Scribe in Shadows by Moira J. Moore

Author:Moira J. Moore
Format: epub

Chapter Eighteen

Alcina changed back into her nightgown and lay on the bed, but she didn’t sleep. A heavy weight had settled everywhere within her: her mind, her torso, her limbs. Her thoughts slowed and drained away, leaving her nothing more than a heavy shell.

The darkness of night lightened a little. She could hear the lantern dousers out in the street.

She became aware of noise at the front door. She considered the likelihood that it might be more intruders. Getting up to deal with them would be … impossible.

Oh. Probably one of the sentinels. Ian or Gunnarsson. She couldn’t remember who was to be there that day.

Karali came in, carrying the tray, which she set on the table beside the bed. She noticed that Alcina was awake. “Good morning, ma’am. I hope you were able to sleep.” She opened the curtains.

Alcina was supposed to go to the Tower that day. That wouldn’t be happening. Maybe she would be dismissed. It took too much effort to care.

Karali turned from the curtains. She had a dark bruise on one cheek. Alcina stroked her own cheek, an easier gesture than pointing.

Karali ignored the wordless inquiry, staring at Alcina. She closed the curtains before striding to the side of the bed. “Can you eat?”

Definitely not. Alcina closed her eyes.

“How about the tea?”

The smell of the tea was nauseating and she would need to sit up to drink it. She couldn’t manage it.

“Shall I send word to the Tower that you won’t be able to attend?”

A brief spark of curiosity. Who would act as High Scribe that day? Bassar? Would they choose him permanently if she were dismissed?

Coden should get the position. Alcina liked her more.

Karali had seen Alcina in that state before. She stopped asking questions and took the tray away.

Alcina wished she could sleep.

Karali returned – a short time later, a long time later, Alcina didn’t know and didn’t care – with another tray bearing a small pot and an empty tea cup. “Thom has made some hot chocolate, ma’am. Do you think you can drink some?”

No.

“How about a basin and wash cloth?”

That Alcina felt a little grimy mattered not at all.

Karali left again.

Alcina developed a piercing headache.

Karali returned. Alcina wished she’d stay away. She had to think every time the woman entered the room.

“Sentinel Pametan is insisting he and Sentinel Gunnarsson move in.”

Fine. It didn’t matter.

“Sentinel Pametan would like to discuss the move with you.”

Seriously? “No.”

Karali withdrew.

Alcina heard noises that weren’t part of the common routine of the house. Shuffling. Voices. The sentinels moving in.

The guestroom was small. They wouldn’t even have their own beds. Maybe the lack of privacy would drive them back out. That would be nice.

The noise faded away.

She waited until she just couldn’t wait any longer and crawled out of bed to relieve herself.

When Karali returned, she brought raspberry pastries from the market. Alcina rolled over in the bed so she wouldn’t have to look at them. She heard soft footsteps and the door opening and closing.

The sunlight that had seeped in through the curtains began to fade away.

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