Page 58 of Winds of Ruin
Fuck it all.I wouldn’t find what I wished for in a quick fuck with a stranger or at the bottom of a bottle.
Glasses from the seedy pub hall clinked in cheers as someone struck up a tune with a fiddle. Drunken chanting began—something about a maiden learning knots from a sailor. It was repetitive and always ended in a creative way a woman could lose her honor.
Knot a lady, not no more.
What a load of horseshit.
Being chaste, obedient maidens had never gotten women anywhere worthwhile.
The hallway spun again.
I’d hadfartoo much wine.
Fearing that the dizzying sensation of an Egress might make me sick, I’d opted to take a carriage home.
I should have feared the carriage more.
A mile away from the gates of Lamoreaux, I wretched on the upholstered seats. Apologizing profusely, I gave the driver extra coins, then made the shameful walk down the frozen dirt path with my boots in-hand by their laces. My toes went numb, but the chill kept me awake. White, fluffy flakes fell from the sky. As expected, the first snowfall was upon us.
When I reached the front door, I bent over and wretched again into a potted fern. While I fumbled for my key, my attention snagged on some movement in the orchard.
“Hmm...”
A broad-shouldered man leaned against one of the plum trees. I narrowed my gaze, losing focus.Emmerick?
Only branches swayed at me—no man stood there at all.
I sighed out, “Oh, Elsie. How wishful.”
Once inside, I sank onto the sitting room sofa, where I’d inevitably fall asleep fully clothed. At least I’d taken my boots off. They made a loud thud as they hit the floor beside me.
I put my head between my knees and let tears drop to the wood floor between my dirt-covered feet. I’m not sure how long I cried, but eventually I’d tired myself out and slumped into a fitful sleep on the sofa.
A loud rapping noise startled me awake. With a hand on one of my throwing daggers, still sheathed on my belt from the night, I stumbled to the door and threw it open.
Leo stood before me—anguish etched into his features.
“Happy birthday, Elsedora. I wish I brought better news.”
I’d never sobered so quickly. Angeline and Leo had not shown for dinner in Luz. They’d sent no note.
“Leo,” I gasped out. “What’s wrong?” I should have checked in on them before romping about a pub.
“It’s Angeline,” he said. “She took a nasty fall today. The palace healer, Wyeth, is with her now and thinks she’s broken a hip. Angie is in so much pain, but she demanded that I come check on you and explain why she could not be at dinner this evening. I tried here earlier.”
Stupid, stupid girl... I’d changed my ways. I’d become less volatile.Who was I trying to fool?
Worry lines creased his face, making him look older even than the seventy-five I knew him to be. His black curls had turned mostly gray. I could see why Emmerick believed he was Leo’s son by blood—the broad shoulders, a defined jawline.
A kind heart.
Leo tilted his head, as though wanting to ask why my eyes were bleary. I’d never been a dainty crier and imagined I still looked affected.
I grabbed my dear friend’s father by the sleeve. “Come. We will take the Egress.”
“I...” He frowned. “I don’t love traveling by those things,” he admitted.
“Then, I am sorry for forcing it on you, but we’ll get you home quickly.”
