The Stillness of the Sky Read Online Free Page A

“Very. There’s a pretty bush up ahead with some pink flowers on it. I remember seeing it when we came in three days ago.”
    Sure enough, the shrubbery in question came into view not long after. The gentle fragrance of the blossoms, not unlike jasmine, wafted across the road. I paused, striding over to it for closer inspection. The scent reminded me of the pouch with the beans I found, but nothing grew there that might produce similar seed. Sighing, I shrugged it off and followed my anxious companion toward our destination.
    Her excitement exploded into euphoria as we came to a high stone wall on the left side of the road about an hour into the journey. Prudence babbled at me about everyone and everything: how hard she’d hug her parents, the surprising anticipation of a bath and clean clothes, and the joy of a big slice of cake from her uncle’s kitchen. We pushed through a wrought iron gate and hurried up the drive leading to an estate that stunned me with its size and decadence. Really, it was easier to call it a small castle than a house. Prudence sprinted ahead, yelling for her parents. I followed, but slowed my steps. All I wanted was to make sure she returned safely, and I wouldn’t get in the way of their reunion.
    When Prudence was twenty feet from the main door, it burst open, disgorging half a dozen people all at once. Only two, a man with hair as red as Prudence’s and a darker woman in a magnificent, pale pink gown, rushed all the way to meet the now-sobbing Prudence. I stopped a good distance from them and watched as relief and happiness overcame all of them. Satisfied I’d done my best, I turned to leave.
    “Jack!” Prudence cried, running to catch my hand. “Please don’t go yet.”
    Before I could argue, she dragged me toward the house. Instantly uncomfortable to be surrounded by such wealth, my face burned in embarrassment for the dirty tunic and breeches I wore. What must they have thought of me?
    “Papa, this is Jack,” Prudence said. “She’s the one that found me and helped me get home.”
    His eyes filling with tears, her father grabbed my hands, clasping them tightly. “There are no words to express my gratitude for what you’ve done for our family,” he said. “When we couldn’t find her, we feared the worst.”
    “Well, I…” I stumbled over my words. “She actually found me. I only wanted to make sure she came back to you safely.”
    I was ripped from his grasp and pulled into the woman’s fierce embrace. “She is everything to us. Thank you.”
    “You… You’re welcome,” I stammered.
    “Papa, can she stay to eat? She gave me a pear last night, but we didn’t have anything for the morning. Please say she can stay…” Prudence pleaded, tugging at her father’s gray doublet. Its embroidery alone likely cost more money than I saw in a year.
    “That’s not really necess—” I began.
    “Of course she may,” her mother interrupted. “And we’ll see you both cleaned up and dressed, too.”
    “But I don’t—”
    “Please,” her father said. “It’s the very least we can do.”
    “I wouldn’t ask for—”
    “Don’t be so stubborn, Jack.” Prudence giggled and grabbed my arm again, pulling me up to the manor. “Now it’s my turn to take care of you.”
    More uncomfortable than I’ve ever been in my life, I suffered through two servant girls scrubbing every inch of my person and setting my dark hair in a complex knot of curls and braids. But the moment they brought out a dress…
    “I’m not wearing that,” I said, planting my feet as I crossed my arms over my chest. While I’d admit that the light bloomers and chemise were softer than anything I’d ever worn, I wasn’t about to put on the frilly lavender thing being held out to me.
    “But Mama’s dresses are the finest in the kingdom, Jack,” Prudence said, looking a little insulted. “And the color—”
    “I’m sure it’s a fine dress,” I said, sighing, “but I can’t wear that