A Handful of Silver: Blood Magic, #2

By Katy Haye

How many last chances can she count on before her luck finally runs out?

All unwed mother Ana wants is the chance to look after her son. But her magic seems to have different ideas, and her inability to control her destructive power threatens to make that small ambition impossible.

She's determined to use her magic for good and be reunited with her young son, but others are equally determined to twist her abilities for their own, nefarious ends. When she's drawn into a plot against Muirland's crown, Ana must risk everything she has to protect her son – or lose him forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Plumshine Books
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215719428

Book preview

A Handful of Silver

How many last chances can she count on before her luck finally runs out?

All unwed mother Ana wants is the chance to look after her son. But her magic seems to have different ideas, and her inability to control her destructive power threatens to make that small ambition impossible.

She’s determined to use her magic for good and be reunited with her young son, but others are equally determined to twist her abilities for their own, nefarious ends. When she’s drawn into a plot against Muirland’s crown, Ana must risk everything she has to protect her son – or lose him forever.

1

You’re not a prisoner, you know.

Ana twisted when her roommate spoke, setting her hand on her book to keep it open. She’d thought she was the only one aware she’d read the same sentence about a dozen times, none of the words sinking in. Patience was busy knitting, but that was no bar to her studying Ana.

Then maybe don’t behave like you’re my jailor. She bit her lip. The words sounded sharper than she’d intended. She lifted her chin and met Patience’s steady gaze. They might be sharp, but they were true. Since they’d arrived back at the academy, Patience had stuck like a shadow, escorting Ana to the door of her classrooms as though she just ‘happened’ to be heading in the same direction all the time.

Patience stuck her needles into her wool. I was going to suggest we get some fresh air, actually.

True and real, the girl was difficult to insult. Although, Ana wasn’t trying hard. Thank the skies. Who knew what damage she could do if she put some effort into it?

Have you even seen the sun since you got back?

Ana’s fingers tightened on the corner of her book. I’m supposed to be studying.

There aren’t any lessons today, Patience pointed out. "We’re supposed to use the day to rest."

Her knuckles grew white. I have to catch up. I missed nearly a week.

That wasn’t a holiday, she pointed out. You probably need to rest more than anyone.

Ana closed her eyes. Not a holiday. No, not that. Torran and Ana had been abducted, handed over to a gang by an academy servant she’d thought a friend. They’d wanted money from Torran, and magic from Ana. Her eyelids squeezed so tight they hurt. They’d got magic from Ana, all right. But not in the way they’d wanted.

Ana. Patience touched her hand. She startled, eyes opening, and drew away. She didn’t like to be touched. She couldn’t trust her magic not to spill out of her by accident. Let’s at least take a walk. The silence between them felt thick, heavy. You can’t hide forever, Patience said softly.

Ana’s jaw tensed.Watch me.

A rap on the door startled both of them.

Patience? It was Davin’s voice. I was just heading to the bakery. Do you want me to bring something back?

Patience glanced at Ana, eyes bright, then turned to call back. That sounds like a wonderful idea. Would you like some company?

Great. Is, er, Ana there? Is she coming too?

"Er, Ana can talk for herself," Ana muttered.

Patience watched her, brows raised. "Well? Is ‘Er, Ana’ coming with us?"

Ana dropped her gaze to the page beneath her hand, torn. Go without me.

I’d like your company, Patience said. And Farnall’s spiced buns are worth a walk. I’ll treat you.

Ana examined her roommate’s face. Patience was just so relentlessly kind. She didn’t deserve her, but then, she was adept at avoiding her desserts. Very well.

Patience’s face transformed with a smile.

The door swung open, Davin hanging off the outside handle. Are you coming, or what?

Yes! Patience grabbed her coat and thrust Ana’s at her. Come on.

Before she could change her mind, Patience whisked her out of the room. Davin beamed before starting down the stairs. More the merrier.

Ana? Gracious, are you well enough to be up and about?

This. This was why she’d hidden in her room since she’d got back to the academy. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Lyssa was there, her faced filled with an expression that was definitely not concern. Torran’s superior, rich and pampered girlfriend had never liked her, and now she couldn’t resist the chance to needle Ana whenever she had the opportunity.

Lyssa’s gaze darted past her to Patience, and then back again. I heard what happened. Her tone oozed honeyed sympathy. What an awful experience you’ve had.

Ana’s gaze slid past Lyssa. Torran was with her; of course he was. Lyssa rarely let him stray far. He shifted uncomfortably, his expression carefully blank. Heat rose in her. Had he told her what had happened? All that had happened? She told herself to be calm. He couldn’t have told her anything worth knowing. Rannyl had sworn them all to secrecy. I’m perfectly well, and delighted to be back, she replied, schooling her tone to be as cool as Lyssa’s own.

She smiled slyly. I suppose you have to be when you’ve nowhere else to go, don’t you?

Skies, Lyssa, Davin spoke up before she could, pushing past the other girl. Is venom what passes for wit where you’re from?

Lyssa sniffed and stalked away. Torran followed, only to pause when he reached her side. Are you all right, Ana?

She met his eyes steadily, letting their summer sky blue wash over her. Perfectly.

He nodded. If you want to talk any time. He lifted a shoulder. I’m a good listener.

She ducked her head. The last thing she wanted to do was reminisce about the fun times they’d had while captive in the woods. But the offer was more kindly meant than Lyssa’s comments. He scuffed past. Lyssa was waiting a few steps away. Her eyes narrowed and she pushed her arm through his in a manner which was unnecessarily – and unmistakeably – proprietorial.

Oh. Lyssa stopped, her free hand resting on her hip as she swung back to face Ana. I nearly forgot. Maestro Clofe wants to see you.

Her stomach swooped, although she kept her face blank. Whatever Rannyl wanted, it could hardly be worse than all the things she was already well aware of. There was no need whatsoever for nerves. She forced a smile as fake as those Lyssa had given. Thank you for delivering Rannyl’s message.

Davin snorted. Lyssa’s lips tightened at the suggestion she was an errand girl, and Ana’s smile widened knowing she’d managed to needle her. She sniffed and turned away, hurrying Torran along the corridor with her.

As they walked away, Patience blew out a sigh. Well, how ridiculous.

Quite.

She glared at Ana. I meant both of you.

Me?

Patience tutted. The pair of you – hackles raised over Torran? Seriously?

Ana glared right back. She’s the one acting as though being kidnapped is some sort of a bonding experience for me and Torran. If she’s jealous... She blew out a breath, her tone hardening. She’s welcome to try it. In fact, I wish she had.

Chained to a wall with Torran Tordale, Davin drawled. It has a certain kind of specialised appeal.

It really doesn’t, Ana fired back.

He held up his hands. His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were calm – and edging dangerously close to sympathy. She looked away from him, but her only alternative was Patience, who was still regarding her with exasperation.

One might have thought you needed friends more than enemies.

She started it.

Oh, really!

Davin cleared his throat. Two women fighting over Torran Tordale. That has a certain kind of specialised appeal, too.

Ana glared at him, but he grinned disarmingly, holding his hands up. Hey, I mean, I’d watch.

Exactly, Patience said, although Ana wasn’t sure what point she was making. Don’t lower yourself to her level.

I couldn’t get that low, she snapped.

Patience’s lips twitched. That’s more like it.

No fighting? Davin sounded disappointed. Two lithe young women, probably stripped to the waist, maybe oiled, wrestling for the pleasure of staring into Torran’s blue, blue eyes.

Patience elbowed him. You sound like you’ve put far too much thought into this.

And who wouldn’t? He winked. Fifty percent of Torran’s appeal is those eyes. His grin widened. And the other fifty percent is being exceptionally rich. It’s a winning combination.

Not for me, Ana said firmly. They came to the end of the corridor. I’d better go see what Rannyl wants. You don’t have to wait.

Of course I’ll wait, Patience replied.

Davin shrugged. I’ve got plenty of fantasies to pass the time. Patience elbowed him again. What?

Ana didn’t reply. Her mouth was dry. It’ll be fine, Ana, Patience told her softly as she reached the door.

I’m not worried. She lifted her hand to knock. As she entered, a stone lodged in her chest. She might have convinced Patience; convincing herself was much harder.

2

It was merely a letter. There was no reason for her to stare at it as though it were a Surran sand snake, poised to sink its fangs into her hand.

Do you want me to read it to you? Rannyl’s soft offer jerked her out of the stupor she’d fallen into.

No. She wasn’t a baby, nor stupid. Reading might be difficult and unpleasant, but she could do it. She snatched it up. It was a single sheet, folded. There had been a blob of gum holding it closed, but that had got lost somewhere on its journey from Lardell to Muirland City.

She opened it, turning the folds back on themselves so she could see the writing inside. It swam in front of her eyes, the letters drifting slightly, although that wasn’t out of the ordinary whenever she tried to read anything.

It’s good news, not bad, Rannyl added softly. She’d read it. Was that when the gum had been lost? Ana should probably be angry at the fact, but she felt oddly numb, her senses disconnected.

She cleared her throat and held the paper steadily until the words settled in their places.

We have been asked to provide you with an update on Willan’s progress. He continues to be our happy, cheerful boy who loves to be sung to. The gorberries in the garden are starting to ripen and he loves them. He would eat them from dawn until dusk if we allowed it. In fact, the only sign of temper is when he tries to reach for a berry too high for his grasp. The screams he makes at being denied his favourite treat are fearsome!

Ana’s vision blurred as the words ran out. The letter wasn’t signed, so she had no idea which of her son’s relations had written it, but beneath the lines was an oval print of Willan’s thumb, the small shape full of whorls and lines from his skin.

Do you need a handkerchief? She blinked and looked up. Rannyl was offering a small square of cloth.

She shook her head. No, thank you. Her tears would stay where they were. Her thumb covered the mark, pressing the paper where he must have pressed. Thank you. Her voice was hoarse. She cleared her throat, wishing she’d taken the letter away to read in private. Rannyl seemed to have a knack of cutting through her defences.

I thought you would like to know how your son goes on. I have asked them to write each week.

Why?

Silence fell. When she looked up, Rannyl was regarding her steadily. Do you not want to hear from him?

She wanted to hold him. She wanted to be allowed to be a mother to her son. If that was denied, then yes, she’d take what crumbs she was offered. But that wasn’t what her question meant. She reminded herself that for the letter to be here now, it must have been requested before the events of the last few days. They would just have made the matter more urgent. She faced Rannyl. Do you think I need to be controlled? Kept on the path of obedience with treats? Her voice was colder, because it was obvious that she did. In Rannyl’s place she’d do exactly the same thing.

Is kindness so impossible to accept? She asked the question with no trace of rebuke in her tone.

It is from them. Garrow’s family would walk over her if they could gain the slightest benefit from doing so. In fact, they already had. We have been asked. A request from Rannyl. Even for her ex’s family, that would have the status of an order. She’d bet they’d disliked that.

And from me? Rannyl prompted.

I’ve already said thank you.

And it’s my pleasure to help. She sounded genuine. If kindness doesn’t seem likely, then look on it as motivation: a reminder of all you stand to gain.

Or of what she stood to lose if she didn’t get her magic under control. She licked her lips. When can I see him?

Rannyl didn’t answer.

Ana dropped her gaze to the letter, shifting her thumb so she could see Willan’s mark, the only concrete proof of her son’s existence while they were so far apart. What must I do to be allowed a visit? That would be motivation.

We’ll discuss it at midsummer, Rannyl said. Ana opened her mouth to demand something more concrete, but she continued before she could speak. The school takes a break after the midsummer festival to allow students to visit their families. I don’t see why that boon should be denied you.

She had to blink back tears once more. Midsummer was little more than a month away.

Perhaps we could take a trip. I should like to meet your son, Rannyl added softly.

Her jaw clenched as the kind offer abruptly seemed anything but. A visit overseen by Rannyl. Because she couldn’t be trusted to be alone with her son. She could hardly blame either Rannyl or Garrow’s family for their caution, but she was still enraged by it. A visit. A paltry day or two when he’d been stolen from her for the rest of the year. If Rannyl could command a letter, she’d bet she could order them to hand him over. But she wouldn’t. Not until Ana had earned it by doing what everyone demanded: moulding her magic to something both under her control, and useful for the kingdom.

She’d take what was offered since it was better than nothing, but was she expected to be happy with crumbs?

Rannyl’s arm was stretched across the desk, the handkerchief still bunched in her fingers. She was so close. Ana could touch her right now, use her magic to force her will on her. She could make her want to reunite her with Willan right now.

Her fingers curled into her palm.

And she’d know. Not while she was doing it, if she was lucky. But eventually. She might be able to keep it up long enough to get Willan back, but once she let the magic lapse Rannyl would know she’d been manipulated. Ana couldn’t hope to get away with it. She wasn’t powerful enough for that. She’d have to do everything right, keep on Rannyl’s good side; even persuade her ex’s family that she could be trusted, even though it cut to her heart to have to please them.

There would be no short cuts. She just had to remember that the prize would be worth it. She forced a smile and tucked the letter away. I’ll look forward to that. She stepped back into the corridor.

Is everything all right? Patience cocked her head to one side.

Yes, of course. She touched her pocket to feel the stiffness of the letter folded inside. Didn’t someone mention spiced buns?

Davin pushed away from the wall. At last!

The academy gardens were quiet, but city square outside the walls was thronged.

Oh my. Patience paused at the pedestrian gate. It’s busy, even for market day.

Market? Davin turned back, shaking his head. It’s full moon tonight, Pay.

Ana didn’t understand until Patience looked at her, stricken. Oh. They must have some prisoners to deal with.

Her heart turned into a stone, plummeting down to her stomach. Executions?

Must be. She glanced back at the academy tower, clearly thinking better of her plan to take a nice walk and eat a spiced bun unshadowed by death.

Perversely, now she was outside, Ana didn’t want to return to their room. I don’t care about that, she said, stepping through to join Davin on the city side of the gate before Patience could hold her back.

Patience hurried to follow. We could sit in the gardens, she said.

She shook her head. You promised me spiced buns.

You can’t promise a girl Farnall’s spiced buns and not follow through, Davin chided. That’s practically illegal. At least, it should be.

Patience sighed and chewed at her lip.

An execution doesn’t bother me, Ana said firmly. She wasn’t sure whether she was lying. But now she knew it was happening, there was no point sitting in her room. She wouldn’t be able to concentrate for thinking of some poor fools dangling to their death. She shivered, and straightened her spine so Patience wouldn’t see. Imagination would probably be worse than reality. It usually was.

Come on, Davin said. We don’t have to linger. Farnall’s might sell out. His tone suggested that would be a worse fate than hanging.

Patience linked her arm through Ana’s to keep them together, following Davin as they headed into the crowded city square. They moved at a crawl, the crowd a solid thing they had to push through step by step. And all the while, the platform – high so all might see justice done – loomed to one side.

Davin glanced back and jerked his head. It’ll be easier to walk at the edges.

The three of them headed away from the platform and he was right, the crush of humanity lessened so they could actually move. A murmur of noise passed over the crowd and Ana turned to see what had caused it. She froze. The prisoners had been led onto the platform. And she recognised them. A woman and a man, scruffy and a little wild-looking, were pushed to the front of