Chapter 19. Harmless.
Francis’ study buzzed with uncertainty when I entered; my sword secured to my belt, a dagger in my boot. Though I supposed, no matter my weaponry, I could not stand against Barren’s army were he to order my end. Human or not—their numbers were a threat; we were walking straight into whatever they had prepared for us.
I drew a small breath, my hand playing with the Royal stamp that I’d hid in my pocket before leaving my room, as I settled on the corner of a settee Florence had occupied. She glanced at me, shifting to the side, creating space for me as her lips shook into a smile.
“Are you all right?” I asked, my brows furrowing at her odd expression.
“Yes!” she exclaimed, her fingers toying with the sleeves of her burgundy—a color I had never seen her wear before—dress. “I still don’t fancy human Royalty—” Her face turned sour. “Sorry.”
“That’s all right.” I smiled, yet my own fears clawed at my lungs anew.
I wished Florence wouldn’t have to go, wouldn’t have to struggle. Especially when danger might come because of me. “Perhaps you both could stay behind,” I told Roxanne as she entered the study. Her eyes planted on Florence's worried expression when I continued, “Surely Francis and I could meet with William ourselves.”
Florence’s eyes grew bigger, though she refrained from saying a word. Roxanne’s lips turned into a thin line: watching her beloved struggle so much, she certainly considered my offer.
It was Francis who spoke in disagreement, “We are all going. End of discussion.” He walked into the study, swiftly packing a stack of parchment into a satchel. “It is too dangerous to split up when the Wurdulacs have gained so much power. And we need numbers entering the Barren’s duchy: the more the better.” He moved the curtains aside, glancing out the window: the freshly risen Moon glared down into the poorly lit room. “Simon and Ash should be here any moment.”
“Simon and Ash are coming as well?” I frowned, hearing of it for the first time.
“As I said, we need numbers for our proposition to be taken seriously.” Francis closed his satchel, letting it hang over his shoulder. “Barren will not be alone, given that every survivor of the palace’s attack fled there. We will need numbers.”
“How many humans will be there?” Florence’s voice shook as she swallowed.
“I don’t know.” Francis’ lips turned into a thin line. “But it is safer there with us than staying here alone,” he added.
The confidence slipped through my fingers as the realization of what I’d suggested all these nights ago slowly settled. I’d convinced Francis it was safe to enter into a meeting with Barren, convinced him it was our only choice. Now I wasn’t so sure—not when so many people would be at risk by association: not when I’d have to convince not only Barren, but whoever he had by his side.
“Can I have a moment with you? Privately,” I asked Francis, exiting the study. He sighed, following after me.
“Did you change your mind about the necessity of this trip?” His brows flew up. “Did you just now realize the madness we are about to walk into?”
“There is no reason for so many people to go,” I whispered, glancing back at the study. “I killed Timothy.” I faced Francis. “If they know they will set me on fire the moment I set foot onto his estate; all of you will follow in my steps.” I swallowed. “I should go by myself.”
“Absolutely not. You are not going there by yourself.” Francis shook his head. “We either go together, or not at all. You do not stand a chance at this by yourself.”
“But—”
“Either all of us, or none of us.” Francis shook his head, sheathing his daggers.
“There is no reason for Florence to go,” I hissed. “She is shaking like a leaf.”
“And she can handle herself,” Francis’ stern tone reached my ears. “She knows how to fight, and above all, she is a vampire.” He sighed. “For the last time, for this to work we need numbers.”
I closed my eyes, drawing a deep breath. “I don’t want anyone else to die on my behalf.”
