“We need supplies. Quite a few, actually,” I said, pulling out a chair and sinking into it.
Marcellious and Malik joined me.
“Would you like some tea to warm the old bones?” the count asked, nudging the silver tray toward us. “And help yourselves—plenty of appetizers.”
“Yes, please,” I said, reaching for a morsel of meat.
The count picked up a small bell near his plate and shook it.
A plain-looking maid hurried into the room. “Yes, Count Montego?”
“Fetch a teapot for my guests, if you would.”
She curtsied. “Of course, sir. Right away.”
As I ate, Marcellious and Malik recounted our findings to the count.
The maid soon returned, balancing a tea tray laden with delicate cups, a silver teapot, and a small cake stand stacked with tiny confections. She placed the tray on the sideboard, poured steaming tea into each cup, and carefully set them before us. Then, with another curtsy, she departed.
The count rubbed his hands together. “So, how can I be of service to your expedition?”
“We need ropes, shovels, pickaxes, and other equipment,” Marcellious said.
The count nodded thoughtfully. “I know of a shop in town that might have what you need, but it’s a bit of a journey from here.”
Before he could elaborate, a familiar voice entered the room.
“You’re back.”
Olivia stood in the doorway, looking curious.
She crossed the room and slipped into the seat between Malik and me. “What did you find?”
We briefed Olivia on our progress, detailing what we had discovered.
Her expression darkened as she fixed her gaze on me. “Which means what, exactly, in terms of gathering supplies?”
“It means,” the count interjected, “they’ll be heading into town. It’s a bit of a journey. After that, they’ll begin their exploration of the caves.” He beamed as if it were a grand adventure rather than a dangerous expedition.
“And how long will that take?” Olivia asked, rubbing her baby bump, her brows knitting together.
“There’s no way of knowing,” I admitted, bracing myself for her resistance.
She tilted her head back with a frustrated groan, then looked at me, eyes burning with fear. “No, Roman, no! I’m afraid you won’t return to me.”
Malik placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Olivia. Roman will be with me, and I’ll make sure he’s safe. I already told you—I would protect you, Roman, and now your unborn child with my life.”
Olivia let out a heavy breath, her concern evident.
“We’ll only be gone for weeks, not months,” Malik assured her. “And I swear to you, I will protect your husband. I know how much he means to you.”
She scoffed softly, shaking her head. “So, telling you I forbid the journey won’t make a difference, will it?” she asked, directing her question at Malik.
“No, Olivia,” he said solemnly. “We came here with a purpose and must see it through. But I give you my word—we will all return safely.”
A long sigh escaped her lips.
I had never been more grateful for Malik’s friendship. He was the only one who seemed to be getting through Olivia’s defenses, soothing her fears with unwavering resolve.
