Total pages in book: 204
Estimated words: 193124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 966(@200wpm)___ 772(@250wpm)___ 644(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 193124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 966(@200wpm)___ 772(@250wpm)___ 644(@300wpm)
“But can you.”
Merc’s brow rises, in that familiar way, and it feels as though it’s been years since I have seen him. As my eyes prick with tears, I am so very, very tired.
“Yes.” He goes to put his hands behind his head and grimaces. “Now tell me what’s happened. What have you done to land us here? And mind you, I am not bothered by the improvements in our accommodations.”
Haltingly at first, and then with increasing composure, I explain everything to him. Well, almost everything. I leave out what I did in that cell to the Queen’s officer as well as the issue with the crown and the Queen and the demons. As far as Merc knows, it was only about bartering our freedom with that ruby.
I just don’t have the energy to explain the rest, especially as I feel like this whole journey was a waste of time, nothing but mortal risks and failure.
“So we have to leave tomorrow morning,” I conclude.
“Or we shall be shot.”
Getting up from the bed, I nod grimly as I pace around, touching the heavy satin draping, the golden lamps that have blown-glass shades, the oil paintings of landscapes around the city. It’s hard to know exactly when I make the decision, but I suppose, like so many of the choices I’ve come to along the way, what may appear to be quick is actually the result of much brooding under the surface of my conscious thoughts.
I turn to the bed and stare at him. “I must go to Prosperitus. Will you … come with me.”
There is no hesitation: “I will.”
“Why,” I whisper, even as I am relieved.
Merc tilts his head, the lamplight gleaming in his black hair. “Why what?”
I answer him with a question I’ve wanted to know the answer to for a while: “When you left the Outpost, were you really coming here?”
“It’s where I ended up, is it not.” He smiles a little as he indicates himself atop the bed. Then he rolls those black and white eyes of his. “Are we fishing again, then? Fine. I thought perhaps you might need some help along the way. Note that I said ‘need’ not ‘want.’”
“But why are you doing this for me,” I say as I shake my head in wonder.
“I told you before.” He grows serious. “After you helped birth that bairn, and then took care of the maid at the lodging house … I have decided that the world is very much better with you in it, Sorrel. I’m not much of a man for callings, and there are many things I have done that were I of a better soul I would undo, yet protecting you seems like the appropriate endeavor. At least at this point in time. So yes, I will go with you unto Prosperitus.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His eyes travel down me. “And while we’re going on about confessions, I’ll tell you frankly that the next time I see a spider, I’m going to crush him into oblivion with my boot.”
We both laugh, and then his eyelids lower—and I know that he’s no longer thinking about travel or fishing or eight-legged bugs … and I have a renewed sense of energy. Except when I go to take a step forward, I see a web on my slipper and curse in disgust.
Merc chuckles softly. “Just so we’re clear, I’d take you any way you come, woman. But the water closet you’ll be looking for is right back there. I took advantage of it myself in the hopes you’d come and find me in this big bed—and look, it worked. That basin is magic.”
“Can we take it with us then,” I mutter.
“Only if we put Snooze in it to make better time.”
I’m smiling as I go over and kiss him. “I won’t be long.”
His face grows grim. “Don’t rush. I do believe you have earned it.”
I press another lingering kiss to his mouth, then I cross the beautiful carpet. As I pass by a dresser made from exotic wood, and check out the lineup of porcelain figures and silver brushes on its top, the luxury is such that never have I even imagined such things.
Mare likely lived like this at one point, I think as I disappear behind an ornate door.
After I shut myself in, I remember the coins I left behind in the ruins, and wish I could have retrieved them. Getting out with someone else’s priceless ruby was the plan, but as this quest seems to always demand, I have to leave a piece of me behind.
Refocusing, I look around at the facilities. They’re even more sophisticated than what we had back at the lodging house at the Outpost, and as I set the tub’s water to running, I’m astonished to find I can titrate the hot with the cold. While the level rises, I remove my clothes, and when I step in and sink into the warm pool—