The same words hover on my tongue too, but my fear prevents them from spilling out.
There’s a loud thump as Keagan punches the wall in anger. The door shakes from the force. Then, heavy footsteps stomp down the hall.
After a few moments, another door slams in the distance.
My chest heaves.
“Keagan left,” Avrum says to console me, but I still can’t seem to catch my breath. “I think it’s safe for me to leave now.”
I nod. As much as I don’t want him to go, I know he has to. The guard outside my bedroom will find it strange if he never leaves.
“You should get some sleep. Morning is here, and you will need your strength for tonight.”
“What will you do till then? Will you sleep?” I ask.
“I was on my way to the attic to get in more practicewith my sword before I came here. I need to be ready to defend you if the time comes.”
I don’t want to think about Avrum and Henri locked in a duel. It makes a chill snake up my spine.
“Haven, please don’t worry yourself,” he says gently, as if he knows where my thoughts have gone. “I made my choice a long time ago. I am going to help you leave here. It doesn’t matter what happens to me.”
“But it does matter. To me.”
“And that is enough to make me fight harder.” Avrum gives me a small, reassuring smile before taking me by the hand and placing a soft kiss on the back of it. “By this time tomorrow, you, Emma, and I will be far away from this place. There will be no more worrying or pain. It will be just us.”
“Just us,” I repeat, loving the way that sounds out loud. I never thought two words could ever sound so beautiful.
Chapter 15
Haven
Isit in silence on the bed as Emma weaves my hair into a twist at the nape of my neck. The maid’s usual gentle fingers are stiff today and snag my curls, but I understand why and don’t protest. Tonight’s the night of our great escape. Tonight we will be risking it all to leave this place forever.
When Emma’s hands fall, I get to my feet. The dress that had been purchased specially for the occasion clutches my bosom and has a deep swoop at my breasts. Pearls dangle from my neck and ears to match the delicate buttons crawling up my back, and Chantilly lace drapes loosely off the shoulders and ivory satin skirt. But it isn’t the dress’s priceless beauty that I love. It’s the length. The material lets me hide the short sword underneath with ease. I keep it tied against my thigh.
Emma moves from the bed to the nightstand, where a tray of fresh baked rolls and pastries are laid out. She still wears her plain black frock with the stained apron, butthis time, a small leather satchel hangs from her hip. She begins to fill the purse with some of the treats.
How very thoughtful of her. We are going to need food while on the run.
I smile. I’m glad I was able to convince Emma to come along. She’s been my strength while here, and I didn’t want to leave without her.
Shifting toward the door, she clutches her satchel close to her chest. “I should go,” she says.
I nod. “Someone will be up soon to escort me to the party, I’m sure. They can’t find you here.” I offer her a warm smile. “I will meet you by the courtyard doors around midnight. The party should be at its peak by then and we should get enough time to put distance between us and Greystone before sunrise.”
Her green eyes hold a great deal of worry, but she lifts her chin in determination.
“Everything will be alright. By tomorrow, we will be away from here. All of this will be nothing more than a distant memory,” I tell her as confidently as I can manage.
As I watch Emma leave the room, I hope—for all our sakes—that I didn’t just lie to her.
Avrum
Outside, the snow falls in clumps. From the center of the circular ballroom I watch as the band members set up their instruments and ready them for play. Since the guest list is much smaller this time, the round tables have been discarded for the evening, leavingonly the one long head table opposite the grand staircase. From the arched ceiling, elegant tapestries of burgundy and gold hang, and candles flicker from the crystal chandelier.
I can’t believe how different all this grandeur looks and feels to me now. There’s no beauty in the room. There’s no more glamour or magnificence. All I feel now is disgust. Disgust and loathing.
How could I have been so ignorant?
