“I would rather spend our last hours in private.” I gathered all my strength to meet Francis’ gaze. “My body is starving for attention,” I teased, my cheeks warmed despite the cool weather.
“What a delight to my ears,” Francis murmured, leaning me against the stables. “If I could only choose one memory to relive in my last moments, it would be this one.” His lips brushed over mine, his teeth teasing my skin—
“And here I thought you wouldn’t show.” The low timbre swept through the forest as Caleb appeared from the shadows.
Chapter 28. Selfish.
Caleb took a step from the shadows of the forest that shielded him from unwanted gaze. His face now carried a long scar that reached his lips, the end of his injury still bled.
Adrenaline pumped through my veins when his eyes bored into mine.
“What are you doing here?” Francis unsheathed the Silver dagger from his belt, stepping in front of me.
“Did Cordelia not tell you,” Caleb walked towards us, his eyes never leaving mine. “This is where we were going to meet for her part of the bargain.”
Francis’ fiery gaze landed on me, though he refrained from scolding me as his eyes moved back to Caleb.
I’d completely forgotten Caleb demanded meeting here in the letter. I’d completely forgotten he demanded a meeting at all. “I did not promise you a single thing.” I stepped out of Francis’ shield. “I agreed toconsiderhelping, were you to follow up on my request—nothing more.”
Caleb took a step forward, his features sharpened. “Cordelia, I have proven my loyalty to you.”
“Bringing a few daggers is hardly any proof.” Francis scoffed.
“I risked my life stealing them,” Caleb barked, his fist planted on Francis' unmoving figure.
“Risked your life,” Francis mocked, returning the gesture as he pushed Caleb away. “How rich.”
“Leave this Francis.” Caleb's jaw clenched. “It’s between me and Cordelia.”
“Everything that involves her—involves me.” Francis’ voice dropped a few octaves as he shoved Caleb backwards.
Caleb staggered before returning the gesture. “Clearly it only goes one way, given she made a bargain without your knowledge.” He unsheathed his dagger as it shimmered golden under the Moon’s gaze—Royal steel.
I had to do something before they murdered each other.
“Enough!” My heart raced when I moved between the two men. “Enough!” I barked at Caleb before focusing my gaze on Francis. “It’s fine, Francis.” My hands fell onto his chest, his eyes shone in fury. “Caleb is the only one who can get to the vault, anyway.” I crooked my head, begging for Francis to see through my scheme.
“No.” He frowned, his hand landing on my forearm.
“You have to trust me.” My eyes bored into his. “I trust Caleb with this.”
“Cordelia—” Confusion washed over Francis’ features as I turned to face Caleb.
“The key to the vault is—” I started, schooling my features.
