Page 35 of Waking Roslyn

“I am. These servants have been left largely to their own devices for years. Yet, the house and grounds are well maintained, the staff is well trained, and even an unexpected guest did not cause a noticeable disruption.”

“And what of the quest you’ve been given?”

“Quest?” She smiled at my choice of word as she sank into a chair with a sigh. “You mean trying to repair the family reputation and prove that we care?”

“Yes. That. Has Lord Farbury’s arrival caused delays?”

“No. It’s going…well enough, I suppose. Edmund met with the constables and other local leaders to ask what was needed and start the process of appointing the next magistrate.”

“Isn’t it usually the senior-most constable?”

“Normally, yes. But all of the most well-seasoned constables were arrested alongside Magistrate Reeve. So there aren’t many left that are even trained for it, much less qualify for such a lofty promotion.”

“That is a conundrum.”

“I believe the best course of action would be for Edmund to ask for his father’s input and perhaps some suggestions for candidates, but you know how Edmund feels about asking for help.”

“It’s not his strong suit,” I agreed. “So what will you do today?”

She sighed. “Now that we’ve shown off the house, Edmund wishes to go riding.”

“In that case, I’ll be sure to find something indoors to do.”

Lisette went on her way, and after I’d readied myself and given the others sufficient time to leave for their ride, I went downstairs, mostly just so that I could be somewhere other than my room.

I chose the sitting room, which was close to the stairs and also had a view of the stables so that I might see when the others returned. And since I was alone and feeling keenly the precariousness of my situation, I decided to confide in my parents.

March 12, Century of the Lion, Year 87

My dear Mother and Father,

I have decided to take matters into my own hands, at least as much as I can. I have found an instructor who is teaching me the art of protective defense. I know that might sound strange and out of character, but even as I long for home and wish to return, I cannot help the trepidation that consumes me. So I’m doing all I can to be prepared so that if the threat to my life lingers after I return home, I will at least have some idea of how to protect myself.

I hope.

It might be a complete waste of time if I can’t stop trying to avoid actually engaging with my opponent.

“Ugh.” I dropped my head onto my hands where they rested on the writing desk. I couldn’t send this to my parents. I couldn’t tell them that I was scared to come home. They were so certain that my safety would be guaranteed as soon as the king had another heir. It felt wrong to give them the burdens of all my doubts. They had enough to worry about. Tomorrow, I would just have to redouble my efforts in learning to protect myself and hope that eventually it would make a difference.

John

We’d started today’s training by having Rose defend her circle again. I was hoping that the more informal approach would allow her to be more in tune with her instincts, and to trust them. Yet she was still so reticent that I felt I had to play the bully.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” she said with a worried crease between her adorably animated brows.

“I’m not going to let you hurt me, Rose. I defend myself against opponents far closer to my size and with years of skill on a regular basis. You aren’t going to hurt me. Now fight back.” I snatched the end of the staff that she held tentatively in front of her and yanked it up and over my shoulder. She didn’t let go, which made me proud. But it also meant that she was propelled into my chest. I caught her around the waist with my other hand out of instinct. For a moment I froze as I fought the urge to pull her even closer. Instead I tightened my grip but turned my face away from the scent of her hair. “What now?” I demanded, my voice harsher than I’d intended. “If I were someone to fear, you’d already be hurt by now. What can you do? Think of something.”

The staff was pinned between us, and she reached up and grabbed the top part that rested on the front of my shoulder and yanked it to the side, right toward my face.

I pulled back, but the staff still clipped my chin. I barely felt it, but I released her, letting her have the victory. “Well done,” I said as she stumbled back.

She stared at me, breathing hard.

I swallowed. This woman had no clue the power that her bright blue eyes held.

“I hurt you,” she said.

I couldn’t help the grin that curved my lips, nor the chuckle that rumbled from my chest at the idea of her hurting me. “I promise you didn’t.”