When Katherine leaves the table, I excuse myself, leaving the others to continue eating.
Katherine stands near the window, a nervous expression on her face.
“What is it?” I whisper.
“My contact didn’t show. The note was still there this morning,” she says. “They’ve never taken this long to pick up a message.”
My heart sinks. “So they don’t know about the relics or where his room is?”
She shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what to do.”
“We keep our eyes peeled at the marketplace,” I say. “If we see anyone we recognize, we’ll get their attention. One of us can cause a distraction and the other can share the information.” It’s not the best plan, but it’s all we have time for.
“Alright.”
The other ladies join us, all smiles and good cheer. I don’t blame them. Even though it’s dreary outside, it’s nice to be leaving the castle.
When we step into the hall, Brevan has returned to my door. The dark circles are gone, and color has returned to his face. I hate how relieved I am to see him looking better.
“And where might you ladies be off to?” he asks.
“The marketplace,” Katherine says cheerfully.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I am not a prisoner,” I say. “Besides, we’re going with Juliette and the earl. He wanted to go there, and she invited us to join them.”
“I hate the marketplace,” he complains.
I want to tell him that he can stay behind, but he’d never agree. “Well, we both know you’ll be following along so maybe try to make the best of it?”
“Like you make the best of training?” he asks. “Don’t think we aren’t returning to that tomorrow.”
“I know. But no training today. Today, we do something fun.” I link my arm with Katherine’s. “Shall we?”
Twenty-Five
To my surprise,Caiden is waiting at the door with Juliette and the earl. The earl is even older than I thought he’d be. His wrinkled face is dotted with dark spots, and his white hair is combed over a nearly bald head in thin wisps.
With any luck, he’ll die shortly after the wedding and Juliette can live the rest of her life as a mourning widow.
I want to tell her that, but she’s standing near him, a fake smile plastered on her face.
“I thought I would join you all on your excursion,” Caiden says as he walks over to greet me. He kisses my cheek, the touch making my skin crawl. At least it’s brief.
“What a pleasant surprise,” I say.
“I’ve ordered two carriages. The ladies can take the larger so they can gossip,” Caiden says playfully.
Where is this coming from? It’s making me uncomfortable. It’s one thing for him to be kind to me in private but showing it in front of others makes it seem more genuine.
“Your Highness,” Brevan says. “I think we should divide the ladies and ensure they have someone who can fight in each carriage.”
“Nonsense,” Caiden says. “We’ll follow right behind them. If something happens, we’ll see.”
“Of course.” Brevan nods.
I give him a cheeky smile. “Enjoy your man carriage.”
