"I can't get rid of this bad feeling about it all." I stood up, the delicate wooden chair creaking with relief behind me.
Letting out a breath, I looked at the rest of the room as Lady Ellingsworth would.
Worn furniture with fraying fabrics and faded wood, patterned walls empty but for the faded marks where pictures once hung, and moth-eaten curtains, arranged perfectly to hide the wear.
We'd worked hard for the past day, but this was as good as it would get.
"Why is she coming here?" I asked. "Doesn't that seem odd to you? She never comes to us."
Aunt Grace tilted her head, silver curls bouncing with the movement. "I suppose. But what can we really do about it? Besides, this way we get to reign over her." She held her head high and sniffed, looking remarkably like Lady Ellingsworth, then winked.
I let out a small laugh. "I'm sure you're right. Still, that woman's mind is devious enough to come up with something terrible," I said, and looked out the window again. The sky was a lovely shade of blue, with not a cloud in the sky.
If only I could be out there instead …
How was Eli's concussion? Had Lynk found any news on the missing Seekers? Was that what the Seeker meant yesterday? If so, was it somehow related to Lord Ellingsworth?
It didn't really matter, but I'd been so distracted yesterday that I'd just rushed home to help Sylvie prepare, completely bypassing the Harlsteds.
I hadn't even told Aunt Grace the rest of what had happened.
"Aunt Grace, I — "
She looked up at me, grey eyes curious, but before I could continue, a knock sounded at the door. I flew back to my chair, spreading my skirts and pasting a happy smile on my face before Sylvie opened it. Aunt Grace shook her head.
"Presenting the esteemed Lady Ellingsworth."
My mouth went dry, and I had to consciously force my hands to relax.
"Breathe." Aunt Grace's whisper made me sit straighter as the viper stepped through the door, shadowed by her ever-present man servant. Gods, he was tall! He even had to duck to walk through the door, and those doors were not short.
Today, she was dressed in a deep violet and bright yellow. It was obnoxiously bright, and I had to smother a grimace. Aunt Grace would never allow a client of hers to walk out in a design so unsuitable for their personality. Your clothes reflect you, so you'd better make sure they match you had always been her mantra.
I preferred not to think on what that meant about me and my unkept appearance …
"Lady Maderoth, Miss Maderoth." Lady Ellingsworth's sharp voice made my hair stand on end.
"Lady Ellingsworth," Aunt Grace and I said in unison, bowing our heads the exact minimum amount required by etiquette.
"Why, ladies, thank you for your hospitality. Such gracious hosts! And what a lovely home you have." Her voice was as sharp as the other day, but sounded even more smug. The nervous feeling in my chest intensified.
"Thank you, my lady. Please, sit." Aunt Grace's voice was smooth, but even I heard the chill in her tone.
Lady Ellingsworth shuddered. "Oh no. I shan't — besides, where could I even sit down in this room. I swear — you'd think you had no servants to keep things tidy around here."
I snuck a glance at Sylvie, hands clasped tightly in front of her, stormy expression on her face. We asked a lot of her, and she did her best … but an estate of this size required more help.
I wanted to punch Lady Ellingsworth in her smug face, or force her to live like the rest of us for a while, but I clenched my skirts tightly instead.
Aunt Grace would handle this, just like she always did.
"Well then," she stood and shook her skirts before holding out a large velvet bag and dipping into a curtsey, "here is our payment."
Lady Ellingsworth refused to look down. She just held her hand out imperiously for the bag. A small smile flitted across her lips as she hefted it in front of her face and the coins inside made a satisfying clatter. Then she nodded and handed it to her silent manservant.
"Yes. Thank you. Now, for the other matter."
My heart dropped. There was always something else.
She gestured towards the surrounding room, lips pinched. "The house seems to be in a rough state, wouldn't you say Brenton?" Her manservant nodded, eyes fixed on some space behind us.
My mind raced. Just what was she scheming?
The house was certainly in need of some repairs. But what did that have to do with her?
She continued. "We also had a brief walk about your estate, and there are quite a few areas in need of repair there, as well."
My stomach dropped. I knew where this was headed.
"In fact, it looks as though there's a large section of cliff that recently collapsed?"
Aunt Grace turned to me, eyes wide. Damn. I really should have told her about the cliff yesterday.
I cleared my throat. "That's only to be expected. All of Gleyma is built atop ruins and everyone knows it's unstable."
"Perhaps. But what happens when someone is standing on that land when it collapses? Who will be responsible for the costs of such a … misfortune?"
I thought back to Eli the day before and grimaced.
"Since the late Lord Harlsted passed, you've all done your best. But we," she paused and feigned a look of sympathy, "know you simply do not have the funds to keep up the estate to the level expected of a Ridge home. And, as it is the collateral for your loan, we're … concerned."
My stomach ached as the final piece fell into place.
Her lips twisted into a satisfied smirk, and she met my eyes. "We'll need the full repayment of the loan by the next due date or we'll repossess the home."
I stood, angry words already forming on my tongue, but she held her hand out. "No, no. I know what you're going to say, and truly, it breaks my heart to do this — "
Ha. She'd always hated us and wanted us out of the area. We lowered the value just by being here.
As if a single estate would really keep people away from the Ridge … it was just priced beyond the means of all but the most wealthy, and full of viperous old biddies like her.
Who would want to live here?
" — However, we've already done all the paperwork and we've had our man come out to look. He agrees the house won't hold for another winter without some serious repairs. And we all know you can't do anything to repair it on your own." She looked at the threadbare carpet beneath our feet, the scratches on the wood of the chairs and Sylvie standing there — hands clasped, then shrugged as if to ask what else we'd expected.
I seethed. How dare they! The house certainly would not fall about our ears anytime soon! It was in disrepair, but nowhere near falling down.
And the land?
Well, they had a point about the cliffs, but it was a good half-mile from the house! We were in no danger of falling into the bay. And we had signs to warn trespassers. Was it really our fault if they ignored them?
Even if we could find a way out of this specific mess, were we doomed to live under their thumb for the rest of our lives?
No. I wouldn't consider that possibility.
But how could we come up with the rest of the loan in one week? That simply wasn't possible. Not with the Season just beginning.
Was this why Lord Ellingsworth had seemed so apologetic? He hadn't been able to do anything to stop it? No. Surely he'd have done something if he'd known …
Aunt Grace's calm voice brought me out of my panic. "Lady Ellingsworth, I appreciate your concern. I hope you understand that we'll be pursuing our own appraisal of the property, as well?"
Lady Ellingsworth inclined her head, smile still firmly in place. "Of course. We'd expect nothing less." Which meant they'd already bribed every damn inspector within driving distance to support their stance.
The gods damned benefits of money and power.
My fists clenched in my skirts, but I made myself remain calm. Reacting would do us no good.
I would find some way out of this, t
hough.
Despicable mission complete, Lady Ellingsworth finally took her leave.
I stalked to the window, staring daggers at the carriage as it rolled away to her house next door.
"Kaiya, we'll figure this out," Aunt Grace said, voice soft.
I scoffed. There was no way we could pay that much back in such a short time. She didn't need to worry even more, though, so I turned and smiled tightly at her. "I'm sorry, Aunt Grace. I just — I need some space to think this out."
She nodded. "We'll talk tonight?"
"Of course." I gave her a hug and slipped out the door, eyes burning and heart aching.
17
Kaiya
Pulling my cloak tighter around my body, I slipped out the kitchen door. Wind whipped my skirt, and I lifted my face to meet the bright sunshine, hoping it would calm my aching heart.
Why were the worst days always so beautiful?
I needed to get some space to think — maybe head to the ruins to see if Lynk was around? I still had his rope. Perhaps I should try stopping by the general store again?
No. I was in no mood to talk to the Harlsteds or run into Eli.
The ruins it was then.
"Well, are you willing to work with me yet?"
The voice made me jump, and I spun around to see Eli leaning against a tree, wide grin pasted on his face. His green eyes dropped to my dress, and my cheeks heated at the interest in them.
What in the seven hells was he doing here?
"Gods damn it, Eli. Why are you lurking around my house? This is NOT the time." I glared at him and marched down the drive. I really didn't want any company.
He jumped to catch up, laughing softly. "What can I say? You're just too fun to scare."
I scoffed inside, but pretended not to hear him, hoping he'd take the hint. I was far too raw today …
A hand pressed into my elbow sending tingles up my arm, and I turned to face him, ready to let loose all the anger that had been building up during the Ellingsworth's visit.
"I'm sorry, Kaiya." His voice was solemn and his face serious. His wide cheekbones stood out as he tilted his head to the side and smiled winningly, that dimple peeking out from his left cheek. "My timing is terrible."
I nodded, feeling my anger thaw. Just a bit. "The worst."
"I'm assuming the poor timing has to do with that?" He pointed towards the carriage rattling down the opposite direction of the road.
I bit my cheek and tapped my fingers impatiently against my hip as I watched them disappear, brain still not fully able to grasp just how much trouble we were in. "That would be Lady Ellingsworth."
"And she is … ?"
"Oh, just the person who holds our future in her very slimy hands." The words came out without thinking. I covered my mouth and met his laughing eyes. Shit. I really shouldn't have said that! "I mean — she's the Magistrate's wife, and they're a very … influential couple."
Gods. That didn't come out much better.
Cheeks hot, I stared at him, waiting for his shock, or even anger.
But, in what I was beginning to realize was typical Eli fashion, he just laughed and patted my shoulder. "Your secret is safe with me." Warmth unfurled in my chest.
I shook it off. I had no time for warmth or friendship.
Besides, he was only here for a few weeks. He'd told me that himself.
I crossed my arms. "You still haven't told me why you're here."
"You should know by now!" He smirked. "I have a life-debt to repay."
That again? Gods. I didn't have time for this.
Sighing, I turned and walked away.
He chased after me. "Seriously. I want to help, Kaiya!"
"My problems are not your problems, Eli," I bit out. "I know you feel you owe me something, but I just did what anyone else would have done. Besides, I can handle this on my own."
He looked at me with narrowed eyes, then to the house, then back at me. "Do you owe the Ellingsworths money?" he blurted out, then grimaced. "Sorry — I just … people were oddly willing to tell me about you, and I didn't want you to think I didn't know, and —"
"Yes." I interrupted, stopping to face him. "They manage the loan that we have through the Empire Bank." I hated that he knew, but he'd probably heard worse from the people he'd spoken with.
Air hissed through his teeth and his body tensed as he glared at the carriage turning down their drive.
I winced. "It was a stupid decision, but in my defense, I was young and both my aunt and uncle were sick."
"You aren't to blame for that!" he said, glaring in the direction they'd gone. "They took advantage of you. Was there no one else around to help?"
I grimaced. "Does it really matter? We ended up under their thumb and now we need a lot of money in a short time. But there's no way for us to get it."
"I'm assuming there's a hefty consequence if you fail?" His words were full of quiet fury.
I gritted my teeth and nodded before turning back to the road.
We were quiet for a bit as we walked. The breeze rustled the leafy trees above us and small creatures wove in and out of the path, startled by our presence.
Perhaps I could prove that the Ellingsworths were faking the condition of our land?
No. Who'd listen to me?
Could I join the Reaper Guild and earn money there? No. I'd have to come up with the funds to join first. Besides, one week would be nowhere near enough time to make the amount of money we needed.
Perhaps I could go to the Capital and make money there?
I looked down at myself and scowled. What could I even do there? Sell my body?
I cringed. If it came to that in order to keep Aunt Grace safe, I'd do it. But surely there had to be some other way …
"I know you refused my job offer, but I honestly think it might be the perfect opportunity for you."
Eli's words jerked me out of my thoughts and I paused to look at him, quirking my brow. "So you're willing to let me hunt by myself?"
I might not make much money, but at least I could explore those ruins I'd seen in the cliffs. Not being able to go down and look had been eating at me.
I'd almost gone with Lynk's rope last night. But with no anchors and a loose cliff face, it would have been a death sentence. I couldn't do that to my aunt.
If Eli let me go in his stead, though … surely I could sneak a few little hunts in my free-time?
He shook his head stubbornly, though.
I gritted my teeth. "I don't work with people. Besides, there is no way you have the funds to make it worth me hauling your incompetent self around."
His eyes went wide, and I realized that might have been a bit harsh. True … but harsh. Still, he needed to understand.
He recovered quickly. "What if I had something else in mind?"
There was only one thing that paid that well, and the thought of it with him made my cheeks burn.
I dropped my voice to a whisper and leaned closer. "I won't sleep with you, either." He was handsome enough, but the last thing I needed right now was a romantic entanglement.
"Sleep — " he coughed out, eyes wide, " — with me?"
I nodded, neck hot. He was acting as though I'd just asked him to eat a forest slug! I mean, I might not be charming or witty, but surely I wasn't that undesirable?
I looked down at myself, taking in the old gown and ragged hems.
Perhaps he had a point …
Still, I glared at him, ignoring the sharp pang in my chest. It wasn't like I wanted to sleep with him!
As though he could read my mind, his lips quirked into a grin. "I won't pay you to make love to me, Kaiya." He leaned closer and winked. "If that happened, it would be our choice."
I rolled my eyes and stepped away, pushing down the brief surge of heat that had flared in my core at the mention of making love. Had he really called it that? Gods.
I had no time or interest in any of that right now.
"Here. Let me just show you what I need." He p
ulled a bag off his shoulders, flipped the top open, and pulled out a small leather journal. The same journal that had been soaking wet the other day. He must have gotten it to dry. "If you worked with me, I would give you a cut of the finds."
I shook my head. We'd already been over this. "I've searched these ruins, Eli. There's nothing left."
"Please, just let me show you."
I sincerely doubted it would pay off, but the confidence on his face made me pay attention as he opened the book.
"I think there are more ruins that have never been touched …"
I tilted my head. Why would he think that? I mean, it seemed to be true, judging by that new wall I'd seen in the cliff, but how did he know about that?
"This journal belonged to a mage who worked in Ellesmere before it fell. He talks about a vast library full of reference books and relics that were too dangerous for normal mages."
My heart sped up. Could it be … no. That would be impossibly lucky …
"From what I saw yesterday, I think your land sits atop what was once that secret library."
I held my hand out, mind racing as he placed the book in my palm. "Do you have any idea who the mage who wrote it was?"
He grimaced. "I have some ideas, but nothing certain."
Curious, I stared at him.
"Fine. Have you ever heard of the Druid and the Drake?"
My eyebrows rose, and I nodded.
"Well, I think it might have belonged to him."
"The Druid? You think the journal belonged to the Druid?"
He nodded. "Or the Drake. I think he might've actually been a human, too."
Shock made me stare at him in silence for a few moments.
How was that possible? I'd found a few references to the Druid in the books at the Harlsteds, but never anything this concrete. "You know that's a big claim …"
He grimaced. "I know. Why do you think I didn't want to tell you? I have my reasons, though."
"Why haven't I heard of it? How do I know you aren't just making this up to get me to help?"
He tapped the book with his index finger. "You haven't heard of it because I don't think this was a typical library. Dangerous relics that were too intense for normal mages to handle? Those wouldn't be kept in your normal library … No. The feeling from these entries was that it was some sort of experimental thing that the mages were doing outside the city."
Forsaken Secrets: A slow-burn new adult fantasy romance (Isle of the Forsaken Book 1) Page 8