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“Of course, Master Damien,” Callan said, straightening. “We’ll see her safely to Miliadis.”
Alex hardened, bearing down on them. “Let me be clear. You’re not to question her, talk to her, or stare at her too long. You’ve all already forgotten that she exists. You won’t even remember why you went to Miliadis. Understood?”
“They understand, Master Damien,” Callan replied.
I wondered if Callan’s subordinates weren’t the chatty type or, even more interesting, if they weren’t allowed to address Alexander directly.
Who is this guy?
Callan stepped to the side, holding out his hand. “After you, sir.”
“No, after you. You can wait outside the inn while we get dressed, eat, and I ready my horse.”
Callan’s brows rose—his only sign of emotion. “As you wish, sir, but I should mention that your father isn’t waiting for you in Trono. He’s outside.”
I twisted to the window and got an eyeful of the back alley. Nothing to see there.
“It’d be our pleasure to wait until you’re ready, sir,” Callan continued, “but your father may not be so patient. I’d expect he’d want to come inside and”—he slid a look to me—“see what’s causing the delay.”
The pregnant silence birthed a litter of awkward silences while Alex and Callan stared each other down.
“Very well,” Alex said, voice tight. “I’ll come with you now. Goodbye, Aella.”
“B-bye.” I barely got the word out before he snatched up his things and stormed out—bare-chested, barefoot, and all.
Who was his father that he’d send his half-naked son out of the room with his very presence?
I’m not asking these people.I shrank at the unfriendly glares coming my way. I had no idea what I did wrong, but they were looking at me like I did it all over the floor.
“What do we do with her, sir?” one woman asked. “We don’t have time to play tumbler’s nursemaid. If she has to get to Miliadis, she can take herself.”
“Now, now.” Callan’s voice lost all deference. “Master Damien is known to keep his word, and we won’t be seen to do less in his name. We do as we’re told.
“You, girl,” he barked, making me jump. “What’s your name?”
I resisted the urge to say they weren’t allowed to question me. Refusing to tell them my name made me seem suspicious. Besides, that alone shouldn’t tip them off that I knew nothing about Olympia.
“Aella Vanda.”
“Get dressed, Aella Vanda. It’s a two-week ride to Miliadis, and we don’t have an extra mount or supplies for you. I suggest you do something about that, or you’ll be walking behind our horses and sleeping on the ground.”
“But I don’t have any money,” I blurted. “And I’ve never ridden a horse. How am I supposed to get any of that?”
“You’ve mistaken me for someone who cares about your troubles. Get dressed and be outside in four minutes.”
“Yes, sir,” I muttered, getting up.
I picked Alex’s coat off my school uniform. We hadn’t gotten a chance to buy me new clothes, and this group didn’t look interested in a shopping spree. Would I have to wear the same hideous brown outfit every day for two weeks?
“What is this?”
A hand blurred across my vision and snatched my blazer. My tongue nearly hid down my throat as Callan read my patch aloud.
“Haris Day School. Where is this Haris Day School?” he asked. “I’ve never heard of such an institution.”
I thought fast. “It’s in Miliadis. That’s why Alex was joining me. We were going to the same place.”
“Uh, no it’s not.” A short, freckled man with brown and blond curls poked his head out. “There’s no Harisday School in Miliadis.”
