The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(16)

Suzenne looked up at her, her expression softening with sympathy. “That is a heavy burden.”

“Well, if you face your fears, then I will face mine. We will take the test together.”

Suzenne smiled, a very small one, but it was a start. “Very well.” She fell silent again, unsure of herself. “What should I call you?” she asked with a hint of nervousness. “My training says that I should always refer to you as my lady. Or Lady Maia.”

“Just Maia,” she replied, taking another bite of the wonderful cobbler. It melted on her tongue, the apples still hot enough to burn a little.

“It would not be . . . proper,” Suzenne said haltingly.

“What about my situation strikes you as overly proper?” Maia said with a laugh. “I have been banished from my father’s court. I possess nothing save two gowns and my new tome. I have blisters on my feet from walking from Dahomey to Hautland in the company of a hunter, his dog, and the kishion my father hired to murder me in case I was captured.” Memories swirled inside her mind, thick with emotions. “I have endured storms, avalanches, hunger, a thousand indignities, and the pain of loss.” Maia stared hard in Suzenne’s eyes. “I do not care what Maeg or anyone else thinks of me. I came to Muirwood to become a maston and to fulfill the covenant Lia made when she left these shores. From what I understand, she lived simply and always looked for the good in everyone and everything. So please do not feel guilty for how I am treated. You did not ask for this, Suzenne. If you wish to see your friends, by all means, please do.”

Suzenne was very quiet, staring down at her hands as Maia spoke. She set aside her bowl and laced her fingers together. “I cannot begin to understand the hardships you have faced.”

Maia shook her head. “There was something in a tome I once read. What is the good of dragging up sufferings that are over, of being unhappy now just because you were then? I am grateful to have you as a companion, Suzenne. Do not worry about me. I have been alone for quite some time. You are preparing to leave the abbey and must find a suitable situation for yourself. I am certain my arrival has diminished your expectations.”

Suzenne looked at her sharply, as if Maia had read her mind.

“Is that it?” Maia asked softly. “Do you worry that my disgrace will impact you?”

Suzenne’s eyes widened with surprise and she looked miserable.

“Do you think I judge you for feeling that way?” Maia asked sympathetically. “I do not. What you have studied and learned about court propriety and etiquette has prepared you to marry an earl someday or serve a great lady. I hope my presence here will largely go unnoticed for now and not hurt your future. Here at Muirwood, we are equals—just two girls who wish to learn and then pass the maston test. I have done too many wrongs myself to ever judge someone else for theirs.” She stifled a yawn. “It is early still, but I am tired from the day. Are you?”

Suzenne nodded. “May I ask you something first?”

“Always. What is it?”

“Well, I noticed during languages today that you are fluent in Dahomeyjan. Would it be acceptable to you if we . . . if we practiced a bit each day? I would like to improve in that language. Would you mind?”

“Not at all,” Maia replied, switching effortlessly to the other tongue.

“You are not . . . what I . . . expected,” Suzenne said, tripping over her words again. A little flush rose to her cheeks.

“I hope we can become friends,” Maia said, patting her hand.

As Suzenne started eating her cobbler, Maia walked over to the ovens and found a clean bowl and served another helping. Grabbing a spoon, she brought the bowl to the barrel where the quiet Thewliss was still sitting.

“Have you had any cobbler yet, Master Thewliss?” Maia asked gently, offering him the bowl.

He looked startled, his blue eyes blinking rapidly as she stood over him.

“No . . . not yet . . . no, my lady.”

“Call me Maia,” she said, offering him the bowl. “Tomorrow, if the weather is pleasant, can you meet me at the Queen’s Garden after the studies are over? I would like you to teach me the different plants and which were my mother’s favorites.”

Thewliss turned beet red under his snowy hair and mustache and nodded vigorously without being able to utter a reply.

“Thank you, Thewliss,” she said, patting his shoulder. “I will see you tomorrow.”





CHAPTER SIX




Celia Lavender



Several days later, a thick mist shrouded the grounds of the abbey. It brought with it the smell of the Bearden Muir, an odd pungent aroma that fascinated Maia and made her consider seeking out Jon Tayt to find out what he had learned about the area. She had seen him several times in passing and knew where his lodge was. She knelt by the washing trough of the laundry with Celia, one of the few Ciphers who was also a wretched. The trough water was warm, and the suds tickled her fingers as she scrubbed the garment against the ripples of stone.

“Does Suzenne know you are helping me wash her clothes?” Celia asked, peering up from her veil of flaxen hair. She was examining a small stain on a chemise, squinting at it and then using her knuckles to rub the fabric.

“Of course not,” Maia said, smiling. “Please do not tell her. If I could do it without you knowing, I would.”