The Ashen Raven's Treason

Chapter 26

The weather cooperated for Ambihum. The sun shines bright, not a single cloud cuts through the sky's endless expanse of blue, and the trickling of a breeze pushes the hair off the nape of my neck. Still, spring hasn't arrived enough for warmer conditions, so I dress accordingly in a rough-spun dress, laced leather boots that stop at my ankles, wool socks, and a velvet cloak I found in the back of my closet. The moth holes lining the bottom were easily repaired.

I itch at the leather bodice, tied tightly with matching string, but that's not the worst of my problems. The cinched sleeves cut into my wrists. A rash develops underneath.

For the sun having hardly risen, Flower Foothills is littered with all walks of life. This holiday is more of a fair than anything; those with few coinare always tempted to purchase the most colorful and rarest flowers, and the accompany that procurement, they munch on sugary desserts coated in white icing.

Many wooden stands prop themselves in the grassy plains, sticking to the outside of Flower Foothills. Merchants whistle off-key tunes and prop their boots up on tables, leaning back in their chairs to soak up the sun's feigning warmth. I glance behind me, to Lyndel ordering his guards to keep a close eye on the dragons. "Don't let anyone climb on their back," I see his mouth say. "Not even a child. These beasts are fickle; they'll respond to anyone."

To save his neck, I hope he never speaks that falsehood in front of Theo. He'll strangle him. Those dragons are his pride and joy, he would hate to see one of them mistreated.

At my side, Mutes takes in the rolling green hills and dotting of colorful flowers. He tips his chin high to breathe in spring's scent, exposing am unbreakable jawline. I study it, the rough plane of his cheekbones, the ever-present muscle locking in his jaw. He senses my focus and meets my eye, but I immediately look away.

"Are you ready?" I ask, extending an arm out to the grassy plains. Children scatter with baskets in hand. Their giddy giggles echo towards us.

"Of course." Mutes's voice is almost nervous, hesitant. I lock my arm with his and that seems to relax his shoulders, but they stiffen once Lyndel's steps sound at our backs. He doesn't plan to leave us alone-we're two Luminaries that belong to the Raven Queen. If Mutes wanted to, he could make a run for it now that she's not here to watch over his every move.

Not a single royal will attend Ambihum. Not even Gustus or Theo. Apparently, they don't see the 'big deal' in flower picking and sweet treats. Farm has never produced anything they desire, other than their entire meal, so our holidays aren't as important. Anything in Hegemonize catches their eye, though.

"My favorite season was spring when I was growing up," I say to make conversation. The dread pooling in my stomach directly results from Mutes's constant silence. I wonder if he remembers his real name, or if the Raven Queen took that from him, too. Either way, he's not supposed to talk enough to catch her attention, if at all.

"How come?" he asks.

Any normal person would've said spring means growing flowers and pastel colors, the birth of young animals and growing crops. Green returned to the world. Nothing of that substance comes to mind when I think of why spring was my favorite time of year. "Spring meant we made it through winter. We were still alive. Now the weather couldn't be what killed us, something else would have to do it."

Mutes stares at me blankly. His steps slow, and I think he might force my hand out of the crook of his arm so he can go find someone normal to talk to, but a steely look fills his features instead. Personal hatred, or that of his queen. "I grew up in Hegemonize. I was always jealous of Farm; you lived a simple life that I always craved."