“Sorry to squash your act of heroism, but you aren’t doing this alone. Amaris is our friend too,” Adelaide said, draping an arm around the back of the chair.
Theo gave them a heated stare, but neither of them backed down. “This is going to be incredibly dangerous, and we’re going to Elric if we’re caught.”
Esaias clasped his hands together, rubbing them back and forth. Theo could already see the plan forming within his eyes, and he waited for him to say the dreaded words.
“Alright, hear me out,” Esaias said. “Amaris will be accompanying me to the Conjugation.”
“I highly doubt she’ll consent to that,” Adelaide retorted, twisting her blade in her hand.
“She already has.” Esaias gave Theo a dreadful smirk and a twinge settled in his gut. “This will allow her to be free of the tower or anyone else’s watchful eye.”
“Luther said you’re bringing a merchant’s daughter.”
Esaias’s eyes gleamed as he laced his fingers together. “I am. Ann Lawson will be my escort, the only daughter of a widowed father who owns a small jeweler’s cart.”
“I have to give it to you. That’s not a bad idea,” Adelaide added, not even bothering to give Esaias a glance. “Where did you get Ann Lawson?”
“Her idea.”
“What if someone recognizes her?” Theo asked.
A mask wouldn’t be able to hide Amaris’s features. Her bright-blue eyes and head of curls would give her away instantly.
“I have her gown and mask already in the works. Adelaide, you’ll do your part with hair and makeup to disguise her.”
“I can try, but she’s hard to hide. She’s quite beautiful.”
“Isn’t she?” Esaias sighed. “If only she could stay. I’d love—”
“Too much detail,” Adelaide groaned.
“I haven’t even said anything.”
“Your intentions permeate the very air we’re breathing.”
Theo rolled his eyes as they both sent each other darting grimaces of mockery, but Adelaide was right. It was still a risk. They’d need to plan each moment, prepare for the unexpected.
“Toward the climax of the party, Adelaide, I want you stationed on the beach,” Theo said, the rest of Esaias’s plan forming in his mind. “All the other entrances will be heavily guarded. The bay is our only means of escape.”
“Where do you plan to go?” Adelaide asked.
“We’ll make our way to Duncaster, and I’ll see she’s safe.” Safe was a broad statement. She may have wished to find other accommodations outside Duncaster, but for now, it was their best option. She’d have access to a ship if she preferred or the safety of a large city to hide in. The missing tenants were still a frightening issue, but Theo could stay with her until she was safe or headed for somewhere new.
“You’re forgetting a fatal flaw in this plan. If you aren’t here the nextmorning, the duke will know you aided in her escape,” Adelaide began.
Theo’s head fell back against the wall. If they were both missing, it wouldn’t take anyone smarter than Esaias to put it together.
“I hate to say this, but either someone doesn’t come back, or Amaris has to venture herself.”
“I’ll gladly volunteer,” Esaias said, jumping on the opportunity to follow Amaris into a small boat, where there would be no one but them and the ocean for days.
“That I know she won’t agree with,” Adelaide snapped.
Theo grasped his jaw, rubbing at a nick Amaris had left that morning. Theo had insisted he shave himself, but after a few failed attempts, she’d ended up doing it for him.
“I don’t disagree, but I’m inclined to go with Esaias,” Theo said. “If he doesn’t turn up the next morning, everyone will believe he’s taken an extended holiday with this Ann Lawson.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” He grinned.
