The Treasure of House LaRue by BC King

Author:BC King [King, BC]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-10-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter eight

Bitter

“And you’ve been enslaved ever since?” said Cosette, incredulous. “You should be chasing the salvation of your people, but instead, I’m forcing you to ride horses and catch fish.” She felt herself begin to cry. “What makes me and my family think they can do whatever they want to you?”

“Society is slow to change. You should know that firsthand,” Jane said.

Cosette stared at her hands, folded in her lap, and sniffled. “But why? It’s not right.”

Jane sighed. “No, it’s not.”

Cosette stood, wiping tears from her eyes. “We’re going to need help. I want to talk to Rochette about this.”

“Absolutely not,” said Jane instantly. “I trust you, my lady, but I’m not sure I trust any other Beastvolk.”

Cosette lit a lantern, apparently deciding that she wouldn’t get any more sleep that night. “Well, we need to find a way to free you, but if you won’t trust anyone but me, it may prove difficult. I’m not exactly the most influential person in the manor. What issue do you take with Rochette?”

“She’s the one who enslaved me. She stripped me and burned my clothes and cursed my neck with this brand,” she said, lifting her head to expose her marl. “Why would I trust her with my secrets?”

Cosette chose her words carefully. “Jane, I don’t mean to mitigate the trauma of what you experienced, but… well, that’s just how things are around here. What Rochette did was terrible, but she didn’t have a choice, no more than I have a choice on who I can marry. Society controls us all. House LaRue holds the blame, not Rochette in particular.”

Jane shook her head. “I’m sorry, Cosette, but it’s not that easy for me to just forget what Rochette did to me.”

Cosette pursed her lips. “Well, we can still make use of her knowledge without entrusting her with your secrets. What if we just asked her about local Goblin popualtions? Anyone would be interested in their own kind, and it could give you a lead.”

Jane shrugged. “I guess that’s true, but do you think she’d want to help? She clearly doesn’t think much of Goblins.”

“Oh, come now, you make it sound as if Rochette is some sort of racist!” said Cosette

Jane shrugged, as if to signal, you said it, not me.

“I suppose it’s not impossible,” Cosette ceded. “But if it were me asking on your behalf, she couldn’t say no without being improper.”

Jane let out a deep breath. “Do you even think Rochette would know anything worth learning?”

“If anyone would have the info we need, it’s Rochette,” said Cosette.

“Fine. Let’s talk to Rochette and ask about the local Goblin population.” Jane held up a finger. “JUST the local Goblin population. She can’t know that I’m hunting for the Veil, and she absolutely can’t know that I’m trying to escape. For your sake as well as mine, my lady.”

“Naturally,” said Cosette. She walked to the window and peered behind the curtain. “It should be sunrise soon, and Rochette wakes early to oversee the preparation of breakfast.

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