CHAPTER 5
Hannah
Move, Hannah,I scolded myself. Every second I didn’t retrieve the dagger meant I was less likely to make it out of here of my own accord… if at all, with how the Grouch King had looked at me. I stooped against the bars and reached for it.
“Oi,” a voice called from the hall. “What was that noise?”
Shit! Theyhadheard me. I had to think. If they opened the door, I’d have one shot to escape, and I had to make sure it would work.
Focused once more, I gritted my teeth and stretched toward the blade lying just a short distance away. The tips of my fingers touched the knife handle, and I moved it slightly closer to the cell door before gripping it as tightly as possible.
Well, butter my biscuit. I hadn’t been quite sure that would actually work on the first try.
I yanked it back through the bars and carefully shoved the knife under the heavy cuff of my coat. The cold metal pressed against my arm, the blade pricking my skin slightly, but I had no time to adjust it. Instead, I staggered to the back of the cell and dropped my sore knees onto the straw, curling into a crouched position.
My heart raced as the guards’ footsteps became louder. I shook my head, needing to clear it.
Those guards weren’t going to open the door just because I asked. I needed a reason. Something that would ensure they didn’t ignore me.
I coughed, making it as hacking and ugly as I could manage, then moaned for good measure. “H-help…” I let my voice break, thin and breathless. “Something’s wrong.”
Sell it, Hannah. My freedom depended on this. I dragged in a rough, ragged breath, then forced it out in a broken wheeze. Cold bit through my jeans, but I ignored it and hunched tighter, pressing a hand to my middle like I was in agony.
“The king won’t like it if she dies before he can question her,” the deeper voice said, followed by keys jingling. Metal clanged as someone grabbed the bars.
I glanced up and found Lilac Eyes and Scar Face glaring at me from outside the door.
“What did you do?” Scar Jaw demanded. “What are you playing at, woman?”
“N-not… playing…” I let my shoulders shake, digging my fingers into the straw. “Can’t… breathe… s-stomach—” I gagged, forcing my throat to convulse. Years of watching daytime TV with Aunt Maureen finally paid off. “Please. It… burns…”
“A reaction maybe?” Lilac Eyes pursed his lips while concern dripped in his voice. “Or portal sickness? Is that a thing?”
“How would I know?” Scar Jaw snapped. “You, sit up. Now.”
I didn’t move. I made my body go slack and whimpered, trying to sound as whiny as one of my exes had when he’d had a cold.
“Dammit,” he muttered.
There was a pause. “If she dies down here and the king didn’t order it…” Lilac Eyes said, voice low.
Scar Jaw swore under his breath. “He’ll have our hides.”
There was a rustle of cloth and then a shifting sound, as if he’d strode forward.
“Fine. I’ll check. Keep your crossbow ready in case she tries something.” Scar Jaw's voice came closer.
Perfect.
The lock slid back with a heavy thunk. My heart leapt into my throat while every nerve in my body screamed in anticipation. Despite my racing heart, I kept still, leaving my eyes half-lidded and taking shallow, uneven breaths.
The hinges shrieked as the door swung open, then bootsteps crossed the threshold. The smell of leather and cold iron washed over me as Scar Jaw knelt at my side.
“Oi!” His gloved hand landed on my shoulder. He gave a rough shake and then stepped back. “Open your eyes.”
I let my head roll a little as my lids fluttered. “C-can’t…”
He leaned in closer with most of his body blocking me from Lilac Eyes. “Are you in pain?”
