“Why?” Roxanne eyed me, mounting her horse.
“In case I need it again.” I shrugged, following her lead.
“Why would you need it again?” Accusation shone bright in her voice. The implication was as bright as day.
My teeth clenched. “It was an accident.” I squeezed the reins, ordering Annabelle forward.
“Sure it was,” Roxanne murmured. “I’m afraid you will have to find me werean accidentto happen again." She emphasized the word, leaving me no hope of winning this battle.
My heart banged against my rib cage, anger and fear and... embarrassment filling my chest. “Will you tell anyone?” My voice broke as I avoided Roxanne’s gaze.
Moments of silence stretched in between us before she replied, “No, I won’t.”
Deep in thought, Roxanne paid me little to no attention as we slowly made our way back towards the castle. The wind sang its lullabies, snowflakes landed on my lashes after their dance.
The woods were peaceful, save for my galloping heart. Chains wrapped around my neck, pulling in every direction, with each breath I took.
“I am his daughter.” The words broke free without my permission: the words that shattered my soul from within all these nights. I filled my lungs before repeating, “I am Kane’s daughter, Caleb is of Royal blood and my brother.”
Once the words left my lips, the chains loosened their grip so slightly.
Roxanne’s eyes found mine as she studied me in complete silence.
“I know nothing of his plans, or anything useful for that matter...” I continued. “All I know is that he is my father, and I will only know peace when my sword is buried deep in his heart.”
“No.” Roxanne shook her head; a sad smile appeared on her face. “No, you won’t know peace then.”
My brows furrowed when I met Roxanne’s expression.
“Kill him to bring peace to all the innocent people,” She sighed. “Find your own peace through grief.”
Chapter 9. The Last Queen.
Roxanne’s words lingered in my mind through the rest of the trip. Her saddened expression left me with countless questions.
She hadn’t said a single word for the remainder of our journey, nor had she spared me a glance once we’d arrived at the castle’s stables.
“Where have you two been?” Francis’ voice dropped a few octaves, his eyes flickered with panic, as he stood at the threshold of the stables.
“None of your business.” Roxanne pushed past him towards the castle.
Francis shook his head until his eyes landed on me; he looked me up and down, surveying for injuries. “We went to Faris,” I sighed, putting Annabelle’s reins in their designated place. “Nothing of danger.”
Francis’ lips turned into a thin line as he chose his words carefully. “Please tell someone of your whereabouts next time. Florence and I lost our minds worrying for you two.”
