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A matchmakers apprentice becomes a spy in Erin BeatysThe Traitors Kiss.
Only Sages job gets a lot more complicated when she runs into the mysterious but intriguing Ash Carter.
Credit: Imprint
With Beatys latest fantasy-infused novel set to hit bookshelves on May 9, EW presents an exclusive excerpt.
You canpreorder it here.
Sage sat at her desk in the schoolroom, trying not to fidget.
She didnt care, but she wouldnt give him a reason to sneer at her.
Right now his head was bent over a map of Demora he was labeling.
He only put in ef- fort when his siblings had similar work that could be compared to his.
Sage had discovered that early on and leveraged it against his contempt.
She clenched her fist to keep from tapping her fingers, while her eyes darted to the window.
Lord Broadmoor had set out that morning for Garland Hill on errands unknown.
That was when she knew the trip had been about her.
Hed been gone long enough to have spent only an hour in town, which was somewhat flattering.
Someone had agreed to take her as an apprenticethe herb shop or the candle maker or weaver maybe.
Shed sweep floors for the blacksmith if she had to.
And she could keep her earnings.
She smiled as her gaze drifted to the map hanging on the opposite wall.
Mountains that touched the clouds.
Oceans that never ended.
Cities that buzzed like beehives.
Uncle William wanted her off his hands as much as Sage wanted to leave.
So why hadnt he called her yet?
She was done waiting.
Sage sat forward in her chair and sifted through the papers stacked before her.
Sage could rarely bring herself to throw any away, even after four years of living here.
She stood, tucking the book under her arm.
Ill be back in a few minutes.
Sage tried to ignore the knot of guilt forming in her stomach.
Taking an apprenticeship meant leaving her favorite cousin behind, but Aster didnt need Sages mothering anymore.
Aunt Braelaura loved the girl as if she were her own now.
Sage hurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Then she squared her shoulders and took a deep breath.
In her eagerness she knocked harder than she intended, and the sharp noise made her cringe.
She pushed the heavy door open and took two steps inside before sinking into a curtsy.
Uncle William looked up from behind a half-dozen parchments scattered on his desk.
A gleaming sword hung from the leather belt looped on the back of his chair.
Sage ground her teeth and stayed locked in her low position until he acknowledged her.
He liked to take his time, as if she needed to be reminded who ruled her life.
Yes, come in, he said, sounding pleased.
She straightened and tried not to look at him expectantly.
He set the quill down and gestured to her.
Come here, c’mon, Sage.
She nearly ran across the room.
Sage halted at his desk as he folded one of the papers.
A glance told her they were personal letters, which struck her as odd.
Was he that glad to see her leave that he was telling his friends?
And why would he tell everyone else before her?
You were sixteen last spring.
Its time we settled your future.
Sage clutched her book and contained her response to an enthusiastic nod.
He stroked his blackened mustache and cleared his throat.
I dont want to be
She broke off, abruptly realizing what he meant.
The book tumbled from her hands and landed open on the floor.
Uncle William nodded, obviously pleased.
Even in the fog of denial, the insult hit her like a physical blow, stealing her breath.
He waved an inkstained hand at the letters before him.
Im already writing to young men of my acquaintance, inviting them for visits.
With any luck, some will admire you enough to inquire with Mistress Rodelle.
Its her decision, but theres no harm in helping her along.
She fumbled for words.
The regions high matchmaker took only noble candidates, or rich ones, or extraordinary ones.
Sage was none of those.
But why would she acceptme?
Because you are undermycare.
Uncle William folded his hands on the desk with a smile.
So were able to make something good come of your situation after all.
Spirit above, he expected her to begrateful.
Grateful to be married off to a man she would barely know.
Grateful her self-matched parents were not alive to object.
Mistress Rodelle has a far enough reach she can find someone with no objections to your .
Sages head snapped up.
What, exactly, was wrong with her life before?
It was certainly happier.
Her birth.He said it like it was shameful to be born a commoner.
Like he hadnt married a commoner himself.
Like it was wrong to have parents who chose each other.
Like he hadnt made a public mockery of his own marriage vows.
She sneered down at him.
Yes, it will be an honor to have a husband as faithful as you.
His posture went rigid.
The patronizing expression twisted away, leaving behind something much uglier.
She was gladit gave her the strength to fight back.
His voice shook with barely contained fury.
Or is faithfulness only expected of a noblemans wife?
Oh, his rage was good.
It fed hers like wind on a wildfire.
I will not be lectured by a child
No, you prefer to lecture others with your example.
She jabbed a finger at the folded letters between them.
Im sure your friends know where to come for lessons.
That brought him to his feet, bellowing, You will remember your place, Sage Fowler!
I know my place!
It is impossible to forget in this house!
Months of holding back drove her forward.
She balled her fists and leaned toward him over the desk.
When Uncle William finally spoke, it was through clenched teeth.
You dishonor me, Niece.
You dishonor the duty you owe me.
Your parents would be ashamed.
Not when they had endured so much to make their own choice.
Sage dug her fingernails into her palms.
His voice was cold to counter her heat.
And you will make a good impression.
He eased back down with that regal, condescending air she hated and picked up the quill.
Only his white knuckles belied his calm exterior.
He flicked his other hand in casual dismissal.
Your aunt will see to the preparations.
He always did that.
Always brushed her aside.
But that behavior Fatherwouldhave been ashamed of.
Without curtsying, Sage turned away and stomped out the door.
The only question in her mind was how far away she could get by sunset.
