop, goggling at the vast crowd of people staring back at her.
The room fades. My breath catches in my throat, my heart squeezing hard enough to hurt. She’s upright. Walking. Talking.
She’s awake!
And she’s here.
Every knot in me comes loose in an instant, replaced by a dizzy, giddy rush that makes me want to run to her, hold her, swear I’ll never let her go. For a moment, nothing else matters. Not the board, not the crowded room, not the hearing.
Then I register her appearance: the midnight hair, the lighter skin, the shining blue eyes—she’s Val again. The disguise is back in place.
She came. For me.
After everything that’s happened, she’s ready to carry out our ruse. I see the instant she spots Daria standing stock still at the front of the room, and the color drains from her face, her jaw falling slack.
Only her. Only Talvie would walk right back into this complete disaster that is my life and fit so completely. She’s perfect.
Why do I suddenly want to laugh through the tears burning in my eyes?
Chapter 39
