The smirk slid from her face.
“Always.” She nodded once and dropped the blind, rushing from the library.
Sighing, I strolled to Alden’s study, knowing he would already be awake and working.
“Ara and I will be going to Nautia today,” I said as I entered.
He looked up from his book, his glasses at the end of his nose. “I know. I heard.”
“Anyone you want to send a message to?”
“I do believe Ewan, an old friend of Vaelor’s, is living there. If you can find him, he will join the cause. Well,” he chuckled, “knowing him, he will probably find you two first.”
“Ewan? Ara mentioned his name. He knew of my sibling, didn’t he?” My heart raced at the prospect.
“Yes, he was actually the one who questioned the lady’s maid, so he may be able to give her description,” he said, bringing a hand to his chin.
“I’ll find him,” I vowed, turning to leave. “I’ll also keep you posted on any progress we make.”
“As will I.”
Walking back through the entryway, there was still no sign of Ara. I exited through the front, spotting Doran still with his men in the bailey.
“Have you seen Ara?” I shouted to him.
He jerked his chin to the side of the castle. “She went around the side early this morning before sunrise.”
I strolled around the castle and hopped onto the ledge with the help of my wings, landing silently at the top. Ara was sitting on the edge with her arms wrapped around her knees—a black silhouette against the vibrant pink and orange of sunrise.
I had never really cared about the weather before, but now, clear skies meant everything to me, and I was grateful to see another calm morning.
She startled as I joined her on the ledge, sitting beside her.
“This is the only place I’ve ever seen the sky so openly before,” she whispered as if scared to disturb the peace.
I glanced at her sidelong, taking in the soft curve of her face.
“Draig Hearth does have the best views,” I replied, turning back to the sea.
“Yes, it does.”
A small smile pulled at my lips at her agreement and we sat in silence, admiring as the sun peeked over the horizon.
“When I lived in Auryna, I used to read. For more than just the stories. For the escape,” she whispered and I froze. “I never thought I’d see anything past my small village if I’m being honest, but the books allowed me to live far, far away. Through a thousand different, exciting lives.” She tightened the grip on her legs, resting her chin on her knee. Her next words were barely audible, just a whisper on her breath. “I don’t know when reading became less of an escape and more of a… Just because Iwantto.” She took a shaky breath. “I don’thaveto anymore.”
A sad smile twitched on her lips. As I opened my mouth to respond, Doran shouted from below and she jumped, jerking her face to me. Her eyes were wide and she averted her gaze.
“Time to go!”
I could’ve wrung his neck in that very moment, but suppressed it from showing on my face as I stood, offering my hand to her. She stared at it for a moment before cautiously lifting her hand to mine. My fingers closed around hers as I pulled her up.
“Thanks,” she muttered as she slid her hand from mine, walking to the ledge. Before she could climb down, I swooped her into my arms and leaped down. “What are you doing?” she screamed, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Just helping out where I can,” I said, grinning as I set her on her feet.
“I could’ve gotten myself down,” she muttered, dusting her pants off.
“You’re a decent climber, but that would’ve taken longer.”