Shadow Runner by K.J. Fieler

Author:K.J. Fieler [Fieler, K.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2023-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

The Truth

One year rolled into the next. By the third, Ada no longer yearned for birthdays and other merry holidays. Once, she couldn’t be sure for what occasion, Nadine surprised her with the most delectable treat: a dish of plum pudding. Ada’s favorite. Even her charge, Dieb, got a morsel.

By the fifth year, Ada had grown rather comfortable—as comfortable as one being trained behind cement walls, conditioned to fight for every scrap of air and food, could feel.

On just another average day, instead of heading to the kitchen, Nadine summoned Ada to her room. The door was open when she arrived. Nadine was putting the finishing touches on an outfit—proper street attire instead of the usual uniform.

“My word, Nadine,” Ada said. “You’re exquisitely toileted today.”

“You’ve seen me in skirts before.” Nadine pulled on lace gloves and fluffed her mutton sleeves.

“Never in such smart attire. Your hair looks ever so nice.”

Nadine’s dark hair was parted in the center and looped around her ears, pulled into a high bun at the back. “Well, we have a small assignment today. If we’re to pass, we must look the part. That’s why I put you in a dress.”

“My first Shadow-sanctioned mission.” Ada used a brass hook to grab a button on her boot, then drag it through the corresponding eyehole. She stood and pirouetted in her flounced skirt, feeling gloriously feminine for the first time since her kidnapping.

“It’s my assignment, not yours,” said Nadine. “And don’t get yer knickers in a bunch. It’s more of an errand, really.”

Ada looked into the mirror over Nadine’s shoulder and swept up a handful of her own tresses. “Are you going to pin up my hair, too?”

“Stop messing with your hair. We’re going as mother and daughter. Barley curls make you look younger. Besides, it took me all night to do those, and you don’t have enough hair to wear an up do yet.” Nadine tossed the mirror into the trunk.

Ada retrieved the item and lovingly wrapped it in a pillowcase before putting it back. “That’s your fault,” she said. “If you hadn’t shaved my head, my hair would be past my waist now. I’ll never make up what I lost.”

Nadine scowled. “Would you like me to shave it again?”

Ada bowed her head. “No, ma’am.”

“Because I can just as easily dress you as a boy.” Nadine tossed a hooded cloak onto the bed. “Put that on.” She slipped her watch into the pocket of her own cloak.

Ada studied the pocket, wishing she could see what else was hiding there. Perhaps a small dagger? Things had not gone well that morning. Once again, she’d embarrassed Nadine with her poor performance in the gym.

Ada was sure Nadine wouldn’t abide failures forever. Eventually, Dieb would take her place as protégé.

I’ve taught her everything Nadine taught me and more, Ada thought. The only reason I’m still alive is that she’s grown attached to me. Gilda won’t tolerate that. “You’re taking the watch? It’s daytime, and you said we weren’t going far.”

Nadine ignored the question.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.