Page 51 of Wings of Ice and Steel

She was puzzling over the significance, the lesson itself forgotten, when Sascha popped her head round the door to notify them that dinner was ready. Ariadnne’s stomach growled and she pulled her attention away from the papers. Dinner was calling and she rose quickly, pushing her chair back with a loud scrape.

‘We’ll discuss the proper conjugations tomorrow!’ Brentworth called as she followed Sascha into the hallway.

‘You couldn’t have come an hour sooner?’ Ariadnne flexed her joints, stiff from sitting all afternoon.

‘If I could have, I would.’ Sascha grimaced.

‘Can I take dinner in my quarters tonight?’ Ariadnne asked hopefully.

‘Of course.’

Ariadnne exhaled. She was free. No councillor wanted to dine with her or grill her on her lessons, and Melixanthe was otherwise engaged. She could relax.

‘Thank you. I’m starving, so please don’t let cook be stingy with my portion.’ Ariadnne’s stomach growled for emphasis and Sascha laughed, waving her off as she headed back to the kitchen.

Ariadnne had barely enough time to wash and change into her silk night clothes before Sascha came back with a heavily laden tray.

Ariadnne exclaimed happily. The plates were stacked high with roasted potatoes, a selection of sausages, and buttery greens. Sascha perched on the arm of the sofa while Ariadnne ate.

‘You know, that new teammate of yours, what’s she called… the White Knight, has been behaving strangely this last week,’ she said, examining her fingernails.

Ariadnne glanced up, trying to be neutral despite the spark of interest Sascha’s words triggered. ‘How so?’

‘She’s been hanging around some of the servant’s passages. Trying to talk to me.’ Sascha’s hazel eyes slanted. ‘Hang on a minute—that look. Why did you just light up?’

‘Nothing. It’s nothing.’ Ariadnne looked back at her plate, realising that while she had been going about her days, Nieve had, in fact, been trying to find a way to her. The thought made her feel giddy, buoyant, and…guilty for not having faith.

‘Hmmm.’ Sascha eyed her. ‘Whatever it is must be good if you won’t even share with me,’ she cajoled, but Ariadnne kept her gaze focussed on her food.

‘I hope you’ve found a friend, at least?’ Sascha prodded. ‘You always seem so lonely.’

Ariadnne gave her a wry smile. ‘Dragons are never lonely. Besides, I have you.’ She nudged Sasha’s leg, but Sascha rolled her eyes.

‘You think you’re not lonely? I know you better than you think.’

Ariadnne shrugged. ‘I’m fine, honestly. My solitude is my fortress.’

‘Nonsense.’

Ariadnne tapped her fingers on the table. ‘Do you know what she wants?’

‘I was hoping you could tell me. Otherwise, I’ve no idea why a famous knight like her could want with an old maid like me. I’ve not hung around to ask questions.’ A smirk lingered round Sascha’s eyes, a smirk that Ariadnne pointedly ignored.

‘Wouldn’t it make sense to hear her out?’

Sascha’s eyes narrowed. ‘Why do I feel you’re pushing me into this? She’s very intimidating, I’ll have you know. All flashy armour and charm. You do know of her reputation with those blades, don’t you?’

Ariadnne only lifted her brows higher.

‘Fine! I’ll be civil. But until you give me a reason why that’s all she’ll get out of me.’

Before Ariadnne could say another word, Sascha rose in a flurry of skirts and bustled to the door.

‘You know where I am if you want to share more.’

Twenty-five

Ariadnne