Roark did not mince words, he did not hide the troubles of the world, and still this was, perhaps, the gentlest the man had ever spoken to me.

“What do you think, Roark Ashwood?” I folded the paper over once, then twice. “About the use of soul bones, I mean? Have you been melded?”

He reached out for the parchment.

“Wait. Speak as you normally would. I’m proving to be a quick study, remember?” I tried to keep my voice light to hide the tremble of embarrassment.

It was pointless. Roark’s arrogant grin returned. He moved his fingers in smooth, graceful words, slower than was normal, for my benefit, no doubt. It is satisfying to know you’ve been reading the guides so dutifully.

I folded my arms over my chest. “Don’t preen. I’d rather know what you’re saying in case you decide to slit my throat after I agitate you.”

A smile, cautious and shadowed, found his mouth. Wise. It is bound to happen.

“I thought so. You never answered; have you been melded? Is that why you’re so skilled with the blade?”

He gave me a narrow look before slowly responding. I have only given a bone shard of fealty, nothing more.

“Like Kael gave to the king?”

Yes. But mine went to the prince.

“I’d think the king would want a Draven warrior bonded to him.” I bit the inside of my cheek after hearing my own words. “I didn’t mean just because you’re Draven that you—”

Roark held up one hand, silencing me.

Damir holds no love for my blood, but that wasn’t what brought him to reject my bone. It is this. With the tips of his fingers, Roark traced the long scar across his throat. The king did not think I would amount to much, so I was given as the prince’s servant.

My knee bounced under the table, and a sly grin cut across my lips when I took in the twitch to Roark’s mouth. “Well, I’d say you proved him wrong.”

Roark drummed the edge of the table, then, I tried hard to do so. Now the king would like me to give up the shard from Thane and meld it to him.

“You won’t do it?”

Roark hesitated. Thane is the reason I am alive. I owe him a great deal.

Silence cloaked the room as the truth settled against me. I wanted to ask everything—Why was he abandoned? Dravens did this, but why? Was the scar what stole his voice? I didn’t ask any of it.

I’d never admit it to the man, but his resistance to giving up his fealty to Prince Thane was rather…admirable.

I leaned forward. “Do you approve of these soul bones, Sentry Ashwood? Of melders?”

I wasn’t certain if I did.