“I don’t know, but I’ll think of something. If you’re only fifteen, it’s against the law to match you.”
“But I can’t go home unmatched. Father would kill me.”
Sage tipped Clare’s face up to her own. “Clare, I swear to you: I will not let it happen.”
Clare’s brown eyes widened at Sage’s absolute promise. “I believe you,” she whispered.
“Good. Let’s get your face cleaned up. We don’t want to be late for dinner.”
25
SAGE STAYED WITH Clare most of the evening and kept men away from her, though she still wanted to speak with Casseck. It was a proper banquet in a grand hall with many guests. Though he was already married, Baron Underwood set out to impress the bridal caravan and local nobles with how much he could provide as their host. It was a ripe opportunity, but Sage dropped her usual information collecting in favor of propping up Clare, who looked increasingly weary. When they sat down to dinner, Clare’s rank forced them to separate by several seats, and Sage watched her for signs of another breakdown. With her eyes on her friend, she shoved a forkful of food in her mouth, only to realize the dish was made almost entirely of large, slimy onions. Sage gagged but forced herself to swallow, then rinsed her mouth with wine several times. The combination didn’t sit well in her stomach, and she couldn’t eat another bite of anything, even plain bread.
After dessert, Sage slid back to Clare’s side and began planning an escape for both of them. Lieutenant Casseck was present, but between the alcohol and several sickening, onion-tasting burps, Sage had long abandoned solving any mysteries that night. A pair of young men approached as music started, and she turned her and Clare’s backs to them, not caring if they came across as rude.
Darnessa stopped in front of them. “Is everything all right?”
Sage shook her head. “Clare isn’t feeling well, and now I would rather leave, too. Can you make some excuse for us?” She gave her employer a look saying she would elaborate later, and the matchmaker nodded.
As they made their way to the wide double doors, Casseck intercepted them. “Lady Sagerra, you’re not leaving already? I’d been hoping for a dance, my lady, or just a chance to talk.”
“I’m afraid neither of us is very well tonight, sir. You must excuse us.” Sage made to step around him, but he blocked her way. He wanted to talk to her. It was the opportunity she’d hoped for, but she wouldn’t leave Clare. Casseck eyed her for a few seconds, then signaled another officer to approach.
To Sage he said, “If you aren’t well, perhaps some fresh air in the garden will help.” A soldier with ruddy hair and bronze eyes appeared at Clare’s elbow. “This is Lieutenant Gramwell, my lady.” The young officer bowed and offered Clare his arm.
Clare looked back, but Sage leaned closer and whispered, “He can hold you up better than I can. I won’t let you out of my sight.” Shaking slightly, Clare grasped his arm and let him lead her away. Casseck offered Sage his own, and she took it and followed them outside.
Casseck directed their path to the garden without speaking, letting the distance grow between them and Clare and Gramwell, but keeping them in view. She ought to get Clare back to their room. She looked exhausted.
“Is the lady all right?” Casseck asked.
Sage shook her head with a sigh. “I think this trip has overwhelmed her.”
“And how are you, Lady Sagerra?”
“I…” She glanced around. “I have concerns.”
“Anything I can help you with, my lady?”
Clare appeared to have relaxed a little. Three days of observation had also led Sage to believe Lieutenant Gramwell was a decent fellow. Maybe time with him would make Clare feel more hopeful about her future. “I haven’t seen Private Carter since we arrived,” said Sage. “I hope your captain isn’t displeased with his progress.”
“Not at all, my lady,” he assured her. “Carter is just busy. The captain sent him on a patrol today.”
“Oh?” she said, though she wasn’t surprised. “I thought he only drove wagons.”
Casseck winced. “The captain insists all under his command be competent riders.”
“And fighters,” she added. “Your page told me everyone had combat training, even the pages and cooks.”
There was a pause. “It seems you’ve learned a great deal about the army.”
“Not really.” She shrugged, hoping Charlie wouldn’t get in trouble for telling her so much. “I just knew nothing before this journey.” She tilted her head to look up at him. “Which makes me wonder if I’m wrong when I observe that you soldiers have all been on edge since yesterday.”
Another pause. Lieutenant Casseck was a thinker. “You are astute, my lady, but I can’t say anything about it.”
His sudden tension was contagious. A chill went up her spine as she recalled Ash staring into the woods, ready to fight whatever was out there. “Are we threatened somehow?”
“Possibly. But again, I can say nothing more.”
“I…” She hesitated. “I wish I could help. Being a woman is frustrating sometimes. I feel helpless.”
The shadow that was his face tilted to the side to look down at her. White teeth flashed in the dark as he smiled. “Perhaps if we need some trees climbed, we’ll ask you.”
Sage chuckled. “I suppose your page told you about that.”
“He did.” Before she could ask anything more, he said, “Do you know Captain Quinn has a sister your age? I believe she’ll be matched at the Concordium, too.”
Sage wasn’t fooled by the change in subject. She also already knew that from Charlie. “Lucky her.”
Casseck stopped walking. “My lady, have I offended you somehow? Your speech is cold.”
“You’re trying to distract me.” He stiffened and dropped her arm, and she knew she was right. “I’m not a child, Lieutenant. If you won’t be honest with me about this danger, you should know I have a knack for finding things out.”
“I believe you, my lady,” he said quietly. “But you must believe me when I say we don’t fully understand this threat, and I have strict orders not to discuss it with anyone. The captain doesn’t know who he can trust.”
Sage crossed her arms. For someone who held himself apart, Quinn kept a tight rein on everyone. She’d watched him for days now and was always put off by his regal bearing and the way he seemed to rely on Casseck to do all his work. “I wonder about Captain Quinn. Is he really as wonderful as Charlie thinks?”
Casseck pressed his lip together like he didn’t want to smile. “He’s not perfect, no, but no man is.”
“And he’s your best friend.”
That startled him. “How did you know?”
She shrugged and resumed walking. Casseck also admired the captain as much as Charlie did, so his opinion would never be objective. “Just the way you talk about him. Your posture when he’s mentioned. He’s like a brother to you.”
Casseck offered his arm again. “More than my own four brothers.”
Sage took his arm and allowed him to slow their pace. “So tell me about your family.”