He cracks another rare smile. “You areinfatuatedwith her.”
“Infatuated?” I bluster. “Now, really—”
Three thuds sound and the floor vibrates underneath my feet, stopping me mid-sentence. We spin to see Henri standing in the library doorway with his cane in hand. His gloved fingers stretch on top of its round crystal handle.
He dips his head, like a king might when entering a room and addressing his subjects, and like royalty, Lysander and I bow out of respect. The air seems tothicken in the room. When we rise again, Henri’s dark eyes switch between us, and a cool smile spreads his lips.
“My friends,” he greets. Even though his mannerisms are stiff, his voice is warm and welcoming. “I’m surprised to find you both still awake.”
“We were just relaxing before the night was over,” Lysander replies.
I can’t help but notice he does not use Henri’s formal title when addressing him, like he should. But whether or not Henri notices isn’t clear. Instead of commenting, he walks over to one of the armchairs and takes a seat. Leaning back, he calmly lays an ankle over a knee.
“As was I.” He chuckles and lifts his cane to point at me. “Why, Avrum, you look distracted. Is there something on your mind?”
Fighting my nerves to stay under control, I press my lips together. How long had he been at the door, listening in? Had he heard what Lysander had said about Haven?
“No, my lord,” I manage to say without my voice quivering. “There is nothing.”
He glances at Lysander next. “Oh.”
“I-I am a bit tired, my lord,” I add, hoping that’ll be enough of an explanation for him.
“Ah, maybe that is it then.”
I hesitate. Even though his words are what I want to hear, the way he’s staring at me makes my stomach flip with worry. It’s as if he knows everything and is waiting for me to slip up. Like I’m cornered. My skin crawls.
Henri taps his cane against the floor again, waiting, as his eyes sweep around the room. All is quiet for a long moment, and Lysander and I exchange uneasy looks.
Could he already know about Lysander’s bet with Cornelius? Or maybe Haven has told him about my moment of weakness with her after bringing her back. He could be here to punish us both for our mistakes. It sure feels like he’s waiting for one of us to reveal ourselves.
My body tenses.
“I wanted to thank you again, Avrum, for bringing Haven back last night,” Henri goes on. “I don’t understand why she constantly disobeys me.”
I bow again, my pulse kicking up a notch. “I gave you my word, my lord.”
“I’m sorry to ask you this,” he continues, “I know how tired you must be, but I need one more favor before you retire for the morning. I suggested to Haven that she go for a walk. I wanted her to have some time to clear her mind, relax, and wander the courtyard until dawn. I still don’t trust her fully, but I couldn’t deny her a simple walk. Will you make sure she stays on the property this time?”
My entire body wakes at the thought of seeing Haven again, and my reply comes out too fast. “Of course, my lord.”
“Thank you.” Henri stands and runs a hand over his jacket to smooth out the creases. Glancing at Lysander again, he taps his cane against the floor again. “You, above all people, know how she can be.”
Haven
As I step onto the soft ground of the courtyard, I smile as my heels sink into the soft earth and the damp grass brushes against my ankles. Autumn’s chilly morning air tickles my nose with each breath, but I welcome it, loving the lightness it fills me with.
Taking my time to the lake’s edge, my gaze stretches to where the water meets the sky. There, the horizon sparkles with lighter shades of blues and grays as the sun begins to rise. For the first time in a long time, the tension in my shoulders ease, and I let them fall with a content sigh.
But despite the beauty around me, there will always be pain lingering underneath. I shift the heavy jeweled bracelets around my wrists, which are still raw and sting. I’d been surprised when the servant in charge of untying and dressing me said Henri suggested I go for a walk before the sun rose. Especially after I’d run off only a night ago.
Of course, his sudden kind gesture is a suspicious one. I’m sure this is some kind of sick test he’s inflicting on me, but I’m also not about to ignore a chance to get out of my prison. For now, I will enjoy it.
I search the property for any signs of Henri’s guards. Henri had appointed them, trained them, to watch over the manor during the day and night while he and the others were occupied with other things. Although what could be an actual threat to those creatures is unknown to me.
As far as I can see, I am alone.
A pleasant hum courses through me, urging me on. Ican make my escape now, follow the edge of the lake to the road. It leads into the city and to my father. To freedom…
