Page 22 of Vengeance Becomes Her

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rhiannon had to put the first step of her plan into motion, and it started with Tristain’s help.

If he was so quick to boast about his sword-wielding skills, then she would use that to her advantage. Rhiannon found him at the breakfast table as expected. When she made her entrance, the scent of syrup, warm pancakes, and eggs filled her nose, temporarily distracting her from her mission. She filled her plate as she worked up the courage to broach the subject. She expected pushback from himand her family.

Tristain had been watching her discreetly from the corner of his eye since she entered the room. Now, she met his gaze, capturing his full attention. He held his fork hovering over his plate, the eggs dangling precariously, as they both waited for her to say something.

She cleared her throat. “Will you teach me how to use a sword?”

She shifted awkwardly in her seat when no one said anything but instead exchanged weary looks.

“I want to get stronger. I’m tired of feeling weak and I thought, who better to help me than the expert swordsman and trainer himself?” She met his gaze, seeing the possible responses flicker across his face as he decided what he wanted to say. Her hands were unnaturally moist as she wiped them on her pants.

“I would be more than happy to, but do you think you’re in the right condition to be training? You’ve hardly left your house in over a month.” There was no condescension in his tone, only genuine concern. But his shoulders were tense, waiting for her to strike with her sharp tongue as she usually did.

But she needed to take a different approach if she was going to get her way. “That’s exactly why I think I’m ready. I’m tired of sitting around wallowing. I need to get outside, move around,and build up muscle and endurance again. I can’t keep sitting in my room day after day withering away.” She hoped they weren’t suspicious of her motivations, they’d never allow her to practice with him if they thought she was going to do something reckless.

Jade eyed her, assessing her like she always did. They had gotten into plenty of mischief in their lives, surely she could read her tells. Rhiannon could sense her sister’s curiosity beneath the surface, but Jade didn’t interfere. Instead, sheencouraged her.

“I think it’s a great idea. Some fresh air and purpose could be justwhat you need.”

Thankfully, her mother nodded in agreement.

Tristain looked at her thoughtfully, as if the next words he planned to say were against his best judgment, but she had been correct in assuming his curiosity and need for companionship would get thebetter of him.

“I can’t remain here for long, but I can teach you enough so that you can continue training on your own.”

“That’s fine.” Rhiannon conceded knowing she would have to do whatever it took to get herself in fighting shape to face off Silas and she’d take whatever Tristain was willing to offer.

“It’s decided then. Are you ready to start tomorrow morning?”

She nodded.

“Meet me in the garden at eight then. Wear something with short sleeves. It will be warm and the drills we’ll be doing will be much easier to master without all that fabric flouncing around,” He waved his arms in her general direction.

“Okay, I will.” She noted a tension in him that had not been there before. She hoped he wouldn’t change his mind in an abundance of caution.

He gave her a curt nod, shoved the last bite of his food into his mouth, and turned to leave. “See you tomorrow.”

Rhiannon opened her mouth to ask where he’d be at dinner but he was out of the dining room before she fully formed the thought. Was he only indulging her because he didn’t want to be rude? She didn’t think so based on his initial reaction, but she couldn’t be sure. She’d have to feel him out tomorrow. She needed him to take her seriously if she was ever going to be able to pursue Silas.

Rhiannon stood up to leave, her mind buzzing with all she needed to do to prepare for tomorrow, but she halted when her mother stood too.

“You’re sure you’re ready for this?” Her voice was thick with concern.

She made an effort to keep the frustration from entering her voice. “Yes mother. Please don’t worry about me. This is a good thing.” Rhiannon kissed the top of her head.

“I’ll walk with you.” Jade popped up from her seat, ready to follow her out.

Rhiannon yelled over her shoulder, still heading toward the front door. “I’m going into town to find some proper training attire, you heard him, no billowy sleeves.”

Jade caught up with her. “I’ve been meaning to go into town to pick up some more paintsand supplies.”

Rhiannon knew it was a ruse so that she could question her but she couldn’t think of a way to deter her sister without raising her suspicions. She would just have to be mindful of what information she shared.

They walked in companionable silence for the first few minutes. Rhiannon knew it wouldn’t last long, so she spent the time building a convincing argument for her to learn how to use a sword when she’d never expressed interest in athleticism before.

They’d gotten about halfway into town before Jade grabbed her forearm, her thin fingers urging her to stop.

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