Beloved (6 page)

A young girl not much older than Luka and Cade’s sister, Arela, approached the table with a pitcher of water. “Will there be anything else, my lady?” Her long brown hair had been pulled up on one side, but covered the other half of her face where a long jagged scar ran from her ear to the corner of her mouth. Kira had seen it when the girl bent over to pick up a coin dropped by another patron. The girl flashed a crooked smile that reminded Kira of Lydia. A pang of guilt tugged at Kira’s heart and she wondered for a moment if Lydia had found her way back to Al.

Kira slid the half chewed portion of meat into her cheek so she could answer without spewing it all over the girl. “Could we get a little more bread?” She held out her cup for the girl to fill.

“Sire?” the girl said to Nigel, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He’d kept his head down and eyes averted the whole time they’d been there. Kira swallowed her mouthful so she could answer the girl.

“He can’t speak.” Kira glanced at his empty bowl as he soaked up the last of the broth with a chunk of bread. “He’ll take another bowl of . . . whatever that is.”

Nigel’s head jerked up and he shook his head.

“Aren’t you still hungry?” Kira asked.

He shoved the last bite into his mouth and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small leather pouch. He loosened the string that cinched the top and transferred two silver coins into the girl’s outstretched hand. Then he motioned for her to go away.

The girl’s smile faded before she turned on her heels and walked to the next table to refill their drinks.

“Why were you so rude to her? And if you’re still hungry, you should eat.” Kira slid her bowl over to him. “Here, eat this. I’m full.”

A questioning look crossed Nigel’s face.

Kira leaned closer and whispered. “It’s not very good and I’d rather not eat it.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he didn’t hesitate to take the bowl and consume the rest of her stew like he’d had nothing to eat for days. When the bread came, she tore off a small portion for herself and slid the rest over for him, which he devoured in seconds. At least one of them would have a full belly tonight.

A loud crash came from behind her, followed by a man swearing. His voice reverberated off the walls of the small room. Nigel jumped to his feet, tipping over the bench beneath him. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his knife. Kira spun around to see three large men sitting at a nearby table, all dressed in long dark cloaks. One had a tight grip around the young girls arm. Water trickled off his lap and onto the floor. She’d either missed his cup or poured it on him on purpose. “How would you like me to put a scar on that other cheek of yours?” he asked, his face only inches from hers.

But instead of shying away like a scared little child, she stood tall and raised her chin in the air. “My beauty is within. Do as you wish.”

The man was visibly shaken by her bravery and momentarily struck mute. She jerked out of his grasp, bringing him to his feet. He raised his hand to strike her, but before he could make contact, Nigel plowed into him, both landing on the table as it crashed to the floor in splintered pieces. The two other men were already on their feet, cheering their friend on. The dozen or so other patrons either backed against the closest wall or quickly exited the room.

Kira could feel her blood boiling and it was all she could do not to join the fight. Her eyes burned cold as she lurched forward, wrapped her arms around the girl’s waist and removed her from the middle of the room. She lowered her to her feet near a doorway draped by a heavy blanket.

The girl looked up at Kira and when their eyes met, she gasped. Kira could see the fear on her face and it surprised her. The child had stood up to a huge man filled with anger and she hadn’t faltered, but she was terrified of Kira.

Another crash brought the innkeeper through the doorway, forcing both the girl and Kira to stumble back against the wall. The girl quickly recovered and slipped behind the curtain. Kira turned her attention to the fight. Nigel was now fighting all three men and winning. He struck one on the side of the head, sending him to the ground in a heap. Another man drew his knife, but Nigel kicked it out of his hands and used the same foot to deliver a thrust to the third man’s gut, throwing him half way across the room.

“Enough!” The innkeeper smacked one of the tables with a long, thick chunk of wood, making a loud crack. Nigel delivered one last blow to the man who’d drawn the knife, then turned to face the innkeeper.

Kira was close enough to see Nigel’s eyes. They were black. Not good. There was a sign posted on the outside of the building as they entered that clearly read, “NO DARKORDS ALLOWED.” Nigel had managed to tell her—in his own quiet way—that he didn’t care about the sign, that they were both hungry and they were going in. But now he was face to face with the owner of the establishment and she was sure the men he fought had seen his ebony eyes as well.

“OUT!” the innkeeper barked. “We do not serve your kind here.”

Nigel lowered his eyes and nodded, then left the room without giving Kira a second look. She wanted to chase after him, but there was a very angry innkeeper and a pile of men between her and the door. She glanced around the room for another way out. The draped doorway was it, so she pulled the piece of fabric to the side and entered the kitchen. On the far side of the room, the little girl sat on a small bench, sobbing, her head in her hands.

Kira’s heart sank. She wanted to go to her and comfort her, but she wasn’t sure if the girl cried because of what she saw in her eyes or because of what happened with the men. Not wanting to cause the girl anymore trouble, Kira took the few steps to the back door as quietly as she could, her plan to escape without being noticed. If it hadn’t been for a squeaky floor board, she would have done it. Only two steps from the door, a loud creak brought the girls head up, her eyes wide with surprise.

Kira pointed to the door. “I’m leaving. You don’t need to be afraid of me.”

“I am not afraid, Lady Kira.” The girl stood and moved closer.

Kira could feel the blood drain from her face. How could this young girl know her name? She’d never been to this fishing village before and she’d dyed her distinctive red hair black specifically so she wouldn’t be recognized.
My eyes
. The girl had seen her eyes after all the excitement and their sparkle gave her away. She lowered herself to the girl’s level and motioned for her to come closer. “What is your name?”

“Thea.” She gave a little curtsy, then stepped within arm’s reach.

“How is it you know me? And why were you crying?”

Another crooked smile spread across Thea’s face. “Everyone knows you. We know what happened to you and all were convinced you were dead. But your prince refuses to believe it and has offered a reward to anyone who finds you alive and well.”

Kira wiped the tears from Thea’s face with her sleeve. “And the tears?”

“We are poor. The reward—”

Kira took her by the arms a little too hard, then loosened her grip. “You can’t tell anyone. Do you understand? If they know I’m alive the whole kingdom of Xantara could be in danger.”

“But—”

“Unhand her!” Thea’s father came through the doorway, the chunk of wood raised above his head.

Thea stopped his advance by putting herself between him and Kira. “Stop, Papa. She did not hurt me. She is . . .” She glanced over her shoulder and the turmoil Kira saw in her eyes nearly broke her heart. She was clearly struggling with telling even her father the truth. A single tear escaped her left eye as she turned back to face her father and whispered. “She is Lady Kira.”

Her father’s eyes took Kira in, looking her up and down. “How can you be certain? Her hair is not on fire.”

Kira almost laughed at his description of her red hair. She stepped closer. “Please, sir. You can’t tell anyone. People I love will die if anyone finds out I’m still alive.”

His expression softened. “You are with Nigel?”

“You know him?”

“I do.”

“But you kicked him out.”

“I had no choice. If word got out that I served Darkords, I would lose a lot of business. He knows that my family must come before our friendship.”

“I understand.” Kira let out the breath she’d been holding since the girl acknowledged recognizing her. “So, will you keep my secret?”

Before the father had a chance to answer, Nigel appeared at the back door, his expression grave. He swung the door back hitting the washbasin and splashing water onto the floor. For several seconds, no one spoke or moved.

Thea tugged on her father’s apron. “Papa? There is a reward.”

Nigel stepped between Kira and the innkeeper, shaking his head at the little girl’s suggestion.

The innkeeper stroked Thea’s hair and motioned for her to sit back on her bench. She obeyed, but continued watching the others with intent. Nigel reached for the small money pouch and drew it from his pocket. He didn’t bother opening it, just held the heavy coin purse out to the innkeeper without hesitation.

The innkeeper’s focus switched from Nigel’s face to the pouch and back again. “The reward would help me take care of Thea.” He pushed the pouch away. “Besides, you need that to buy supplies for your . . . family.”

Family?
Kira stepped around Nigel so she could see his face full on. “What family?”

“He has not told you?” the innkeeper asked.

Kira crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one foot. “He’s mute, making it a little hard for him to tell me anything. So no, he hasn’t.” Her glare didn’t seem to affect Nigel one bit, so she turned her attention to the innkeeper. “What family?”

“I believe I have said enough.” He waved Nigel’s outstretched hand away. “I will not volunteer the information, but if someone comes asking questions . . .” He looked at Thea for a brief moment. “Her wellbeing comes first.”

Nigel slipped the pouch into his pocket with one hand and shook the innkeepers hand with the other.

Kira dropped her hands to her sides. “Wait.” She purposefully touched the innkeeper’s hairy tattooed arm, sensing a problem with his lower back. No big surprise. She suspected as much with the way he stood, leaning on the chunk of wood he’d used as a weapon.

“I have something better than coin to trade for your silence.” She still had her hand resting on his strong bicep when she delivered a surge of healing powers that sent the man to his knees. She hadn’t intended to cause him pain, but her gifts were so much stronger in this world and she hadn’t learned to control them yet.

“Papa!” Thea jumped to her feet and ran to her father, throwing her arms around the man’s neck. The extra weight hanging on him made his attempt to stand fail.

“I am alright, daughter.” He gently pried her arms loose, then stood tall, arching his back while pressing a firm hand to the spot Kira had healed. He threw a questioning look in Kira’s direction. “You can heal?”

Kira simply nodded.

Thea’s big brown eyes filled with hope as her right hand slowly reached for the scar on her face and the left tugged at her father’s apron. “Papa?”

Kira offered her hand to Thea, but her father blocked it and pushed it away. “I felt pain.”

“I’m sorry about that. I’m not used to controlling my healing powers yet and the excitement from Nigel and those men fighting caused a burst of adrenaline. I promise to go slow and be very careful . . . in exchange for your silence, of course.”

The innkeeper eyed her for a few seconds, then shifted his focus to his daughter. Her eyes were still down, so he lowered himself to her level and lifted her chin with his finger until their eyes met. A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, following the exact path of the scar.

“Is this what you want?”

Thea bit her bottom lip, considering his question. “What about the reward?”

The man smiled, softening his facial features and exposing tiny wrinkles at the corner of his eyes. “Beautiful daughter. I would give all I have for your happiness. We will get by as we always have.”

He stood and turned his daughter to face Kira. “She is all I have. Be gentle.” He gave Thea a tender shove in Kira’s direction.

“Of course.”

Nigel hadn’t interfered until that moment—he’d merely watched the exchange. But now he stepped closer and touched Kira’s arm to get her attention. He shook his head, meaning he didn’t want Kira to heal the little girl.

“Why not?” Kira asked.

He first pointed out the door, then to the curtained entrance leading to the dining room. The last few days she’d become accustomed to his primitive sign language and understood him better.
They will notice
, she guessed by his gesture.

Kira hadn’t considered that. She knelt in front of Thea. “If I heal you, will you do your best to cover your face as if you are still trying to hide your scar? At least for a couple days so we can get far away from here before someone finds out?”

“Oh, yes, my lady.” She moved to the open brick oven and ran her hand across the section where grease dripped from the meat hanging inside, then smudged her face, mimicking the scar on the opposite side of her face. She smiled. “No one will notice.”

Kira flashed a questioning look at Nigel, who nodded his approval.

Thea pulled her hair away from her face and held it in a loose ponytail at the nape of her neck. She raised her face to Kira as if basking in the warm sunlight and closed her eyes. “I am ready.”

Kira smiled. She was a brave one. In fact, now that she thought about how she stood up to all those men, she reminded her of a miniature Altaria.

Kira concentrated on Thea’s scar as she traced it with the tip of her finger. Thea tensed as a tingling sensation ran down Kira’s finger. She sensed more than saw the tissues of her face melt into a soft, supple skin, healing the scar on her cheek and the one Kira sensed on Thea’s left knee. She’d barely pulled her hand away, when Thea’s arms flew around her neck in an embrace that almost knocked her over.

“Thank you,” she whispered into Kira’s ear.

Kira pried her loose and held her at arm’s length. “You’re very welcome. Just don’t forget our bargain, okay?”