The Death Sparrow's Shadow: The Assassin of Acreage Book One Read online

She put all her weapons down, looking at them. She already missed them. Ike grabbed her arm, trying to lead her off. She pulled away angrily.

  Walking back to her room, she tried to inspect the silent but brooding Ike. He ignored her like a parent would a child throwing a tantrum. Once at the room, he opened the door and shoved her in before shutting the doors.

  Mary rushed to wrap her in a robe. Serena stood stiffly, unsure what was happening.

  “Look at the mess. Your walk in the garden has destroyed the bottom of your dress. Let’s fix you up.”

  A rush of orange fabric turned towards her. The angular face of Lady Georgina turned.

  “Clean up, dear. I’ve got us tea and sandwiches as promised.”

  Serena stared words catching in her throat. Now? Of all days she chose to appear today? She already had tea with Helen. Why would she choose to show up offering tea as well? Forcing questions aside, she maintained her role.

  “Thank you. I’ll be right out!”

  Serena followed into the bedroom, smiling at Georgina.

  “What is she doing here?”

  “She heard you had tea this morning with Helen.”

  “Exactly. I already had tea!”

  “I suspect she’s trying to outdo Helen.”

  Serena released a breath as Mary pulled out a light blue dress. Nothing extravagant but simple with a pearl neckline.

  Serena cursed but rushed out of her clothes to put on the dress.

  “Why did you let her in? I was away. I should still be training.”

  “She wanted to wait and set up lunch, and I can’t send her away. You’re supposed to be a Lady of the Court. This is normal behavior for them.”

  Grimacing, Serena felt the pull of the corset. A quick flip to move her hair into a bun with some pearl earrings quickly finished her look. Mary slid her into heels and Serena walked out with a smile.

  “Thank you for visiting me, Georgina. This is so unexpected. I’ve only just settled at court.”

  “You were such a doll at court the other night. I know I came off a little brash. Forgive me. I tend to say things and have no idea where it all came from.”

  Serena sat down across from her, looking at the piles of small sandwiches displayed elegantly on platers.

  “Please eat. You must be tired after your morning with the Captain. A walk in the garden” She paused to smile. “and tea with Helen.” She scowled. “He’s trying to keep you all to himself, it seems.”

  “He was merely making sure I was settled.”

  “We’re alright now, Mary. You can go.” Georgina said waving her off. Mary bowed her head and left. “The help can be so nosy sometimes. Best to keep an eye on them. I heard Lady Wilo had to fire hers for stealing a pearl necklace her husband gave her. The maid should’ve lost her head for the insult, but the ever-merciful Captain got her exiled instead. I don’t understand why he wastes his time on such rift raft.”

  Serena listened and went to grab a cucumber sandwich.

  “Not that one, dear. Try the turkey. You need to put some meat on your bones. Men don’t like women with no figure.” Georgina commented, grabbing a cucumber sandwich for herself. Serena stared. This was exactly what she dreaded about the court. She grabbed a turkey sandwich and took a small bite.

  “I noticed the Prince danced with you at dinner. You must feel so special.” She said taking a bit of her sandwich. She frowned at it. “Dreadful taste. The cooks really need to be trained better. It’s so hard to find good help, even here. In Templaria the food is much better.”

  Serena went to open her mouth and speak, but Georgina cut in.

  “Oh yes, the Prince. I’m sorry to inform you dear you’re nothing special. He dances with most of the fresh faces at court. Makes them feel pretty and special. Placating his father, of course. His father seemed to take a keen interest in you. If you wanted to be his concubine, I’m sure we could figure something out. Not that he has concubines, officially. Is that what you wanted?”

  Serena’s face nearly broke at the thought. Her a concubine for the King? She’d rather die.

  “No,” Serena said, trying to hold back her growl.

  “Then it’s best you set your sights on the Captain. The Prince isn’t worth your time.”

  “I appreciate your candor, Lady Georgina, but I am not at court for the hand of a man. My parents merely sent me for the Captain to keep an eye on.”

  “You poor naïve doll. They sent you here for one reason. To find a match. No doubt using your connection to the Captain. How old are you? Fifteen? You’re already getting too old. Your beauty will fade, and you’ll get whatever is left of the men. I would be more than willing to help you find an appropriate match.” Serena held herself back at Georgina’s attempt to make her feel like a child. She was nineteen and already too old to marry by normal standards.

  “I appreciate that but-”

  “It’s no worry, dear. I’m happy to help. I’m sure Helen has ideas as well, but it would make the most sense to pair you with the Captain. He already knows you and his status is high. You just must learn to act right, so his father accepts you. He’s a testy man, but if you’re demure and submissive, I’m sure he’d agree to the match. Just some lighter makeup as well. I’ve heard of a way to help lighten the skin. We could try that too.”

  “Thank you but no,” Serena said finally breaking through the conversation. “I am not changing myself for anyone. Especially not a man.”

  “I’m sure if you prefer women, you can enjoy a few dalliances. The Captain is kind. We can worry about that later. Tea?” She offered Serena the kettle. Serena took the kettle pouring a cup, wishing it was Helen’s brew filled with mead. Her patience ran thin already, and the continual annoyance of Georgina’s slights made her more and more prepared to scream at her. Holding it back, she reminded herself to act like a lady. Her cover demanded it.

  Serena took a sip of the warm tea, noticing a bitter hint of something more than tea. She looked down at the warm brown liquid inside.

  “What kind of tea is this?”

  “Just normal tea. Nothing fancy. I thought it would suit your palate better.”

  “Just tea? No berries or flowers?” Serena took another small sip.

  “No,” Georgina smiled. “I did not know you liked such delicacies.”

  The bitterness sat on her tongue. Her body knew well what it was. Foxglove. Poison. She felt the growl in her throat rise.

  “How dare you,”

  “What?” Georgina’s face dropping. “Is something wrong?” She tilted her head to the side like a lost puppy. Her eyes showed confusion, but Serena didn’t trust it.

  “Don’t play coy with me!” Serena snapped, standing up. “You come here to insult me and then this!” She tossed the cup onto the table, letting it spill.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about. Is the tea not right? I can reprimand the cooks.”

  A chuckle left her throat at the words. The darkness of her eyes rising as she walked closer. Her heels clicking loudly in the silence of the room.

  “Not right?”

  Georgina realizing the danger bolted to her feet and took off for the door. Serena grabbed the teacup and threw it. It crashed into Georgina’s head.

  She whimpered as she fell to the ground. Serena towered over her and yanked her to her feet, pinning her to the wall.

  “I’ll ask you a very simple question, Georgina,” she warned her voice steady. “Why did you poison the tea?”

  Georgina’s eyes widened. Serena could not be sure if it was confusion or shock. Georgina reacted wildly, clawing at Serena eventually snatching her hair. With all the pins now driving into her head, Serena’s hands slackened. Georgina managed to reach a decorative plate on the bookshelf and slammed it into the side of her head. The blow caused Serena to stumble back, momentarily releasing her.

  “Come here bitch!”

  Serena snatched Georgina’s arm and tossed her across the room. She slammed into the wall, dazed as S
erena picked up a broken piece of the plate. She held it in her hand like a dagger as she started towards Georgina.

  “Help!”

  “They can’t help you now,” Serena growled, getting closer. The doors opened, and the Captain rushed inside with Raft and Ike. They stared at the scene as Georgina rushed to her feet, hiding behind the Captain.

  “What is going on here?” The Captain looked at Serena.

  “Captain! Thank the ancestors! She’s gone crazy!” Georgina wailed.

  “You bitch!” Serena growled. “You want to play naïve after trying to fucking poison me!” She stepped towards Georgina, but the Captain stepped in between looking at her sternly.

  “I suggest you leave Georgina. Lady Serena is unwell, we must send for a doctor,” he said continuing to eye Serena. Serena’s anger turned to the Captain.

  “No! That is not acceptable. She-”

  “Serena!” He walked closer. Raft took Georgina’s arm leading her towards the door. The Captain grabbed Serena’s chin trying to inspect the trail of blood running from her temple. She slapped his hand away her eyes still locked on the fleeing Georgina.

  “Ike go with them. Make sure she sees a doctor!”

  “Captain-”

  “Go!”

  Serena let out a frustrated yell walking away from the Captain before she took her anger out on him.

  “Serena, your hand,”

  She looked down to her hand which fisted around the edges of the plate. She released it opening her palm to inspect. Blood slid from several cuts. Surprisingly, she felt no pain. How much foxglove did she ingest?

  Was it the cup and not the tea?

  She moved towards the broken cup on the ground to inspect it, cursing her rage. The Captain walked in front of her and snatched her hand. He inspected it gently dancing his fingers over it. From his pocket, he pulled a handkerchief and tied it around.

  “You shouldn’t need stitches,”

  She pulled her hand away from his warmth turning again to the cup. She reached for it, but he yanked her back.

  “Sit. What happened?”

  He looked at the scene. She turned away from the cup and back to the table. Opening the teapot, she sniffed it. Nothing to denote foxglove. She inspected Georgina’s cup and took a sip from what remained. No. It was fine.

  “Serena!”

  “There’s foxglove in my cup. She tried to poison me.” Serena growled sitting back onto the couch.

  “Foxglove?”

  He yelled out to get a doctor while Serena rolled her eyes. She watched him pick up the pieces of her cup and inspect it.

  “Lady Georgina is many things, but she isn’t a murderer.”

  “So, who? Mary?”

  “No someone else who was angered by your dance with the Prince.” He let out a heavy sigh.

  “How did they get it in my cup and not hers? It’s a gamble which cup she chose. Unless she was also a target.” Serena thought out loud.

  “How do you feel?”

  “I’m fine. You think I’m not trained for this?”

  She pulled off her heels. A doctor walked in seeming uncertain of what happened.

  “Lady Serena cut her hand. She also ingested some foxglove.”

  The doctor stared unasked questions on his lip. He nodded and turned to Serena. His icy hand felt her forehead before turning to her hand. He cleaned and wrapped it as the Captain called Mary. The pair talked in hushed tones while Serena watched warily. Mary’s face flushed with anger.

  “I’ve never lost a Miss to poison and I don’t plan on starting now. I’ll pick up her food myself from now on. No one is going to get past me.”

  Serena smirked at Mary’s fierceness.

  “Drink this,” the doctor offered a small vial of a tonic.

  “I’m fine,”

  “Just drink it,” the Captain said. With a sigh, she drank the vile liquid, and the doctor rose cleaning up his things.

  “Keep that dry and clean. If you start feeling nauseous call for me again. You might need another dose.”

  “Thank you, doctor,” the Captain said walking over with Mary.

  “I’ll clean this up. You should rest.”

  “Next time you have an issue can you please refrain from assaulting someone and find me?”

  “How would you react to this? Out there in my profession, I’ve killed for less and no one would dare try this.”

  “You’re not out there Serena. The court is different.”

  “If I find out who did this before you, I’ll kill them myself.” She snapped getting up. She turned to her bedroom reaching behind to unlace the fabric and the corset under. Mary rushed to help her. Once free, she threw Mary out a mix of emotions swirling around her.

  The poison worked in some capacity. It drew forth memories she preferred to keep tucked away.

  Viper’s face sprung to mind.

  Sam.

  He was better off as a memory but she could still remember every detail of his face. The dimples in his cheeks, his deep dark caramel skin, the way the light illuminated his chocolate eyes, the smirk that always sat on his lips. The way his eyebrows would raise when he was losing his patience with her taunts. All of it rushed back, and it felt too painful to handle.

  She tore off the remains of the dress before collapsing on her bed. The soft blankets and pillows eased her body, but her mind still spun. She hugged a pillow to her chest and screamed into the mattress.

  Fuck him. When she found him, she’d gut him herself. She’d tear him limb from limb! She felt tears collect in her eyes as the pain of the betrayal snuck in. This was why she couldn’t let the Captain draw her in. His kindness was like a rose. Pretty but guaranteed to make you bleed.

  The tonic she took calmed her breathing letting her body relax into a gentle slumber. Paranoia swam at the edges of her consciousness, but she pushed it away, blaming it on the foxglove.

  ◆◆◆

  Chapter Nine

  “Good morning, Miss!” Mary’s chipper voice broke through the last of Serena’s slumber. Slowly she looked over to see Mary throwing open the curtains.

  “The Captain will be here in a few minutes to join you for breakfast.”

  Serena sat up, feeling the edge of tightness in her muscles from the poison. Otherwise, she felt fine. She glanced about the room, landing on a small figure sitting on the windowsill. The sunlight glistened off its leathery back as it perched, watching her. The gargoyle-like creature with white pointed teeth smiled at her.

  Serena shook her head and rubbed her eyes before staring at it still there. Slowly she got up and walked closer to it. She grabbed a pillow in her hand to swat it if needed. She noticed the closed window and decided to carefully open it.

  “What color do you want today? I have blue, green, purple, maybe yellow?” Mary called.

  “Not yellow,” Serena said, walking closer to the strange beast. The creature twisted its head as she carefully leaned around it to open the window. She held the pillow in between her and it as she pushed the window open. Her blood heated in reaction to the creature, reminding her it was magical.

  “Not yellow. How about pink?” Mary said, still looking through dresses in the wardrobe.

  “No!”

  The creature looked at her again, its large dark eyes gleaming in the light.

  “Well, how about this?” Mary turned. Serena swung her pillow, sending the creature out the window and turning to Mary who held up an orange dress.

  “Georgina wore orange last night. I’d prefer not to.”

  Mary sighed and went back to the wardrobe.

  “You should just pick a color then.”

  Serena turned again to see if the creature went out of the window. Gone. She peered out searching for signs but saw nothing. Instead, she noticed a body. A man hung from the wall of the castle. The sight unnerved her.

  “Mary!” She pointed out the window and Mary began walking over. Serena noticed a piece of parchment in the spot the creature stood.
She picked it up, hiding it in her palm as Mary looked out. She sighed.

  “The guard displeased the King. That’s the penalty,”

  Mary walked back to the wardrobe, calm. Was it that common an occurrence? Serena questioned more, but she focused on the paper in her hand. She opened it, staring at the words.

  Find the book Legends of Acreage. Then you’ll understand who I am.

  What? She shook her head, and she shoved it into a draw. This was enough madness for one morning.

  Finally dressed, she walked into the parlor. The Captain stood talking with Raft and Ike.

  “Good morning boys.” She sat looking at the mound of food. More than normal.

  “Eat your fill. You missed dinner last night.” Mary said gently before giving the Captain another look. What was that look?

  “What’s going on?"

  The Captain sat across from her.

  “I can’t protect-”

  “I don’t need you to protect me,” she said. “I showed you yesterday I am more than capable.” She looked down at her wrapped hand and the bandages that loosened. She fixed them.

  “You should get new bandages. We have more than enough here. You don’t have to ration."

  She looked at him, those words feeling strange.

  “It’s fine,”

  “It’s not. People a court have heard about the poisoning.”

  Serena shrugged. He got up and walked off while she continued to eat. He returned and grabbed her hand.

  “Captain!” she snapped, but he ignored her and unwrapped it. Again, he looked it over. He inspected the small cuts that were mostly closed. He wrapped it back up, his warm fingers dancing over her skin. She yanked her hand back when he finished.

  “I’ll make you a deal, Captain. I’ll write a heartfelt apology letter to Georgina, and I’ll stay in my room for the day. In return, I want to train Raft tomorrow and for you to get me a book.”

  “What book?”

  “No agree to the deal first,” With a sigh, he nodded his head. “It’s called Legends of Acreage.”

  His face contorted in confusion. “An old Acreage book of fairy tales? I did not think you were into such things.”