CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SIX

Little breeder.

SOLANA

I wiped my face with the back of my hand and forced my breathing to steady. There was no time left to cry. Ronan would send for me soon, and I needed to make sure nothing from last night could take root. 

Silas watched me with the same strange expression, as if I were a mirage that would disappear. If only. 

“Can I visit the herb garden now?” I asked him, clenching my jaw hard.

He studied me for a moment longer. “Yes, but first, your guard and your maid.”

“Of course.” I forced a smile, clenching my fist tight. A guard and a maid were chains on my wrists and legs, but refusing would only make him suspicious.

He led me through the corridors, and I counted every turn, noting the armed men. Escape would be difficult, nearly impossible, but I was nothing but determined. First, I would fool them, make them believe I was just a harmless breeder, then run.

We stopped outside the large kitchens. The smell of bread made my stomach grumble. I couldn’t remember the last time I ate.

He nodded, and the guard stationed there opened the door. 

“Madame Delacroiz.” Silas’s tone softened. 

A woman with wide hips and an apron stepped out and bowed her head when she saw him. “Lord Commander.” Her eyes flickered to me, and her nose scrunched. “Another worker?”

“This is Solana, and she belongs to King Ronan.” Silas gestured. “I am here for Lily. She works the morning shift, right?”

The woman’s face changed, eyes widening in shock. “So the rumours are true; the breeder survived.” 

She didn’t shy away from staring at me as if I had fallen out of heaven. I dug my nails into my palm to keep my face impassive. I didn’t like her. I didn’t like anything about this place. She knew my name was Solana, and yet referred to me as ‘the breeder’, reducing my identity to nothingness. 

My nails dug deeper into my palm, and the pain grounded me.

She turned and shouted into the kitchen. “Lily!”

A young woman hurried out, long brown hair pinned up, and grey eyes filled with fright. Her hands were red and covered in blisters that hadn’t healed properly. My chest tightened, and my brows pinched. I knew those marks too well.

“What has she done now?” Madame stepped in front of her, staring at her with disdain.

“Nothing. She will be Solana’s maid.” He stated.

The young woman looked at me, confused.

“Lord Commander, with respect, Lily is flighty, forgetful, and a mess. The King has had … previous women. You would do better with someone experienced. I’m sure Dahlia and Gigi would be better options.” She suggested.

I thought about the women from last night, the way they had spoken over me, and tied me down. I did not need them. I wanted a forgetful maid, one I could sneak around. 

Before Silas could respond, I spoke up, squaring my shoulders. “I’ll take Lily.”

All three of them stared at me. Madame Delacroix’s mouth tightened. I had made my first enemy in the Capital. The first of many, and I did not care.

Silas only nodded. “As you wish. Come with us, Lily.”

__

He introduced the guard next, and my stomach knotted in worry.

“This is Sebastian. Wherever you go, he goes.” He gestured, and I nodded stiffly. 

I found a way out of a competent maid, but I couldn’t escape a giant for a guard.

“I have to go now. I leave you in capable hands.” Silas nodded at me and walked away.

We stood in front of my room, but I did not enter. Lily and Sebastian waited for instructions.

“Where is the herb garden?” I wiped my sweaty palm on my dress. 

“Downstairs,” Sebastian responded. 

“Would you like to change your dress first?” Lily glanced at my wrinkled dress.

“No.” I shook my head.

Sebastian turned and led the way. I followed closely behind, with Lily beside me. 

Every corridor felt longer than the last. Eyes tracked my movements; goosebumps broke over my skin. My pulse throbbed with every step I took, and fear spread through the rest of me. 

I knew they couldn’t read my mind, but the weight of the crime I was about to commit sat heavy on my shoulders.

When we finally stepped past the arched gate into the herb garden, the air changed. It was filled with florals and the sharp tint of mint. My nerves eased slowly, and longing twisted in me like a vine. The tension temporarily bled out of my shoulders, and I allowed myself to breathe in the clean air.

The air was thicker, green and sharp. High walls cut off the rest of the palace, and I knew I would spend more of my time here. I flourished better amongst the flowers, listening to their whispers in the wind, and understanding their secret workings.

I walked the nearest path and looked for pennyroyal, mugwort and tansy, as well as the fine umbels of wild carrot seeds.

Sebastian stuck behind me, and so did Lily. 

My hands began to tremble as I searched. 

“Do you need a healer, my lady? I can help you find one.” Lily said unhelpfully.

“No, thank you.” I crouched and began gathering what I needed in small amounts. 

My pulse roared in my ears, and my heart slammed against my ribcage. I squeezed the herbs in my hand and got up. 

“Looking for something specific, little breeder?” A cool voice said behind me, and my blood ran cold. 

I stood up slowly and turned around. A woman stood there, watching me with narrowed eyes. Behind her were the maids who had prepared me last night.