Half a dozen warriors didn’t sound like a lot, given my company’s profound skills with weaponry, yet we needed to get rid of them without bringing attention to ourselves. This was a horrible plan.
“We will have to figure it out when we are there,” Francis replied to my silent question. “If that is the only way, we have no choice but to try.”
“It is better than strolling through the whole palace, hoping no one would notice.” Gabriel nodded, finishing up his meal before sending the dirty plate into the metal basket that served as a sink.
“Let’s not waste time then,” Simon corked his bottle before walking outside of the house, waiting for the rest of us to follow.
I doubleknotted the laces of my boots, walking out the door after Francis.
With each passing day, the nature warmed so slightly; the snow at the threshold of the house, that had been present last night, now turned into a puddle that wetted my boots.
“I think there is a better way,” I told Francis as we walked towards our horses. “Walking through this gate—” I scoffed. “We might as well scream our exact position to the Wurdulacs.”
“I’m sure there is, love, but we have already lost time with the foolish ball, we cannot wait another day in the hope thatwe will come up with something more clever,” Francis sighed. “Everything will be well, all right?” He returned the dagger I had been forced to give up last night, putting it into the empty scabbard at my belt before helping me to mount my horse.
“All right.” I nodded, sending Annabelle towards the Royal grounds.
The trip to the palace took an additional hour from where Gabriel resided—no wonder his village was not yet bothered by the Wurdulacs' return: as their village hid in the very depths of the woods, with nothing but the forest’s spirits surrounding it.
Gabriel led our way through the woods as we all followed after: Francis by my side, Simon and Roxanne a few yards behind.
My eyes fell onto Gabriel’s throat far more often than was appropriate as the growing hunger spun my head into frenzy.
I bit my lip, forcing the air into my lungs: in, out, in—
“For you,” Francis’ voice reached my ears as he took the canteen out of his inside pocket. His hand stretched out, offering me the drink.
“I can’t,” I whispered as my heartbeat quickened. It was foolish really: to deny the blood that was already taken and spare the possible disaster. Yet I was determined to manage without either. I starved for weeks before, surely I could survive a night. Though, Gabriel’s presence complicated my wish.
“Cordelia.” Francis crooked his head, forcing my gaze to his. “Take it,” his voice sharpened.
My brows furrowed, eyeing the canteen. I shook my head, not believing Francis would offer me human blood: knowing my feelings on the matter.
“Just try it,” he pleaded, looking around at our company. “Trust me,” he added.
I filled my lungs, my hands reluctantly stretching for the canteen.
“Trust me.” A sinister smile shadowed on his lips when he nodded.
I swallowed the growing lump in my throat, bringing the drink near my lips.
The familiar aroma reached my senses as my stomach fluttered; my eyes flew to Francis, my brows furrowing in confusion. He offered me a swift nod as he winked, sending my cheeks aflame.
The first drop of Francis’ blood fell onto my tongue, soothing the growing ache in my throat. The familiar taste brought clarity to my maddened mind.
I drank his blood out of the canteen, trying not to think much of how it found its way into the metal container.
“Thank you,” I murmured, finishing the contents before passing the canteen back to him. My cheeks warmed under his gaze anew.
“Any time, love.” Francis winked, pocketing the empty canteen back into his cloak.
I offered him a soft smile before glancing back towards our pathway.
Gabriel rode a few yards away, whistling a familiar tune to the birds. His nonchalant mood felt odd within the purpose of this journey.
Though, I supposed that was his character, and the reason my strict, serious, brother valued his company.
Guilt crippled deep in my chest as the last of the fog disappeared from my mind. No longer bothered with his human presence, shame enveloped my heart whole.
