Simon nodded. “He came in last morning, while everyone was still asleep. Don’t worry I didn’t tell him of our plans.” He handed me the letter. “That’s for you.”
“To what do we owe such generosity?” Francis crooked his head, glaring at the letter in my hands before his eyes met mine.
“I asked him to.” I ripped through the sealing wax, dreading the contents of the letter.
I completed my part of the deal, now is your turn,Caleb wrote.
Only we had no deal. I’d told him I wouldconsiderhelping him were he to steal the weapons for us, no promises were made.Meet me where we last met during the ball.I wouldn’t be coming.
“What’s in the letter?” Francis’ voice dropped a few octaves when Caleb’s words settled.
I folded the pieces of parchment, dropping it into my pocket. “Nothing of importance.” I met Francis’ gaze, the playfulness that filled his eyes moments ago long gone.
“What did you promise him?” Francis seethed.
“I promised him nothing.” I answered his anger with my own.
“Cordelia...” Francis closed his eyes, sighing. “I swear to the Moon—”
“I owe him nothing,” I hissed.
“Cordelia—”
“Oh, let her be.” Roxanne rolled her eyes at Francis, putting her newly gained dagger in the scabbard. “She got us the weapons that—if you didn’t notice—we desperately needed before our trip to the palace. Now we stand a chance at walking out of there alive.”
Francis shook his head, yet scabbarded his Royal steel dagger all the same. His jaw twitched as though he fought to keep his thoughts at bay.
I turned to Ash, unsheathing my sword. “Is there any way for you to remold it into daggers?” I handed my weapon to them, dismissing Francis and his gloom.
Ash took the sword, studying it from every angle. “This is very fine work.” They nodded. “I can make three, or perhaps four daggers out of it. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “Perhaps you could bring them when we go to the palace?”
“Oh, I am not going.” Ash studied the sword. “There’s plenty of work here, Faris needs weapons like never before.” They set my sword atop the chest in the corner of the room. “Besides, I won’t be much help in the palace.” Ash shrugged. “Simon can bring the daggers with him.”
Florence raised from the couch, taking Roxanne’s hand into hers before turning to Ash, ”Perhaps I can stay with you and help while they are gone?”
“Of course!” Ash nodded. “I am always happy for company.”
“Are you certain?” Roxanne crooked her head, concern flashing in her still dreamy eyes.
“I was only going because you are afraid for me to stay on my own, this way I won’t be alone were something to happen.”
Roxanne’s lips turned into a thin line before she replied, “All right.” She nodded. “Perhaps you are right.”
“Everything will be well,” Florence reassured her. “You know I would be a burden at the palace.”
“Promise me you are not going to go anywhere by yourself until I return.” Roxanne sighed.
“Promise.” Florence whispered, a sad smile tugging on her lips.
“Then it’s decided: Florence and Ash will stay here, while the rest of us go to the palace,” Simon concluded.
“We will stay the day in the cabin and the moment the sun sets make our move to the palace,” Roxanne agreed. “What is the easiest way to get to the vault?” She faced me; nothing of the joyful Roxanne was left on her face.
I cleared my throat before replying, “The vault is in my mother’s passage, we will have to go through there.” I scabbarded my dagger. “Last time there were two Wurdulacs guarding it; outside of that, it should be rather easy, given that the pathway is far from the main entrance: where the majority of Kane’s warriors are gathered.” I glanced at Francis whose features still hid under shadows. “If we don’t attract any attention, we should get in and out without any trouble.”
“Sounds easy enough.” Simon brushed over his jaw, though none of this would be easy.
