Free Tribute by Ellen Renner Page B

I’m looking after you now. No one’s gonna hurt you. I promise.’
    I back away from the scene, my body convulsed with sobs I don’t dare release.
    I turn to run, but a hand grabs my shoulder and tugs me around. Nearly seven years ago, Otter came to the palazzo as my father’s new Guardian. Since then he has never once dared to touch me. Now he holds my arms with stone-hard hands. He glares down at me and his eyes – always so empty, so unreadable – have come to vivid, furious life.

10
    â€˜How dare you!’ My outrage is only partly feigned. It is a capital offence for a kine to assault a mage. Physical contact without permission costs a hand. Otter’s daring is more frightening even than the look in his eyes. There’s only one explanation: my father has given his Guardian permission to touch me! My heart is racing and I feel sick. The need to get away from this man is overwhelming. I can’t bear his closeness. ‘
Let go!
’
    â€˜Not yet.’ The light brown eyes staring into mine are cloaked once more but he’s holding me too close. It’s unnerving: his strength, the size of him. My blood pounds, my knees go weak. The sense of physical danger is overwhelming. Desperate, I reach for my magic.
    â€˜I wouldn’t, Zara.’ His voice is as quiet and controlled as ever. ‘Not unless you want the Archmage involved.’ His eyes are still locked on mine.
    Unless  … 
? ‘Let go of me! You have no right –’
    He pulls me inside the workroom. Kicks the door closed with his heel. Anger. I can’t feel it – Otter’s emotions remain as blocked off as ever, but there’s no mistaking the body language. I’ve never seen the Guardian angry before. I didn’t think it was possible. That alone keeps me from blasting him across the room. Just.
    I glimpse Aidan’s startled face. And the child, eyes wide in surprise and fear as he stares at me. Alarm grows in the Maker’s eyes. I look away. I’ve compromised him. I’m supposed to save him, and now  … 
    Otter releases one of my arms. It throbs. He’s hurt me. I try to pull the other away, but he shakes his head. ‘Not until you tell me why you’re here, Zara. Idle curiosity? Would you like to explain to your father why you’re spying on us instead of attending your lessons at the Academy? I know you were forbidden to see the Maker. I don’t think the Archmage would –’
    â€˜
Father?
’
    Oh gods. I look over Otter’s shoulder and see understanding grow in Aidan’s eyes. He stares at me. I see it in his face and feel it in his emotions: mistrust. Betrayal. My heart contracts with fear.
    No, Aidan! Don’t say anything! Please trust me! Don’t  … 
    â€˜Your father is the
Archmage
? You’re Benedict’s daughter?’ Aidan shakes his head in outraged disbelief. Anger blazes across the room; I wince. But feeling his pain is far worse – he’s hurting.
    â€˜He
did
send you that night.’ The Maker’s voice drips contempt. I feel his anger slide into loathing. ‘I was right all along. Was it funny? Did you go tell Daddy and laugh about it afterwards? About how you fooled the stupid Maker? Is that how you demons get your jollies? Was it fun, tricking me into trusting you?
You lying, conniving bitch!
’
    Aidan is physically shaking with the desire to hurt me in return. But he can’t. He turns his back, goes to stand at the workbench arrayed with tools and a shrine clock awaiting his clever hands. If only he knew how much I am hurting already, he would be pleased. I open my mouth  … 
    â€˜You broke into the
prison
?’ The Guardian’s voice isn’t controlled anymore. His grip on my arm tightens painfully. ‘For a sweet little chat with a Maker? You
idiot
! Do you have any idea of the risk you took? How did you get in?’
    I look