She’d pulled her arm out from Caspian’s and patted his shoulder to let him know that she was leaving before she wandered off. She wanted to talk to Thea and ask what she thought about her and Caspian…and she wanted to see how many of her soaps had sold.
As she made her way toward the manor’s booth, she ran into multiple people, but only one of them grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop.
“Hello, young lady,” a scratchy voice said as an old woman with a hood over her head and a stooped back pulled her to the side. “You are the most stunning young lady at this festival. I would be honored if you would care to feast upon an apple from my tree.”
Sophia shook her head. “Oh, thank you, but I’m not hungry.”
The old woman grabbed her arm tighter. “I would be honored if you would spread the word about how delicious my apples are.”
Sophia glanced around for anyone else, but there was no one near in the darkness away from the fire.
The old woman produced a green apple from the folds of her cloak.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Sophia said. “I don’t like green apples—I only like red ones.”
The woman snarled. “I should have known you’d be problematic.”
Sophia tried to pull away, yanking her arm, and the movement made the woman’s hood fall back.
It was Lady Manning.
Sophia stumbled back.
No.
Not her.
Not here.
She tried to scream but an arm came around her and covered her mouth.
She was carried away into the night. She kicked and flailed, but it was no use. She might be stronger now than when she’d run away, but she wasn’t strong enough against the man holding her.
She couldn’t even get a scream out with how tightly his hand covered her face.
He carried her far enough away that no one would be able to hear her screams, the happy sounds of celebration long faded into the night, before dumping her onto a hay-filled wagon. He tied her hands and feet and put a gag in her mouth for good measure.
Lady Manning watched in triumph before climbing into her own carriage.
As the wagon started into motion and she fell onto her side, Sophia wanted to burst into tears.
It had finally happened.
Lady Manning had caught up to her.
What was she going to do with her?
What was the point of coming for her?
Lady Manning didn’t need more servants in Riyel.
No, the fate coming for her was likely worse than that.
What would Caspian think when he couldn’t find her?
Tears pricked at her eyes.
Would he come for her?
