way out, but I hadn’t expected anyone to actually come. There is such a feeling of fear that I hadn’t truly believed anyone would disobey the king, but I suppose people are much more motivated when their children are at risk.
“Do you need to escape? It won’t be easy,” I warn. After all, these people are giving up their home, money, and a relatively safe life for one on the run with no certainties.
“Yes, I could never choose a child to sacrifice to slavery. It’s a death sentence,” she states firmly, and I know she’s ready, that she will give up everything for her children. I gesture to the fountain next to me with a nod of my head, my hands still held tightly in her own.
“Then we can help you. Just next to me is a shield, a type of magic that will hide you from view. My...friend, Tor, will help you escape and help you get somewhere safe,” I explain, and she looks over, frowning slightly at first when she can’t see anything, but she nods her understanding as I finish. Raising my hands, she kisses them gently, bowing her head reverently.
“Thank you so much, beloved.”
Hearing her call me that is like a physical blow. How did she know that’s what the Mother calls me, and why is she acting like I’m her saviour? Taking a deep breath, I try to pretend like this doesn’t affect me and grab one of her hands, leading her into the shield, her children trailing closely behind. They look around the space with wide eyes and open mouths, wondering at the magic, before staring up at Tor. The children cower behind their mother, clinging to her legs. I understand their fear, Tor does look pretty intimidating with his tattoos, half of his head shaved, and the other half braided and hanging down past his shoulders. The maid glances over at me as if for reassurance. Nodding my head, I smile at her gently. “This is Tor, he’ll help you.”
Looking down at her children, she rests her hands on their heads, comforting them with a gentle touch. “Don’t be frightened. This is a friend of the beloved,” she whispers to the children who simply nod, as if that is enough for them to know they’re safe. Their confidence in me is mind-blowing, and I’m struggling to understand it and accept that responsibility, but I know now is not the time for me to fall apart.
I can feel Tor’s eyes on me, watching my interactions with the maid and her children. He’s wondering why they’re calling me ‘beloved,’ and he’s noticed how I panicked. It was subtle, but he seems to pick up on things others miss. Perhaps it has to do with this bond between us, or the fact I sometimes know things that I shouldn’t.
The sound of several sets of footsteps makes us all freeze and turn to look at the courtyard entrance. Thankfully, after a few minutes, no one comes out, but I know we are pushing our luck.
“You need to go.”
“Clarissa—” Taking a step back, I shake my head and he stops. I know what he’s going to say, or what he wants to say. He wants, no, needs to tell me something about my past, and I’m burning to know what he was going to say, but it’s not safe.
You’re a coward. You don’t want to know in case your past is as bad as your life in the castle. What if you were unwanted and uncared for just like you were always told? my mind taunts, picking at my insecurities.
Growling low in his throat, he shakes his head. “Fine, but we will talk about this tomorrow.”
Nodding, I watch as he turns to the maid and her children. Like a switch has been flipped, he changes before my eyes, softening as he kneels down in front of the youngsters. He says something to them in a low voice that I can’t quite hear, but they nod, and small, fragile smiles appear on their faces.
“You need to go now,” he tells me, and I know he’s right. I don’t want to know how he gets in and out of the castle, the less I know the better, but it feels like he just kicked me in the chest. Nodding, I smile at the maid, dipping my head slightly.
“Mother bless you and keep you safe.” She smiles in return and makes the symbol of the Great Mother. Looking across at Tor,