A Single Spark

by Tayvia Pierce

  Ben was quiet, his jaw tightening little by little with every passing minute as his eyes narrowed slightly. My own frown deepened with his reaction, and I suddenly wondered if he was envious? A moment later, his blue-grey eyes turned to look at me, all emotion now carefully veiled. He studied me for a moment before asking. “Are you jealous that she is getting married and you are not?”

  To say his question surprised me was a vast understatement, and my jaw dropped in shock before I emphatically shook my head. “What? Gods, no! I’m not jealous, just…” I didn’t know how to explain it. It wasn’t jealousy exactly, though there was a part of me that felt annoyance that she always ended up being the center of attention with everyone catering to her at the cost of everything else. Perhaps I am a little jealous. Why can’t my family do that for me, just once?

  I muddled through an explanation, though I wasn’t entirely sure he would understand. “I’m annoyed because she’s always been spoiled and inconsiderate. She gets whatever she wants and yet she still has to make my life miserable.” I could feel my frustration rising as I continued, all of my petty jealousies bubbling to the surface. “She puts herself into dangerous situations to keep every ounce of attention on herself so that everyone’s lives revolve around hers. And gods...right now she is in love with every male that comes across her path but treats Pedr like he’s no better than a stable-boy. Granted, he isn’t exactly the brightest man, but he is from a very good family, he has a kind heart, and he will be good to her and treat her like a Queen and she could be happy with him, but she won’t even give him a chance!”

  I finally shut my mouth with a huff, realizing I was venting to someone I had no business confessing our family’s problems to and I blushed with embarrassment, giving him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, Ben…”I murmured then. “I should not dump my frustrations on you. Let’s continue our lesson.” I started to rise, but he firmly set his hand on my shoulder, keeping me held firmly in place where I sat, giving me a firm look.

  His hand lightened on my shoulder once he knew I wasn’t going to stand, his features softening a little. “You can talk to me, Carys.” He said gently. “I will listen, and give advice when warranted. Everyone needs someone they can be human with. You in particular.” He grunted, sheathing his dagger.

  I turned to stare at him, not quite understanding his meaning and I gave him a bewildered look before asking. “What do you mean, me in particular?” Did he think that I had no friends to talk to? Did he think that I put on airs and was above the need for a companion? But you don’t have any friends, the annoying voice in the back of my mind reminded me, and I clamped my lips shut. I had a few acquaintances, but actually talking and sharing true feelings on a deeper level? There was nobody.

  It finally dawned on me that I spent most of my time...well, all of my time putting on the pretenses that are required of nobility. It was my duty to represent our family well and give everyone the appearance that we did not have “Family Drama” or any problems at all. I made us look put-together for the outside world, but at the cost of my own self. I eyed Ben as I wondered how he seemed to know me, though instead of gaining any insight, he was rising to his feet and gathering his things.

  “Our lesson for today is over.” He informed me without looking at me. “Go home and get some sleep. We will meet again at this time next week. I know you have many things to divide your attention, so until the wedding is done, we will only meet once a week for our lessons.” He turned then to look at me with his usual neutral look.

  My heart sank a little at the thought of meeting less. I looked forward to these lessons and setting aside nobility to focus on something practical. It’s the only time I really get to be myself. “Alright.” I relented, wishing I could insist we still meet every three days, but I knew he was right. There was much to do in the coming months, and I had a feeling being in a combative state of mind and armed was a bad idea, especially if Rhian was going to continue being a royal pain in my backside.

  Taking my hand to pull me to my feet, he didn’t release me until he knew I was steady on my feet and able to breathe once again after being struck. “Go rest.” He ordered with a stern look and I nodded compliantly. Only then did he let go of my hand, stepping back to give me room.

  “See you next week then... And thank you.” I dipped my head in a show of gratitude to him before turning around, leaving the courtyard. If he gave any response, I missed it. He did not follow me from the courtyard to walk me home, though it wasn’t something I wondered about until much later.

  CHAPTER 27

  Four days later, I found success at last in cornering my sister to discuss wedding plans. Pedr, (thank the gods for the man’s conscientious nature) had left a message that he had taken Rhian for dinner and that we were all invited to join them if we wished. There was no way she could vanish on me today and I was going to take full advantage of it while I could. One hour and a plate of roasted boar and baby potatoes later, we had a list of what she wanted, even if it was a short, boring list. The list of things she doesn’t like is far longer than the list of things she does like, I sighed. It wasn’t much, but it was something I could begin working with, at least.

  Rhian managed a weak smile to Pedr, glancing warily towards me for a moment as though trying to decide if I was past all talk of weddings. Only a moment later, however, her eyes shifted from me to beyond, eyes settling on the person coming in the door. A beaming smile grew on her face, appearing just like a wilting flower that suddenly found life and vibrancy as it lifted its face to the light. I knew exactly whom she saw.

  “Ben! Good evening!” She called cheerfully to him, lifting her hand to give him an excited wave, beckoning him over. I didn’t need to turn around to know the response he would give her, which meant I saw the crestfallen look on Pedr’s face. Rhian’s betrothed, however envious he might be, still gave Ben a polite nod as he came up behind me, taking a seat next to me on the bench. Our lessons in the wee hours of the morning had hidden the differences in our height, but now with him sitting next to me in the light of the tavern, I felt dwarfed by him.

  Ben offered Rhian a warm smile, and another to Pedr, ignoring me for the moment in favor of congratulating the pair. “Lady Rhian, Lord Pedr. I believe congratulations are in order regarding your impending marriage. May you two find every happiness together.” If Ben was envious, he hid it very well, though I thought I could make out the tight jaw of his opposition beneath the warm smile.

  He didn’t wait for their response before turning to acknowledge me with a faintly sarcastic tone. “Lady Carys. You look well.” While Rhian and Pedr would assume that our lack of warm conversation meant we were still at odds, I knew better. What he really meant was ‘you look like you feel better than you did when I knocked your backside into the dirt’.

  I met his gaze, the faint mark of humor evident in those blue-grey hues. It took great willpower not to smile in response, but play along with the supposedly awkward nature of our friendship. I dipped my head politely and gave only a simple greeting. “Hello, Ben.”

  Rhian was glaring at me, her eyes narrowed into slits. “You told him?” My eyebrows lofted at her, a little surprised by the fact she had vocalized her opposition in public, and in front of both men. I knew why she wouldn’t want Ben to know, just a little stunned that she would be so obvious about it. “Yes. Our paths crossed a few days ago and he asked how you were, so I told him you were thrilled to be engaged.” It’s mostly the truth.

  Indignation flashed ever-so-briefly in her eyes before she forced a smile as she looked back to Ben. “Yes, in just 2 short months, I will be married.” If she was trying to hide her unhappiness, she failed miserably, her voice taking on a brittle edge through her smile. Why can’t she be better at faking joy? I sighed inwardly.

  Pedr’s jaw grew tight as he looked between Rhian and Ben. He let out a calming breath, adopting a hopeful visage before setting his gaze on his wife-to-be. “Rhian, sweetheart...would you join me in a
walk this evening?” He rose, nobly extending his hand towards her so he could help her to her feet, fully expecting that she would be agreeable to his suggestion. She wasn’t.

  Rhian blinked in surprise, turning to wrinkle her nose at him as though wondering why he would choose that precise moment to ask. “Not right now. Ben only just arrived and I have hardly seen him in over a month. I’m not going anywhere.” She said petulantly before offering Ben a more genuine smile, seeming to forget about Pedr at her side. Pedr frowned, looking a little hurt by her outright refusal and had no choice but to slowly retract his hand to sit back down in awkward silence.

  Rhian’s attention was so intent upon Ben that the tavern could have burst into flame and she wouldn’t have noticed. She smiled sweetly as though it might disguise the fact she was prying. “So Ben, what have you been doing this last month? I have been in town often and haven’t seen you at all, despite how Carys makes running into you seem so easy.” Rhian distinctly did not look at me, though I knew her envious little barb was aimed straight at me.

  Ben’s brow had furrowed slightly at the exchange between Pedr and Rhian, his gaze now flicking over to meet mine for a split second, knowing as well as I that her pointed comment was spoken out of jealousy. He quickly smiled back to Rhian, his voice perfectly even. “I have been in the city, though have not frequented the Stag as often as you, it seems.” Rhian bristled a little as though he had been implying she spent all her time here. It was very close to the truth, and while her lips parted to retort, she seemed to think better about commenting on it and took a drink from her cup instead.

  Ben’s eyes flicked towards Pedr for a moment before finishing his thought with a thin smile. “Really, Lady Rhian. I have been doing nothing of note, simply biding my time and working towards the accomplishment of a few of my own goals.” His reassurance, however cryptic it sounded, brought up the reminder of his Master and his ongoing search for him.

  Rhian frowned at him, likely expecting some grandiose excuse as to why he hadn’t been around. She wants him to be as anxious to see her as she is to see him. “Well...you have been keeping other company, then?” She pried further, absently smoothing her skirts over her legs as though trying to pretend the thought of it didn’t bother her.

  Ben’s eyes flicked to mine momentarily and my heart skipped. Please don’t say me, I begged silently as my mouth went dry. Ben smirked slightly as though reading my thoughts, shaking his head lightly. “Not really.” He said smoothly, true to his word about keeping our training secret. “Unless you consider a beggar lad to be a competitor for your friendship?” He chuckled softly.

  Rhian scrunched up her nose in distaste. “Why are you spending time with beggars?” She asked, Ben’s quip about a beggar boy being a rival for his time and energy being a thought she found utterly insulting.

  “He helps me on occasion with tasks that I am unable to perform myself.” He explained easily before giving a slightly dismissive wave as though the lad wasn’t important. Looking between Rhian and Pedr he commented offhandedly. “Perhaps you should go with your betrothed on that walk, Lady Rhian. After all, it is a warmer night than most and should be taken advantage of before winter sets in. I’m sure you two have plenty to discuss with your upcoming nuptials.”

  Rhian’s frown deepened into another pout. “I don’t…” She glanced over to Pedr, realizing that she had forgotten he was there, there were only so many excuses she could make to stay, and only so long she could ignore him. She wouldn’t argue with Ben, so she sighed and slumped a little, muttering. “Fine. I’ll go on a walk.”

  Pedr, who’s current expression made it abundantly clear that he had no care for Ben, suddenly shifted into a begrudgingly thankful look. He likely wanted to keep as much distance as possible between his wife-to-be and Ben. It didn’t take a scholar to see the obvious infatuation that my younger sister had for Ben, though I knew it would pass soon enough once she realized the depth of Pedr’s feelings for her. At least...I hoped it would.

  Rhian stiffly rose with Pedr’s help, dipping her head regally to Ben and in some bizarre fashion, managed to look both defiant and submissive at the same time. Her tone was barely pleasant as she said her farewells, ignoring me completely. “Good eve to you then, Ben.” She whirled around in a flamboyant display of indignation at being sent off like an irascible child who was pestering the adults.

  Pedr looked almost like he was about to give chase, but recalled his manners and dipped his head without a smile. “Lady Carys, Ben...Goodnight.” And with that, he was off after Rhian, who had already gone out the door without waiting for him.

  Both Ben and I were silent, our eyes following Rhian and Pedr until they were both outside. Once they were gone, Ben snorted into his mug of ale. “I see what you mean.” He muttered, recalling what I had said after my last lesson. He shook his head then gave me a level look. “She is not ready to marry, Lady Carys.” His tone held a stern edge as though he was blaming me for her current situation; a look that earned him my raised eyebrow and a stubborn look in return.

  “I agree, which is why I have been trying to talk Father out of this nonsense since he announced it.” I agreed with him. “He will not relent, being of the opinion that she needs a steady influence to keep her on the straight and narrow, though Pedr is too easily led by her and I have serious doubts as to who will be influencing who. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.” I said, lowering my voice to keep my opinion between the two of us.

  I don’t think he expected me to fully agree with him, but he didn’t look any happier for it. His frown remained and he grunted. “You need to convince him then. She needs a strong and intelligent man to lead her. Pedr is not a suitable mate.” He announced as though it was his and only his opinion that mattered. “What does your mother have to say about all of this?”

  I blinked, surprised that Rhian hadn’t mentioned the fate of our mother to him, and I stammered. “I...ah, we don’t have a Mother. She was killed…” I winced a little before trying to explain. “Father had taken us all on a family trip to a city down the coast for their cultural festival. We were there for a week, and it was one of the best trips we had as a family. There was a village along the way back where we stopped to stay at an Inn, and Yehketim pirates attacked in the night, abducting Mother and dragging her off into the dark. We never found her body, only the remnants of her tattered nightclothes in a large pool of blood. We were left to speculate the cruel manner of her death, but in the end, the manner was less important than the fact that she was gone.”

  Ben fell silent as he kept his eyes on mine, letting me continue, but I didn’t want to discuss mother or what she would have to say about Rhian’s betrothed. “He could be a good spouse if he found his spine and she stopped being obstinate and accepted that this marriage is going to happen. I don’t know what the right answer is, but the decision is made, so I do my duty.” I took a long sip of my wine, already nearing the bottom of my cup. Ben peered into my goblet and turned to flag down the waitress to order me another. I arched my brow and gave him a look, murmuring wryly. “Are you trying to get me inebriated?”

  He snorted shaking his head. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Lady Carys. But since you lack a guard to take you home, you can have another while you wait for one.” he gave me a pointed look, though it held a hint of humor. I knew what point he was making: If he was my guard, he could take me home right now. If he was our guard...He had certainly begun to earn my trust, though for some reason I still struggled with the notion of him being our protector.

  I smirked back and murmured my thanks. With Ben seated next to me, it was only natural to converse while I waited, not that I was ready to leave yet anyways. I set my elbows lightly on the edge of the table, swirling the last contents of my cup. “So tell me of your business here, Ben. Have you had any luck with locating your Master?” I asked before finishing the last sip of wine, setting the now empty cup aside to await my fresh one.

  Ben studied me for a moment before
shaking his head. “No, no luck yet.” His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he considered what to tell me. “He vanished from the manor several years ago, and finally I have tracked him here to his area.” He said vaguely. “He fled, ignoring his duty and went off on his own..putting his own wants ahead of the good of his House, but it’s time for him to return.” Ben took another drink from his mug, setting it back down with a clunk.

  My humored look turned serious, knowing about duty to one’s family and station. “That I can understand.” I murmured wryly. “So you know he is in the area, but you don’t know where? Are you out looking for him between our….erm, visits?”

  His lip twitched, though neither nodded nor shook his head. “A little. I believe it is a matter of time before he comes through Lund. I will be here when that happens. Until then, I wait.” He said quietly, sounding far more patient than I would be if our positions were reversed.

  I nodded, starting to understand a little more of his situation. “And your role was his bodyguard, then? Is that where you were trained?” The serving woman appeared at our table with a smile, setting my new goblet down in front of me before whisking away the empty one.