A Spark of Nature by Susannah Welch

Author:Susannah Welch [Welch, Susannah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781958568118
Publisher: Silky Sky Publishing, LLC

22

Elliya limped in the general direction of the monastery and the palace, still unsure where to go. Her mad dash from her stepmother’s house had carried her far. Adrenaline and fear had helped her run faster than she had ever run in her life, but her escape had eventually slowed to a shuffling gait that hurt with each step.

She was expected to be serving at the palace now, but her trip home and back had taken so long, maybe they had already given up on her? The thought of going to the monastery, soaking her bruises in a hot tub, then falling asleep sounded so wonderful it brought tears to her eyes. Maybe she could sneak inside without the Sisters seeing her, and she wouldn’t have to explain her bruises and ripped dress. She didn’t have the energy to speak, much less to think of a reasonable explanation that didn’t reveal she wasn’t who she claimed to be.

But the whole reason she had gone home was to get one of her mother’s books. She pushed down the unanswered questions about who had bought her mother’s books and contented herself that they still existed somewhere. She gently patted the outline of the journal in her pocket and flinched as it brushed against her bruised leg. This journal would convince the prince to stay—she was sure of it. That meant she had to get to the palace tonight. If not, he would sail away the next morning, and she would never see him again.

But her uniform had a ripped sleeve, and her hair was a tangled mess. She couldn’t just show up at the palace and demand to see the prince. They wouldn’t believe her. She should go back to the monastery, change into her apprentice scholar uniform, then head to the palace. But that whole trip would take so long! How could she keep walking when she hurt so badly?

She finally reached the main thoroughfare of Isandine and had to make the choice: turn right toward the palace or turn left for the monastery. She stood there, unable to decide, her brain foggy and tears clouding her eyes.

A shiny carriage pulled up beside her, and the door opened.

A sob stuck in her throat. “Godmother?”

A white monkey hopped out of the carriage, followed by Alanna, dressed in a ball gown of red silk and rubies. “Blessed Twins! What’s happened to you?” She told the driver to head to the monastery, then turned back to Elliya. “No, don’t explain until you are inside. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Elliya let Alanna help her inside the carriage. “I thought you were my godmother,” she said groggily.

Alanna blew out a breath as she settled into her seat, the white monkey perched by her side. “You look in desperate need of a godmother right now. What happened to you?”

Elliya tried to pull the ripped sleeve of her dress to hide her bruise. “Um …”

Alanna frowned. “And why are you dressed as a chambermaid?”

“I … um … I was assigned to assist at the palace during the ball.

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