Half of Ruby

Chapter 26

Ember's fingers strayed over her windowsill as Salem awoke beneath her, carriages rumbling past, horses trotting down the gray cobblestone with the click-clack of hooves and their complaining snorts as they tossed their long, gorgeous tails from side to side. Conversation drifted between men and women of all classes as they strolled past on the street sides, clutching each other's arms. 

Where can I find a Coven which will help me? 

Ember ran a hand through her dirty, tangled hair, sighing. None of the dozen Covens would want anything to do with her after her attack on Arnold. I was so stupid to do such a thing. But I had to do it anyways. 

She headed over to the closet and pulled a cap from its depths, tucking up her hair inside. At least I look halfway-presentable now. Though the pale yellow sleeves of the gown veiled the dark blood caking her skin, a few smudges of crimson had found a home beneath her fingernails, something she hoped Ronan's family would overlook. 

"Ember?" 

Ronan. Ember's fingers closed around the knob of the closet door and she eased it shut. 

"Yes?" 

His head of disheveled hazel hair came into view as he  trudged up the staircase, exhaust and defeat plastered all over his face. 

"Ember," he said, approaching her room. "Lord Tivas is coming in two weeks. Not a month, but two weeks. We're having the ball then." 

Ember froze. "What?" 

Ronan nodded grimly. "My family just told me so. Tivas knows that I'm...planning something. He wrote my mother a letter; here, have a look." 

From the depths of his jacket, he produced a cream-colored paper, neatly folded into quarters, and passed it to her. 

Ember glanced up at his grim hazel gaze, then took the letter and unfolded it. 

A flourish of black ink met her gaze, and she blinked. 

My dear Lady Parris, 

After reading your last letter, I beg to differ. As I will only be able to come to Salem on the 16th, I must ask you to host your son's coming-of-age ball then rather than on the 31st. I have plans for him, as you know, and I fear he may upset them, along with the delicate balance you and your husband have strove to maintain for your family. 

I assure you that this is for our mutual benefit. I hope you are well. 

Sincerely yours,

Lord Tivas 

Ember looked up with disbelief. "He knows of your plan?" 

Ronan shrugged, eyes skimming the cream-colored paper. "Looks like it. With all his talk about balance and how I may 'upset' it...." 

"Why does he have to come?" said Ember. "Why can't he send...a soldier, or someone to kill you for him?" 

Ronan shrugged. "I guess he wants a word with my father." 

Ember sighed. "So...you have to announce that you want to marry me in two weeks. And that means convincing your family that I'm not a witch." 

He nodded. "It seems like that." His fingers skimmed Ember's wrist as he nudged the paper from her grip, eyes lowered to the ground.  

"But how?" said Ember. "Ronan, look at me."