The Herbwitch's Apprentice Ireen Chau (best life changing books txt) 📖

wouldn’t stop at merely being a duchess. I regret to say it is not surprising she has harmed Cordelia at last.”

I pressed a hand over my mouth.

“I see,” Ash said hoarsely.

Captain Greenwood gave a sigh. “I dislike recalling the past. But if it will help, I am glad. Now tell me. How exactly did you discover she was behind this?”

“I saw her giving something to the queen at the Debutante Ball. And the guard who was caught slipping poison into the queen’s tea—the one who framed you—we found the duchess’s coins on him,” I said.

“Ah, Peter. His morals have always been questionable.” He shrugged. “But to think he would die for Wilhelmina’s schemes is odd indeed. He had no sense of loyalty in the regiments.”

“And he killed himself right after exposing you,” Ash said slowly.

I recalled Peter’s limp body. “Unless he didn’t actually kill himself,” I said. Both men looked at me in surprise. I colored at the scrutiny, but replayed my suspicions. “Think of it. Why would a man with no loyalty die for the duchess’s sake? Especially right after being paid such a hefty sum.”

Ash nodded. “You’re right. The coins were still on him when he did the deed.”

Captain Greenwood stared at the straw-littered ground, seemingly deep in thought. He was awfully quiet for a man who finally had hope shine on him. Perhaps he didn’t dare believe it.

Ash stood and paced the cell. “But the mortician proclaimed him dead. He was sent to his family for burial on a mortuary wagon. He didn’t deserve it, after his act of treason,” he said bitterly. “But Mother insisted.”

“Maybe there’s a potion that makes someone appear dead,” I said quietly. I wished I had thought to use my magic sight when Peter was unconscious.

Ash stopped pacing and Captain Greenwood looked up. “Are you speaking of witchcraft, Miss Flora?” the captain said. I couldn’t decipher his tone.

“I’m being foolish,” I said, looking at the floor. “Witches wouldn’t meddle in human affairs.”

“You speak as if you know that for sure, Miss Flora.”

I raised my eyes to meet the captain’s gaze and instantly darted them away. He was a little too sharp for my comfort.

“Amarante brings up a valid point,” Ash said. “The physicians said my mother was poisoned with a witch-made poison. If Duchess Wilhelmina had dealings at the Witch Market, she must have made more than one purchase. I’ll send a few men to ask around.”

My stomach turned. At least Ash didn’t immediately think to blame a witch as culprit.

“You ought to check with Peter’s family first,” Captain Greenwood said. “Make sure if he is dead or alive.”

The tension in my gut eased. Perhaps Peter was dead. Perhaps he was foolish enough to die for the duchess for a reason we weren’t aware of.

Ash ran a hand through his hair. He looked tired. “You’re right. As of now, all we have are suspicions. But I will find a way to get you out of here.”

Captain Greenwood smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness. Promise me you won’t do anything foolish.”

“I won’t.”

The captain looked to me. “And you too, Miss Flora.”

I was surprised to be included, but promised as well. We concluded our meeting soon after, but I lingered behind as Ash stepped outside to converse with Henry.

“Sir, do you think they’ll let you out if the duchess confesses her crimes?” I asked.

Captain Greenwood raised a wiry brow, no doubt surprised that I had stayed.  “I would imagine,” he said. “But the chances of that happening are slim.”

I nodded. A truth potion would solve almost everything. Captain Greenwood would be saved and the duchess would be exposed. And Ash would not suspect witches.

Everyone would be safe, that is, except the queen. I felt nauseous thinking about what would happen to her. But there was still a chance for justice.

“This may seem a little forward, sir, but I was wondering if I could borrow five pounds of gold.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Asking a dead man for gold? You must be jesting, Miss Flora.”

“You aren’t dead, sir,” I said, embarrassed. “But it’s not for my personal use. I’m trying to help.”

“And I suppose you won’t tell me what you’re going to do with it?”

I hesitated and shook my head.

“Very well. I have nothing to lose,” he said with a grumble. “I will send a note to my wife. She’ll see to it you receive your gold.”

Out of all the possible responses, I did not expect him to agree. “Thank you, sir!”

After telling him Tori’s address, I exited Captain Greenwood’s cell and joined Ash outside. Luckily, he didn’t ask any questions, and he and I traversed the shadowy halls of the dungeons yet again. I prepared myself for the gruesome sights this time, but it did not make the trip any more pleasant. Still, I refrained from clinging onto Ash’s arm for the sake of my pride. I was all too glad when we made it outside. The air was a great deal fresher.

An owl hooted. The sun had set hours ago. Time was imperceptible in the dungeons.

“I ought to go back. The Strongfoots and my sister are expecting me.”

Ash nodded. His profile was silhouetted by the lamps along the exterior of the east wing, but I saw the creases under his eyes and the stiff set of his jaw as clearly as I would in daylight. His features softened when he turned to me. “Will you be fine on your own?”

“It’s a fifteen-minute walk, at most. And shorter by chaise, which I’ll be taking,” I added quickly when he raised a brow.

“Good.” He paused a few moments before speaking again. “What did you say to the captain?”

I shifted my weight, glad it was dark enough to hide my flushed cheeks. I felt like a schoolgirl caught committing some petty crime. “It was nothing. I told him...not to worry, and that he’s in good hands.”

Ash smiled. It was a ridiculous for a girl to tell a grown man who had seen all sorts of