I need to concentrate on the imminent danger rather than on her.
It’s impossible because every breath she takes presses her more firmly against me. So much so that I can even feel the rapid beat of her heart.
Outside our hiding spot, Julienne is moving around. I’m sure she’s covering our tracks, just as I asked.
I lift my head, peering through the reeds where they thin at the top.
Isla squeezes my arm, clearly unhappy. I glance down at her, and her jaw is tight, her eyes blazing. She gives a sharp shake of the head.
I try to signal to her that it’s okay, but she shakes her head again.
When I look back up, it’s just in time to see Julienne pulling her dress over her wet chemise. Her hair is soaked, water dripping down her back. The fabric clings to her wet undergarment as she fumbles with the laces.
She’s barely finished when a voice calls out from the distance.
“Hey! You there!”
My blood runs cold. I’m sure it’s another group of guards.
Julienne keeps walking away from the alcove, not stopping. Not looking back. She’s putting distance between herself and our hiding spot.
“Stop!” The booming voice is closer now. “Stay right where you are.”
Within seconds, several fae guards circle around Julienne, blocking her path.
Damn it all to hell!
I duck down lower, pressing myself further into the reeds. I clutch Isla closer to me.
“Shhhh,” I whisper into the shell of her ear.
When I pull back, she nods, her eyes wide with terror.
Would she be this worried if she were working for the shadowfae? For the queen herself?
The thought gives me pause.
Then again, perhaps she’s just a good actress. I know all about good actresses. About beautiful females who aren’t who they portray themselves to be.
I push the thought away, lifting my head just a little to focus on the scene unfolding before us. If I stay very still, they won’t be able to see me, even though I can just about make out what is happening in the clearing up ahead.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Julienne demands, her voice carrying across the water.
“We’re searching for escaped prisoners,” one of the guards says. It’s not the same group from last night. These are different fae. They do not know Julienne. “They’re dangerous killers. We need to question you.”
“I’ve already been questioned,” Julienne tells them. “Last night. A group of your fellow guards came to my cabin, searched the premises, and left satisfied.”
“Well, we’re questioning you again,” another voice cuts in. This one is harder. “I’m Commander Theodore. I have my orders.”
Isla pulls in a sharp breath. I squeeze her arm. “It’s okay,” I mouth.
“Of course, Commander,” Julienne says. “I’m happy to cooperate. Though I assure you, I know nothing.”
“We’ll be the judge of that.” Commander Theodore steps closer to her, his eyes narrowing. “Why are you soaking wet?”
“I was bathing,” Julienne tells him. “In the river. Surely that is permissible?”
“Yes, of course.” His gaze moves over her, taking in her wet hair, her clinging dress. “Why didn’t you dry properly? You have linen in that basket.”
