Maker: A Valmenessian Novella (The Valmenessian Chronicles) by Rebecca Camm

Author:Rebecca Camm [Camm, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rebecca Camm
Published: 2023-08-09T23:00:00+00:00

Sloane awoke to find her father standing in the doorway of her bedroom. Sunlight flooded in from the open door, illuminating the small space she called her own. As they lived above the apothecary, their home was modest in that they had a bedroom each and a living area for sitting and eating. Though, at the moment, the living space was filled with her father’s obsession so it was more of a large study that she ate in.

Her room, however, was untouched by her father’s interests. In here, she had her books on various remedies, sketches she’d done of various plants, and treasures she’d collected from her walks, such as interesting rocks or flowers she’d dried out. Her cupboards contained her clothing. It was mostly simple items that suited her profession, though there were a few dresses she’d purchased for dances and, of course, her mother’s dress. The room was as yet untouched by her father and was her little piece of the world all for herself.

“Is everything alright?” Sloane asked, pushing herself up into a sitting position in her bed and fussing with the blankets. She rubbed her eyes and frowned at her father.

“This letter came for you,” he replied, stepping closer. He held it out, and she took it eagerly. Anticipation sparked in her at the prospect of another clue to add to the key and the willow. Or perhaps more, an explanation or revelation…

She opened the envelope, breaking the red wax seal, and took out the letter inside. She began unfolding it, eager to read what had been written, only to pause, remembering her father’s presence. She glanced up, noting how he watched her keenly.

“Is there something else?”

He shook his head. His features were drawn, sadness filling his gaze. “I’ll leave you to it.” He turned, shuffling towards the door. He paused at the threshold, running a hand through his blond hair. “Sloane…”

“You’ll need to get used to it,” she said before he could finish his sentence. “If it isn’t this man, then another will court me. I don’t want to be alone like you.”

The words came out harsher than she intended, but they needed to be said. He needed to understand that she had a life to live, and she wasn’t going to let it slip from her fingers. Her conversation with Nevan had her reflecting on her life. She wanted to be happy, and following her heart was going to make that single dream come true.

“I hope with all my heart for the same,” her father replied. Then he left her to the letter with his shoulders slumped.

She finished unfolding the paper. Her excitement quickly turned to confusion as she found only a single word.

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