The Spark of a Feudling by Wendy Knight Page B

normally have Christian heal her, but without him she was unsure what to do but allow herself to be led to the quiet chambers. William left her there in Harriet’s care. “I do not need assistance. Thank you,” Ada mumbled, dismissing her. As soon as the perturbed woman left, Ada crawled into the grand four-poster bed, barely remembering to remove her boots first. She was asleep before her head settled into the softness of the down pillow. The last thing she remembered seeing were the flowers in the vase on the nightstand.
    ****
    â€œMother, can we not try calling her again? She’s been gone since last night. She took Alexios and her father isn’t even trying to find her.” Christian was aware that his voice sounded frantic, but it couldn’t be helped. “Charity, can you see her? At all?”
    â€œShe’s very tired, Christian. The spells her father is teaching her are stronger than she is, and they have overtaken her.” Charity’s voice was odd, her silver eyes glowing. It was the first time she’d been able to call a vision in the six hours that Christian had been asking. “But do not worry, brother. She’s well taken care of. I see her in a soft bed. I smell flowers.”
    â€œWe can’t call her, Christian. We never taught her the spell. She isn’t open to it.” Scarlett looked at him, pity in her dark brown eyes. “Ada is fine, Christian. She’s a warrior.”
    â€œBut she’s young and not prepared for the outside world, Mother. She’s never left the estate before, and certainly not on her own. She doesn’t realize how often I have to heal her — when she doesn’t eat, or when she’s upset. She gets very sick and without me there…”
    â€œThen she will need to learn. Christian, you aren’t her personal guard, and you won’t always be there for her. One day she will be gone, moved on to a new life, and she can’t take you with her. You have to let her go.”
    â€œYou’re wrong. She isn’t going to leave me, Mother!” Christian stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over in his haste. “I have to find her. I have to bring her home.” He spun on his heel and stalked away, listening to his mother and Charity both calling for him. He didn’t stop.
    â€œChristian. I’ve been looking for you.” The duke seemed to materialize out of the shadows cast by the weak sun against the manor.
    â€œMe? Why?” Christian asked, belatedly remembering his place.
    â€œWell, I figured you would be my best option for finding my daughter. You know her better than anyone.” Richard’s voice was too smooth. There wasn’t the worry in his eyes, or the panic running through his words that should have plagued him. Christian squinted, trying to read him, but he failed. The man’s face was carefully blank.
    â€œI’ll do whatever I can to help,” Christian said, hating the way his voice cracked. The duke could not know how Christian felt about his daughter, or they would send him away and he would lose her forever.
    â€œFollow me, please. I may know something that can help us.” Richard turned sharply and stalked away. Christian was overwhelmed with foreboding, but if that man thought Christian could help find Ada, then Christian had to trust him. Dragging his feet forward, he followed.
    Richard led the way to his study, producing a key and unlocking the door. Christian’s heart sank when he heard the lock snap shut behind them. He was taller than Richard, but he had no offensive spells except the few that Ada had tried to teach him. And even those he wasn’t entirely sure he could fight with yet. They were still so new.
    â€œRelax, boy. I’m not going to attack you.” Richard turned away from him, scanning his shelves of books. Christian moved closer, stealthily, so as not to draw attention to himself.
    They were spell books, all