“Cordelia!” Francis pulled on my arm, his knuckles whitening around the hilt of his dagger.
“Is in the Royal library.” I ignored Francis’ strong hold that loosened slightly at my words. “Hidden in one of the ancient volumes on Wurdulacs,” I finished, silently begging Francis to play along.
“What’s it called?” Doubt shone bright across Caleb’s eyes.
I offered a small glance at Francis, his stone-like eyes met mine when his voice lowered “You are making a mistake,” he bit out.
His words cut through the distance between us, making my body catch aflame. Perhaps he was a better actor than I was.
“I never saw the book with my own eyes,” I swallowed. “Mother never allowed me in the restricted area of the library.”
“How can you be so sure the key is there then?” Caleb’s eyes flickered with suspicion.
“I overheard Mother and Father speaking of it once.” The more I talked, the more suspicion Caleb expressed.
Damnation.
“Enough.” Francis pulled me towards the main entrance of the castle. “This conversation is over,” he spat out as we walked away from the stables.
“How am I supposed to find a book with no title in the biggest library in the Kingdom?” Caleb called after.
“Get out of here,” Francis said over his shoulder.
“Not until you tell me the title.” Caleb’s steps followed after us. “I took you for someone who would keep their word, Cordelia, but I see your Royal upbringing only taught you how to use others for your own gain—”
Francis pushed me behind him as he raised his dagger for a throw—
The dagger spun in the air before landing into Caleb’s shoulder as a muffled cry escaped his lips. Anger crossed Caleb’s face.
Francis unsheathed his Royal steel dagger in an instant. My heart banged in my chest as my lungs froze.
“One more step and this will land in your heart.” He raised the weapon for the throw; Caleb froze in place. “This is your last chance Caleb,” Francis seethed. “I should have killed you back in the dungeons, I should have killed you back at the cabin, but I am weak.” Francis walked towards the man. “I am weak, for I remember you welcoming me into your family.” Francis dug his finger into Caleb’s injury, forcing a growl out of him. “I remember your kindness and care when I needed it most.
“But make no mistake, I will kill you in a heartbeat, and not regret it a day in my life, if you as much as look at her one more time.” Francis twisted the dagger into his shoulder before freeing it from Caleb’s flesh. “This is your last chance. I mean it.” Francis let go of Caleb’s shoulder, taking a step back. “Leave.” He nodded at the forest.
Caleb’s jaw twitched when he offered a firm nod. “I am sorry, Francis,” he whispered before disappearing back into the shadows.
“Are you all right?” Francis crooked his head, his eyes boring into mine. “Did I hurt you?” He glanced at my forearm, walking towards me.
“No.” I shook my head; shock still freezing my mind. “I was worried he would hurt you.”
“That bastard can’t hurt me.” Francis’ hand fell onto my waist, ushering me inside the castle. “And you needn’t worry yourself with my safety.” He planted a gentle kiss on my temple.
The main doors closed behind us; the music reached our ears anew. The ball was in full swing when we walked past the hall, up the stairs.
“I don’t want you to kill him on my behalf, Francis,” I admitted, stopping in the small corridor between the flights of stairs. “He is not worth it.”
Francis sighed, facing me. “Why do you always defend him?” His thumb traveled below my chin, raising it until my eyes met his. “He was the one to put you in danger.”
“I don’t know,” I replied honestly. “We talked in the dungeons and—” I sighed, sitting down on the steps of the stairs, unable to hold Francis’ gaze. “Perhaps I saw myself in his words—someone unable to stand against what is expected of you out of fear, someone who tries hard to do what they're told, even if it’s the wrong thing to do.”
“You are none of those things.” Francis shook his head, crouching before me. “You are never scared to go against your own interest. You care not for your own safety—which angers me deeply.” A sad smile tugged on the corners of his lips. “If you’ve committed any wrongs, it was for the ones you love.”
“You are wrong,” I whispered. “I left my siblings to fend for themselves once I gained freedom. I knew of the horrors Sandra must have endured on my behalf and did nothing until the very end. Her last months of life were spent in suffering because of me, her last moments were spent in an agony inflicted by me.” A tear slid down my cheek.
Francis caught my hands, bringing each knuckle to his lips. “You were in a situation that had no right to be forced upon you.” Francis wiped the tear off my face. “Sometimes we have to be selfish for the greater good, for if we destroy ourselves over things that cannot be changed, we won’t be able to provide help when we are able.”
“Perhaps Caleb is doing the same,” I offered, earning an annoyed look from Francis. “He did get us the weapons as I asked him to...”
