“You go after him,” I said. “I’ll go warn Raewyn and her family.”
After another hesitation, Stellon asked, “Do you think you can get to her in time?”
“There is no ‘think’ about it. Iwillget to her in time,” I vowed. “I’ll keep her safe. I don’t want to see her harmed any more than you do.”
Trust me on that, I said to him silently.
Stellon studied my eyes, blinking his own a few times.
“When this is all over,” he said softly, “I’d like to hear about your journey with Raewyn.”
I slapped him on the shoulder, turning to go. “Good luck with the King.”
Taking my sister’s hand, I said, “Mareth, are you ready to play your part?”
She beamed up at me, practically hopping with excitement. “What do I need to do?”
“We’re going to need you to create some sort of a diversion for the guards, so Stellon can escape his confinement here. Perhaps you could—”
She interrupted in a perturbed tone. “If you’re about to suggest I go out there and bat my eyelashes, I should warn you… I have a python in my room who hasn’t eaten in a while. He’s particularly fond ofbrunettes.”
Despite my exhaustion and the dire circumstances, I had to laugh.
“I was thinking of something more along the lines of a buffalo stampede through the corridors—unless you can figure out a way to fit an elephant into the lift.”
She grinned. “Now you’re talking.”
Chapter11
The Road Ahead
Raewyn
Peeking through the cottage’s front window, I saw it was not a battalion of mounted soldiers but a single horse I’d heard galloping up to our door.
It was enormous… and black as night…
I pulled open the door to find Pharis with his arm raised, about to knock.
“You’ve come back,” I said in surprise.
His hair was windblown, his face drawn tight. He looked down at me, and for a moment, his eyes warmed.
No, there’s no time.
As I heard the words in my mind, I watched those remarkable eyes turn icy and deadly serious.
“You have to leave—now. Soldiers are on their way here.”
I started to tell him I already knew, but he added a terrifying detail that stole my breath for a moment.
“My father is with them.”
“What?” I said finally. “The King himself is coming after me?”
“I told you he considers you a prize. Now come on, we’re leaving.”
Pharis reached out and took my hand, pulling me outside.
