Novin chuckled beside me. “You really need to hurry back, Cain. You never know when one of them decide to keep you company during prayers.”

Cain exhaled a long breath. “I know.”

“We will accompany you until Partaig,” said Adal. “From there, I’ll take the route to Baledonia. You and Norvin will proceed with Cain to Gweryn’s palace. Norvin will hide there while you’ll be tasked with bringing some ancient manuscripts Cain found in his temples. You will have to be our courier as we can’t trust anyone else with them.”

“Sure. I’ll keep them safe.”

“The texts are all in the ancient tongue, and somehow escaped Ivan’s notice when he was looting and burning the temple archives of the four kingdoms,” said Cain. “We believe it could have some key information for us.”

“Or it could just be a recipe to brew peach ale,” said Norvin with a grin.

“Let’s not hope so,” said Adal with a grimace.

I put down the cup of wine. A part of me wanted to stay close to Norvin and enjoy the warmth of his body but if we were to leave next morning, I’d to prepare things for the long journey. I got to my feet.

“Where are you going?” Norvin spoke up at once, grabbing my wrist.

“If we are to leave tomorrow, I need to make preparations.”

“You should rest well,” said Adal.

“Good night, Daria,” said Cain. 

Norvin kissed the palm of my hand before letting me go. “I’ll be coming to bed soon.” 

Both Cain and Adal looked like they were about to protest. 

I laughed, snatching my hand out of his hold. “I miss my side of the bed, you know. Goodbye.” Still chuckling, I walked out of the cottage, turning towards the west side of the village. Before starting with my preparations, I wanted to see Tilly one last time.

The maids’ quarters were empty at that time of the evening. It was dinner time and everyone was probably in the kitchen or finishing up serving Elga and the assassins.

Reaching the quarters, I entered inside the large cottage. Inside was a single vast room, filled with rows of cots. Only one at the far corner was occupied.

I walked towards the bed. Tilly was lying there with the blankets covering her body. One hand dangled on the side of the cot. Her wrist was still bandaged with the torn piece from my underskirt. I gently shook her awake.

Her eyes opened wide, scanning the darkened room in panic until they fell on me. Slowly, her breathing slowed down and she was able to sit up. 

“Are you still scared?” I asked.

Pulling the blanket up to her chin, she gave a small nod.

I sat on the edge of the cot and rubbed her shoulder. “It’s all right. No one will hurt you here. We are all women here.”

“I understand that,” she said in a small voice. “It’s just…every time I close my eyes, it feels like I am back at the brothel. Someone will come and bleed me out.”

“It will pass. I promise.”

She remained quiet, content to stay in my arms. When her breathing was regular, I broached the subject. “I am leaving Linmoor tomorrow.”

“What?”

She scooted back, her large eyes on me. “Where are you going?”

I shook my head. “You can’t ask an assassin where they’re going.”

“Oh…you’re going to kill someone?” she whispered.

I nodded. 

“When will you come back?”

“I am not sure,” I lied. “It’s a long task.”

“I will wait for you, Miss Daria. One of the girls said if we are good and obedient, we can become maids to one of the ladies here. When you come back, I’ll be ready to serve you.”

I smiled. “It’s all right. Don’t wear yourself over serving someone else. The only thing I want you to promise me is that you’ll live well. Don’t make me regret saving your life.” She gave me a nod and smiled. “Go back to sleep now.”

I waited until Tilly was lying in bed with the blanket covering her completely. Her eyes closed and within minutes, she was asleep. Peace flooded my chest as I watched her sleep. Norvin, as Naya, had awakened the feelings I’d long suppressed inside me. His playfulness drove away the dark clouds that had lingered over me most of my life. 

Getting to my feet, I walked out of the room. I headed towards my own quarters now. It would be at least a few months before the mission would be completed. Traveling on the roads wasn’t easy, especially when we would be avoiding the main towns. 

Reaching my cottage, I began packing a bundle with simple clothes. It would have to be wool and coarse hemp, fabrics worn by the poorest lot. They were warm and provided an extra layer of protection from thieves and robbers. I remained in the red silk gown even though it was getting in my way. The large, long sleeves were a hindrance but I didn’t stop to change. It would be a while before my body would be clean enough to don such luxurious clothing.

In a second bundle, I added pouches of herbs, extra needles, and vials of my choicest poisons. My weapons would be part of my person. Additionally, I packed strips of dried meat for Tuto. He was still absent from the room, hunting in the night but I knew he would return before dawn. 

When everything was prepared, I sat on the edge of my bed and began taking out of my hair ornaments. After loosening the long strands of my hair from the bun and braids, I lay down among the pillows. I was still wearing the silk gown, not willing it to take it off yet. It would be terribly wrinkled by next morning, but it wasn’t something I had to worry about any longer. The maids would fix it for whoever decided to covet my things after I was gone.