A Crown in Ash (The Ostler's Boy Book 3)

Chapter Eleven

Outside, I wandered toward the yard, unsure of my steps beneath the bronze. I might have changed the style of my walk about forty times just from the barracks door to where Ser Willoughby was waiting, but I had to decide on one that felt 'Braxton' enough. I didn't know the man, but I guessed he didn't walk like a Princess. I tried to emulate my father, but it was hard to have a certain swagger when I felt gross in a stranger's clothes. What if it hadn't been the clams?

I was at least able to steal clothing that looked and smelled clean, and while they were a little loose, I had rolled the pants enough to do the job of keeping me shielded from the metal's rub.

I just couldn't see through the helmet very well.

Everything was tunnel visioned and hot as my breathing came back onto my face.

"What are you doing?" Willough asked.

"Uh," I didn't answer him.

"Lose the helmet?" he said.

I shook my head. "I don't want to," I said, in my lowest try.

"Brax, no one cares that your fuckin' ugly. Take off the helmet," he said.

I refused. "I, uh, I care," I said. "I'm... I've got zits. And things. Terrible things. Boils on my face."

"Speak up; I can't hear you." My Knight knit his face but then blew me off, turning and mounting his horse. "Go get Brutus," he said. "We have to go."

"Brutus?" I asked. "But why not Daisy?"

"Daisy?" he asked. "As in Her Highnesses' mare? Oh, sure. And while we're at it, let's steal her favorite books and gowns. What the fuck is wrong with you? Get your horse before I replace you with it."

"A-Alright." I stumbled toward the barn, tilting one way and then the other.

Inside the stable, I found the Duke was speaking to his Blade, Fridrick. At first, I felt I should hide, but then I tried to slink by them without notice, but Brutus knew something was up. His snout puffed at me, and he took a step back.

"Shh," I sang to him. "It's me," I said as quietly as I could. I soothed his nose, and he relaxed. "Shh, boy."

"You've a way with horses, Ser," Askar said.

I stopped in my tracks. "Mmm hmm." I didn't dare use my voice.

"Alright." He shrugged, leaving the barn.

His Blade remained, looking at me a moment longer. "Is that helmet uncomfortable?" he asked. "We don't wear them unless we're in battle."

"I'm... I'm fuckin' ugly," I said, repeating Willoughby.

"We're all a bit fuckin' ugly, I think. Be satisfied it's your face and not your soul," he said. He nodded, then walked out after his lord.