Fear of Fire and Shadow (The Fade #1) - Samantha Young Page 0,28

of me ached for him, and the other distrusted him as I did most men. What if he’d hurt Ariana somehow and she had wanted to disappear, wanted to stay gone? A plan formed in my mind. “You better leave, Grof Krill, before I scream for Captain Stovia and you are charged with trying to force the princezna’s Azyl to work for you.”

“No.” Krill shook his head. “I would never force you. I just want your help.”

“I can’t help you, my lord. My duty is not to you. I work only for Her Highness. Now please leave.”

I watched the light dim in his eyes, his expression haggard. “Of course, my lady. I shall leave you in peace. I apologize for my untoward behavior. I overstepped.”

He left quietly, the door closing behind him. Futile though it was, I turned the lock.

I sighed wearily. I would never sleep now. Instead I hurried to the dressing table and rummaged through the drawers until I found stationery. I dipped my pen in ink and began my letter.

Dear Ariana,

You do not know me. I am Rogan of Vasterya, Princezna Haydyn’s Handmaiden and one of the Azyl. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the hospitality of Grof Krill Rada of Raphizya whom I am told you are acquainted. I write to you on behalf of a desperate man who tells me he loves you. I have not informed him where you are, although the grof did command me to seek you, so if he lies and yours was not a relationship of mutual love, then fear not, he will not find you.

Did you know the grof had no inkling of his aunt’s blackmail until after your disappearance? Did you know his aunt is dead, thus freeing your dear friend from any consequences of her blackmail? Grof Krill desperately seeks you, Ariana. He has been looking for three years. He loves you.

If you love him, you are free to return to him.

Yours sincerely,

Rogan

I sighed and folded the letter into an envelope, addressing it to Ariana. I snorted at my own foolishness. The girl would probably think the letter a hoax. I shrugged and pulled on a dressing gown. Still, it was the only thing I could think to do for Grof Krill without putting all my trust in him.

I hurried from the room, my candle battling the shadows as I marched through the mansion and out into the cold stable yard. I shivered and rushed to the stables, coming across a man on guard whose hand immediately leapt to the hilt of his sword before he jolted in recognition.

“My lady,” the officer whispered. “What are you doing out here? Are you well?”

I nodded, my teeth chattering. “Here.” I thrust the envelope at him. “You must find a messenger immediately and have this delivered in Javinia.” I handed over the coins to pay the messenger.

Like a good soldier, he nodded unquestioningly. “Of course, my lady. But please, I insist you return inside.”

“Thank you. I have every intention of doing so.” And without another word, I hurried into the mansion. That deep, buried, romantic part of my soul hoped my letter reached Ariana.

Chapter 9

Had I ever been so tired?

Mistrustful, I couldn’t sleep. I’d sat up rigidly in bed until sunlight spilled through the cracks in the curtains of the guest suite. By the time the maids arrived to help me dress, I was ready for the day, having washed and then adorned a riding gown. I’d fashioned my hair into a simple braid.

I knew the maids were shocked by my “unladylike” behavior—haven forbid a lady actually dress herself—and I imagined I’d be a prime bit of gossip amongst the servants of Grof Krill’s home when I departed. But by that point I was so numb with exhaustion, I couldn’t give a damn.

The grof was not at breakfast, and the butler informed me Wolfe had already eaten and was in the stables with the men, preparing to continue our journey. I scoffed down some toast and black coffee, hoping it might energize me. All the coffee did was make me jittery.

Surmising Grof Krill would not wish to see me off after the previous evening’s embarrassing encounter, I ventured outside to find the Guard waiting for me. I was annoyed that no one had come for me sooner. I hated being the one to keep everyone waiting, like I was that woman. Tiredness made me grumpier, and I huffed in annoyance as Lieutenant Chaeron helped me mount Midnight with a