Page 120 of Fortress of Ambrose
“Sometimes they’re offered a position at the House. Marriage is an option, but historically only two Headmistresses have chosen that path.” He patted her hand affectionately. “Most often, they leave and live a life well provided for away from here.”
“What will happen to him since I’ve refused?”
“He technically broke an oath. So he will be dismissed from the House once the investigation is done. Because of the unique circumstances, we are looking into an ancient magic that takes the edge of memories away. Beaulah Perl has offered to help us with things of that nature in the past. Your mother always refused her help. But—”
“And I do, too. We do not deal with Beaulah Perl. Period.” She’d learned enough from Yagrin to know that woman could not be trusted. A monster. And with Adola’s standoffish encounter weeks ago, she didn’t trust them at all.
“The other priests and I thought…” Winkel studied her expression. “As you say, it will be, Headmistress.”
“I should be consulted on these things.”
“Yes, of course. We just wanted to give you time to settle in.”
“I am settled.”
As the dining room came into view up ahead, he leaned into her ear. “Theremustbe the promise of an heir, Nore. And soon.”
“My mother didn’t have me until well into her forties. Why am I beingrushed? Coronation in our House does not happen until age twenty-two, except in extreme cases. Like mine.” She thought of her brother, and a chill ran down her spine.
“She didn’t wait that long by choice. Fertility issues have plagued your bloodline for generations. You must start early.”
“I refuse.”
He stopped and looked over his shoulders before standing squarely in front of her. The intensity of his stare made the hair on Nore’s arms rise. Under his breath, he said, “Nore, the dead only grow more restless with the news of the Sphere. They are already inside the walls, which isunprecedented. You are playing with fire. You need to cement their commitment to you with a magical heir.”
“Youknew.” He knew about her lack of magic. And the seed of toushana in her, from her mother.
“Sweet child.” He tapped her nose. “Of course I knew. I kept Pizor and Kimper in the dark. Kimper can be abrasive with matters that require a gentle touch. I am only sorry I couldn’t do more to help you. I aided Ellery as much as I could. But he grew cold even to me.”
Nore didn’t have words. “He’s lost now.”
“The Sage is a craftsman, a maker of things, who upholds truthand law.” He held her arm tight but gently. “Do you understand what I mean?”
Nore shook her head. She’d stopped doing the empty worship rituals as soon as her mother gave up on forcing her to go. She’d forgotten most of the recitations she’d memorized when little. All she knew was that it was good to pray to the Wielder in times of danger, the Sage when in need of help, and the Sovereign always. But she never did any of it anymore. She’d tried praying to the Wielder once, terrified of her mother, and it didn’t help. Why would she do it again?
“The dead require his blessing to accept anything that does not fit the natural law. At Begonia Terrace when the dead accepted your heart, they did not have the Sage’s blessing. When they returned with a heart likeyours, it angered the Sage. I’ve been begging mercy for you and the dead in my prayers.”
“Thank you” were the only words she could think of. What did it mean to have a god angry at you? She hugged her free arm around herself.
“Is there anything I can do?” she asked.
“Pay your penance, attend services, and say your prayers, every day, like I taught you when you were a girl. Ask for mercy. The Sage values truth as much as law. Show him your true self, Nore. Hold nothing back, and I believe he will honor you as heir. You are a warrior at heart. He will respect that.”
Winkel’s nails dug half-moons into her arms.
“So sorry.” He released his tight grip. He’d gone pale as he smoothed the sickle indentations from her skin. “I worry about you, dear girl. That’s all.”
“The ancestors have accepted me. But if the gods don’t honor me as heir, then what?”
“Then we are at war.”
A war between the dead and the gods.
Nore’s feet were cement.
“One more thing. There are whispers that families are detaching from our House and allying with your brother, supporting his claim to Headship. They are pointing out your choice of punishment for Vincent as evidence that you are not fit to lead.”
“A stranger is sent intomybed who feels entitled to my body, andI’mdrawing criticism?”
