Page 37 of To Desire

“The reason for the mystery that has surrounded you,” Alden said.

“Me. My father. My grandfather before him.”

“I often heard whispers back home,” Roland said. “Which spoke of moonlit meetings with mysterious figures and arcane rituals, some saying the Earl of Ely possessed an ancient grimoire, a book of forbidden knowledge, hidden within the walls of Ely Castle. I believe I mentioned this to you once.”

Darien actually laughed. “You did. Though I don’t know of a grimoire⁠—”

Liana cleared her throat.

Darien paused. “Is there a grimoire?”

“Of sorts. My great-grandmother once brought a book of runes to the market with her, though the reason has been lost. It was spotted and rumor spread, a cautionary tale my mother often reminds me of, that the smallest mistake could have wide-wrought repercussions.”

“I do not understand,” Evelina said. “Why did your father call you home?”

“Liana’s mother had a vision.”

“We read runes,” she said, to clarify. “But we also have senses, sometimes dreams, about the world around us. Ones the runes illuminate or can often clarify.”

“Incredible.” Gareth sat back, crossing his arms. “I always wondered if a seer’s ability was a thing of fable or reality.”

“It is very real,” Darien said. “I could give you many instances throughout my own life when Liana’s mother’s visions proved accurate.”

“Why the secrecy?” Alden asked.

“Even without revealing the truth,” Liana said, “both my mother and I, and our ancestors before us, were labeled as witches.”

She could tell from their expressions there was no question why that might be dangerous. “It has always been so,” Liana continued, her voice quiet but steady. “The knowledge we possess, though it is a gift, has often been feared more than respected. People are quick to label what they do not understand.”

Gareth leaned forward slightly, uncrossing his arms. “And fear can lead to dangerous accusations.”

“Precisely. Our abilities are seen as unnatural, and that is enough for many to turn against us.”

Sir Eamon frowned, glancing at Darien. “And your family has protected them for generations?”

“We have. My father and his before him. Their visions have been invaluable to our survival, but we’ve kept the truth hidden, for their sake as much as ours. Fear and superstition can be far more dangerous than any enemy.”

“We have lived in the shadows,” Liana added softly, “just as our knowledge has.”

“Why do you tell us now?” Lady Evelina asked.

“Go ahead,” Darien offered as Liana gained confidence to share her story.

“My mother had a vision. The runes indicated that Queen Matilda’s cause would not be fruitful. That she would never become queen.”

As expected, that revelation garnered a strong reaction from each person in the chamber. She hurried to finish.

“I do not advise the earl and consider myself an apprentice still. But when I saw something else, not a clear vision, but the possibility of a different interpretation than my mother’s, I told Darien.”

“And so I asked Liana to come back with me. With luck, her vision becomes more clear.”

Liana added, “I had a dream, on the journey here, but the runes are still elusive in this matter. Thus far, I can predict nothing to further guide you, unfortunately.”

“But you still may?” Gareth asked.

“Aye. But there is no pattern to it. Even if I were to read the runes each and every day, I may not receive more visions.”

One by one, each of them asked questions. How accurate were the visions? Were the runes ever wrong? Liana answered each one until Darien stopped them.

“It has been a long day. A long journey here. If we could find quarters for Liana?”

“Of course.” Sir Eamon stood. “I will find Pembroke and inquire about your meal.”

Promising to find their food and have the steward prepare Liana a bedchamber, one by one, the men left until Gareth and Evelina were the only two remaining.

“If you would prefer to dine alone—” Lady Evelina began.

“Will you stay, Lady Evelina?” Liana asked. “I would know more about navigating Castle Blackwood. Darien mentioned most of its inhabitants are men . . .”

“Evelina,” she said, offering Liana use of her given name. “I am more than glad to help you navigate this dusty old place.”

She was every bit as kind as Darien had said. By the time they’d eaten, Gareth filling Darien in on all he’d missed, it felt as if Liana had a friend in Evelina, which she would need in the coming days.