“Let go!” I screamed when my feet stumbled upon themselves, dragging us both to the ground. “You won’t stop me!” I struggled against Francis’ body atop mine.
“Stop you from what?” His face was mere inches from mine.
Without a second thought I brought my dagger to his throat. My hand shook, yet I held it firmly near his exposed skin.
Francis’ brows rose as he assessed the threat before he asked again, “Stop you from what, Princess?”
His amber eyes showed no bother by the weapon at his neck.Was he doubting my skill?
“Let go.” I whispered, my hand moving the blade closer.
“The sun has set, we must go home.” Francis’ voice turned stern.
Home. Kane has taken my home.
“I have no home.”
“You do.” Francis moved a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Now put the dagger down and let’s go.”
I shook my head; my lips trembled, my grasp on the hilt hardened.
In a swift motion Francis disarmed me, pinning my hands above my head.
“If I have to drag you back to the castle, I will.”
“I am staying here.” I seethed.
Francis sighed. “All right then.” He reached for my waist. “Some might think you just like being carried around by me.”
I wrestled with his hold, the words spilling before I could stop them. “I am going to kill Kane.”
Francis froze, his knees still pressing against my hips. The silence stretched in between us as Francis’ eyes studied mine. “Cordelia...” He shook his head.
“Don’t.” I croaked. “Save your pity for someone else.”
Snow surrounded every inch of my flesh, its cold grasp pulling me under.
Francis pinched the bridge of his nose. “What are you even going to kill him with?” He leaned closer. “With a silver dagger? Come now, Cordelia, it’s not safe here.”
“I am going to kill him with fire.” My jaw clenched.
Would fire burn the same as sunshine?
I would find out soon enough, for Kane would not allow me to walk away unharmed; I would gladly burn alongside him.
“I suppose fire is better than a dagger, yet still not good enough. Let’s go.” Francis gathered to his feet, pulling me alongside him.
“I am not your responsibility.” I freed my hand from his grasp.
“You are now.” He brushed the snow off my head. “You are part of the family.” He took a step towards the horses. When I didn’t move he sighed, “Please, Cordelia, I am so sorry for what I had done to you, and I am so sorry—”
“You did what you had to do,” I interrupted. “I understand.”
Francis’ amber eyes bored into mine as though contemplating his next words. “Charlotte has been waiting for you at the castle,” he whispered. “She was very worried about you.” My lips turned into a thin line at what he said next. “I promise you that we will come back here if within a week I’m unable to come up with a better plan. I swear it to you.”
I closed my eyes, thinking of little Charlotte. The memory turned into my little siblings.
The last thing I’d ever told them was a promise I could not have kept.
