Silent Kingdom by Rachel L. Schade Read Free Book Online Page A

strange to see such simple living arrangements compared to the luxury I had grown up in, but the atmosphere felt comfortable and inviting, a welcome change from the great expanses of the palace.
    Sitting up, I slipped out of bed and relished the feel of the floorboards, cool and smooth under my bare feet after days of trekking through the woods. Somewhere in the kitchen, Lyanna was humming while she worked. I took a few steps toward the bedroom door and the floor creaked beneath me.
    Hearing me stir, Lyanna poked her head in the doorway and gave me a soft smile. “Awake? Dinner is almost ready; I’ll have Rev heat some bathwater for you so you can wash beforehand. I found some of my old clothes that should do for you to wear for now…” She helped me to my feet and led me out by the fireplace to sit and wait.
    Lyanna called to me a short while later. As she returned to the kitchen, I shut my bedroom door and stared at the copper tub, full to the brim with steaming water. A towel, bar of soap, comb, and change of clothes rested on my bedcovers.
    I wasted no time in stripping the dirty nightgown from my body and easing into the bathwater. The water relaxed my sore muscles until I leaned back and closed my eyes in bliss. I snatched at the bar of soap and began to work it into a lather, scrubbing at the layers of grime coating every inch of my skin and hair. When the water turned lukewarm, I stood resignedly and stepped from the tub.
    After I’d dried myself, I turned to the undergarments and dress Lyanna had laid out. I could tell from a glance the dress was too large, but it was clean and warm. The plain brown fabric was faded from use, yet when I slipped it over my head, I found that it was still soft. Once dressed, I combed the knots from my hair before the small looking glass set over the dresser. Though my reflection was pale and dark circles shadowed my eyes, there was a flush to my cheeks and light sparkling in my green eyes. Already I felt infinitely better than I had only hours ago.
    When I was finished, I joined Lyanna and Rev at the kitchen table for dinner. Neither pressed me to speak as I consumed a heaping serving of venison stew, potatoes, and bread. Dinner was far simpler than the extravagant palace meals I was accustomed to, but it was delicious, a hearty meal that warmed and reinvigorated me. When I gratefully allowed Lyanna to fill my plate and bowl with second portions, she began to ask questions.
    “Where did you come from, my dear?”
    I lifted my head from my plate and gulped down another mouthful of stew. Fear knotted in my stomach when I imagined trying to explain what had happened—no, revealing my identity was too dangerous. I shook my head, remembering how I couldn’t speak earlier. Maybe I could now, but I didn’t want to try yet. It was easier to remain silent and hold my secrets close.
    Lyanna pursed her lips and glanced at her husband. Silence settled over the table, and I shoveled another forkful of potatoes into my mouth. Lyanna shrugged, took a sip of water, and started to chat about her plans for her garden.
    Thank you, I thought in relief. My appetite returned in full force, and I cleaned my plate for the second time with embarrassing speed. My mother would have been aghast at my horrible manners and lack of etiquette, but Lyanna didn’t comment.
    Once she and Rev cleared the table, the two of them settled in the living room. Lyanna motioned to invite me over. “Come join us,” she offered.
    In the corner near a set of bookshelves and a desk, Rev paused while selecting a book to look over his shoulder and nod. “Yes, you should warm yourself by the fire for a bit.”
    I eased awkwardly into a wooden armchair by the fire and waited for them to ask for more information. It was only natural.
    Picking up a piece of knitting, Lyanna studied me. “Do you like to knit?” She gestured to the basket beside her, full of yarn and various sizes of knitting needles.
    Knit? I don’t know if