Nerves spiked at the realization that help probably wouldn’t reach her in time to stop this. She prayed the guards wouldn’t let her inside the prison. But, what if the rebels chose to attack them?
A bead of sweat rolled down her spine as she drew to a stop before the two guards stationed at the prison’s entrance. Painfully aware of the three rebels surrounding her—and the fact they could kill those guards the moment Amryn proved disloyal to the cause—she gave the prison guards a small smile. “Hello. I’m Lady Vincetti.”
The guards straightened. The older one tipped his head, though his confusion was clear. “It’s an honor, Lady Vincetti.”
“Thank you,” Amryn said. Her pulse was racing, but she forced herself to speak slowly. Anything to prolong this. “I’ve been sent by Princess Jayveh. I have a private message she asked me to give her uncle, King Jamir.”
The younger guard frowned, taking in her ballgown. “Shouldn’t you be at the ball?”
“I was,” Amryn said. “But I’m afraid this is quite urgent. Could you please take me—and my guards—to see King Jamir?”
The two men exchanged a look, but it was the older one who addressed her. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, my lady. The prison is a secured section of the palace. We can’t allow visitors without the proper approval.”
Thank the Saints.For the sake of her rebel audience, she said, “But the imperial princess sent me.”
“I understand, but there are rules.” The older guard glanced at his younger companion, his discomfort making it quite clear he wished he wasn’t the senior guard right now. “Perhaps if you came back in an hour or so, we could arrange to have Jamir moved from his cell to one of the holding rooms.”
A stab of annoyance came from one of the rebels. It prompted Amryn to say, “An hour will be too long. As I said, this is an urgent matter. Surely you can make an exception. This request comes from Princess Jayveh.”
“I understand, but usually the order of approval comes to us through the commander of the prison. He arranges the visits.”
“But my husband is General Vincetti.”
“Yes, I know.” The creases in the man’s face deepened as he frowned. “I’d prefer it if he were with you.”
So would I.“Are you sure there’s nothing you can do?” she asked. “I’d be so grateful if—”
“Lady Vincetti?”
Amryn turned to see Chancellor Janson approaching. Like her, he still wore his finery from the ball. His brow was furrowed as he took in the scene. “Do you need any assistance?”
Her stomach dropped. The rebels around her straightened. The one closest to her let his hand drift toward his blade, and Amryn tensed. Janson had no idea the danger he’d just walked into.
She forced her lips to curve in a smile for the middle-aged chancellor, despite her panic. “No. I’m fine.”
Janson frowned, but before he could speak, the older guard greeted him. “Chancellor, the prisoner you requested is waiting in the first holding room. I can walk you down if you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” Janson glanced at Amryn. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, I . . .” Aware of all the eyes on her—rebels, guards, and now a concerned chancellor—Amryn sighed. “I was hoping to speak with King Jamir. I have a message from Jayveh. But it seems we went about this the wrong way.”
“Nonsense.” Janson turned to the two guards. “You know who she is. And if she’s come on Princess Jayveh’s behalf, there’s no reason to delay her.”
“Yes, but it’s highly unusual,” the older guard protested. His resolve was weakening, though. Amryn could feel it cracking.
No, no, no . . .
“I’m not sure the general would want his wife going into the prison,” the second guard chimed in. “It’s no place for a lady.”
“I can accompany her,” Janson offered.
Her insides knotted. “That’s not necessary.”
He gave her a kind smile. “I don’t mind. The criminal I came to see isn’t going anywhere.” He looked to the guards. “Find us an escort, please.”
The guards still looked hesitant, but the oldest nodded and said, “Yes, Chancellor.” While he moved to open the door, victory surged through the rebels. Amryn only felt sick. Saints, now she needed to keep Janson safe as well.
Too soon, a prison guard led the way down a long staircase, with Amryn and Janson following and the three rebels taking up the rear. The light was sparse and flickering as they moved through the shadowed space, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls that surrounded them. Amryn relied heavily on the bloodstone to keep the despair of the entombed prisoners at bay.
