Lia kept her pace sedate as she moved to the main staircase and downward to the glass corridor that faced the frozen lake and the famed Mirror Bridge. If anyone came looking, they’d search toward the main entrance.Hopefully.
Dahlia slipped into an alcove and darted into the servants’ entrance hidden behind it. Her legs shook as she raced down the stairway, the skirt of her dress trailing behind her. She’d just condemned the frost giant king to death.
At her own hand.
She gasped, sagging against the wall, her whole frame shaking.
“Murderer!” her conscience screamed.
Lia forced herself to continue, slowing only when she spotted a maid. Thevallesbobbed a curtsey but kept moving up thestairs. Becoming the roving, peculiar human queen had worked in her favor. No one batted an eye when they saw her skulking about the palace.
She took the next left and out, into the healer’s wing.
Momentary relief crashed over her as she spotted Loshika washing some herbs. It was a risk not leaving straight away, but she had to warn her friend. The giantess set her flora onto the counter and turned off the water.
“Reilleve,” the healer murmured. “What do I owe this pleasure?”
Lia forced a trembling smile onto her face, nodding to the othernonnae,who bowed before returning to their tasks. “Would you walk with me?”
Lo’s expression sharpened as she scanned Lia’s face. The healer dried her hands on her apron. “As you wish.”
Lia held her arm out to the giantess, then she led them back into the nearest servants’ stairway.
“What is wrong?” Loshika demanded, her lips pursed. “You are sweating and reek of fear.”
Dahlia swallowed hard, praying that she could trust the healer. “I’m leaving. Now.”
Lo blinked slowly. “You are running.” She cocked her head and inhaled deeply.ScentingDahlia. “Have you been hurt?”
“No, but I cannot stay. Lives are at stake.”
“Why tell me?”
“Because you’ve been one of my dearest friends while in this frozen prison.” Her throat clogged, but she forced the words out. “I’ve done something that will put everyone close to me in danger.”
“You wanted to warn me.” Loshika pursed her lips and took Lia’s shaking hands in her own. “What have you done,Reilleve?”
“Treason,” she whispered. The word tasted bitter on her tongue.
The giantess soaked in her words. “You shouldn’t have told me that.”
“I had to. I know how Loriians deal with traitors.” She squeezed Lo’s much larger blue hands. “They slaughter family lines and all close connections. You must leave.” Lia shook her head. “I’m so sorry to jeopardize everything you have at the palace.”
Loshika blew out a short breath, her nose slightly wrinkling. “I never aspired to be here. The palace has never been for me.” She ducked to hold Dahlia’s gaze. “Where you go, I go.”
“I can’t ask that of you. Life will not be easy. It will be dangerous.” She blinked back her tears and swallowed the lump in her throat.Murderer.“You don’t know what I’ve done.”
“I knowyouand what lies in your heart.”
“But I’ve . . .”
“Not now. We must leave.” A pause. “But I expect you to tell me all once we escape this place.”
“I will.”
The giantess nodded once. “I never really unpacked. Let me grab my pack and gather my herb bags. We can get to the horses with the ruse that we’re foraging for herbs. You’ll need to ditch your clothes. Stowed in the laundry, I presume?” Lia blinked at Lo, who smiled sharply. “Come now. We’ve spent a lot of time together. Did you really think I didn’t know what you were up to some of the time?” Loshika squeezed her forearm. “I’ll meet you there.”
Lia nodded, her stomach churning. “Can I ask a favor?” The giantess arched a brow in question. “Will you send a healer up to theReillov? He looked sick when I snuck out of our bed.” It wasn’t the smart decision, but she couldn’t leave him like that.
