Chapter 46

Ruby

When I return to the castle, I lift the daze from the guard, who instantly falls asleep at his post by the back door; when he wakes, if he even remembers anything, he’ll just think that he had a vivid dream. It seems as though no one noticed my absence, so I’m able to quietly sneak back to my room and stash the protection charm and my money where I know Alice won’t find it.

The next couple of days are solemn and quiet. I don’t see Atwood at all, and I don’t see Edith and the Queen for more than a few moments in passing. They seem too preoccupied to bother me, as though they’re planning something.

Whatever they have planned, however, is none of my concern. I’ll be gone soon, leaving them to do as they please. If Edith wants Atwood so badly, she’s more than welcome to have him. I refuse to mate with Atwood if it’s only going to result in my death. I can’t leave Tamara alone like that.

Maybe Atwood will listen to Edith, too. Maybe he won’t always assume that she’s up to no good, and will actually take her side. Besides, her highborn bloodline will assure that their heirs won’t be hybrids. The Queen and Alice will both get what they want.

The only person who I do see regularly is Alice, who wakes me up before the sun rises each morning and makes me exercise outside in the cold. I try to act as though running in the frosty morning air doesn’t bother me, but considering the fact that she barely lets me eat anything, I can’t hide my discomfort. By the third morning, I’m visibly skinnier, with my ribs showing through my skin. Alice finally seems pleased with herself, but I feel horrible. I liked my body just fine the way it was, but I know that I only need to suffer for a while longer before I’ll be free and can take care of my body however I like.

Just a few more days, and I’ll be able to make my final plans with Cayden.

On Wednesday, however, it thankfully seems as though my usual morning routine with Alice has changed. She wakes me up in her usual grim way, but instead of immediately ordering me to put on my tracksuit, she throws a pair of trousers and a button-up shirt on my bed.

I get dressed in the clothes that Alice has picked out for me and make myself presentable in the bathroom before following her to the library.

Alice opens the heavy wooden door to the library. Inside, at one of the desks, sits a skinny man with balding brown hair. He’s hunched over a book and doesn’t seem to notice at first as I approach, but as I come closer he suddenly speaks.

“Good morning,” he says, turning the page in his book. I look down to see that the book is open to an illustrated page that depicts a Bear and a Swan fighting. The top of the page reads ‘The Final Summit’.

“G-Good morning,” I answer.

The man looks up from his book and smiles at me. He wears round glasses, and his face is soft and gentle.

He sticks his hand out for me to shake. “My name is Robert.”

I take his hand hesitantly. His palm is cool and dry. “Ruby,” I reply.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ruby.”

Robert snaps the book shut and stands, gesturing to the seating area. A desk has been set up, along with a small chalkboard across from it. I follow him to the seating area and sit down at the desk.

“Lycan Atwood has appointed me as your private tutor,” Robert says with a smile. He’s still holding the book from before; it’s tucked under his arm as he starts to write on the chalkboard.

“I’m going to start us off with a basic lesson on the history of the three kingdoms,” he says as he writes. “I think that this will be a great way for us to get to know one another as well. If you have any other topics you’re interested in, please do not hesitate to ask. It seems as though your library here is quite extensive; I’m sure that we can find reading material on any subject. Now, please open the book in front of you to page one and get your notebook ready.”

I’m hesitant at first, but soon become comfortable in Robert’s presence. He’s kind and patient, much unlike many of the professors at the Lycan Academy, and applauds me for my curiosity. By the end of our first lesson, I understand more about history than I learned in weeks at the Academy.

“That concludes our lesson for today,” Robert says, erasing his notes from the chalkboard. “I’ll see you at the same time tomorrow morning.” I close my book and tuck my materials back into the drawer in the desk, then stand and stretch a bit.

Robert seems preoccupied with something that caught his attention on his notes, so I take that as my cue to leave him for now. As I’m walking back to the door, however, something comes to mind.

“Um, Robert?” I say, turning back to look at him. He’s hunched back over his book now as he stands, poring over something intensely on one of the pages. I don’t think he heard me, so I walk a little closer and clear my throat.

“Excuse me, Robert?”

“Hmm?” he says, looking up from his book. His glasses have slid down on his nose slightly.

“You mentioned earlier that I can ask about any other topics I might be interested in,” I say, which causes Robert to smile a bit. He closes his book and sets it down on the desk, looking intrigued.

“Well,” I continue sheepishly, looking down at my feet, “I was wondering if you might be able to tell me about… hybrid history.”

There is a long pause, and for a moment I wonder if I’ve asked an inappropriate question. But then, Robert scurries off to one of the sliding ladders and climbs it to reach the uppermost shelf. I watch as his skinny body climbs the ladder; he almost looks like a spider.

He thumbs through some of the books for a few moments, muttering to himself, before exclaiming an audible “Aha!” and pulling out a thick, dusty book. He climbs back down the ladder and strides toward me with his long legs, handing the book to me.

The cover is worn and faded, but I can still make out the title.

“Hybrid History & Other Stories,” I say quietly, gazing at the book.

I’ve never thought to look into my own history. Most people are hush when it comes to hybrids, treating us like abominations who deserve no recognition. I’m not only amazed at Robert’s willingness to teach me about this topic, but also at the fact that there is an entire book dedicated to it.

“Flip through it tonight,” Robert says kindly, “and we’ll have a proper lesson tomorrow.”

I thank Robert profusely before heading back to the door. Before I leave, though, he calls out again.

“Oh, and Ruby,” he says, causing me to turn back to look at him as I clutch the book to my chest. “I believe you’ll find that hybrids are not so far from royalty as you would think.”