“I’m just glad everyone is safe.” She pauses, looking between us. “You know, I was thinking…perhaps you should both stay here a little while longer. Just until things calm down.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Sebastian says, his tone polite. “But I’ll be leaving at nightfall. It’s for the best.”
Julienne’s smile falters. “Sebastian, please. Be reasonable. It’s far too dangerous right now. They’re searching everywhere. If you wait just a few more days or until—”
“I can’t wait.” He shakes his head. “I just…I can’t.”
“But you’ll be at risk,” I say before I can stop myself. “You won’t make it five leagues before you’re caught.”
“I’ll be fine. You have no reason to worry.”
“I’m not worried about you. I’m worried about the realm,” I mutter.
“There is plenty of reason for concern,” Julienne interjects. “Please, Your Majesty. Just a little longer. That’s all I’m asking.”
“I’m sorry,” Sebastian says. “My mind is made up. I need a horse and some supplies. I won’t take much. You can give most of the food and coin to Isla.” He glances at me.
“That won’t be—” I start to say.
“I insist. You’ll need it,” he tells me, his expression serious. “Use it to start a new life. I owe you for saving me. My debt can be considered as paid. You’ll have to trust that I’m making the right decision.”
“Okay then, I guess there is no more to say on the matter,” Julienne says, standing to clear the dishes.
Sebastian and I stand too. I take the jug and my cup.
Sebastian takes two of the plates of leftover food.
“I will help you with the horses,” he tells Julienne. “I may as well make myself useful while I am here. It is the least I can do.”
She snorts. “You’ll do nothing of the sort. If you’re determined to leave tonight, you should try to get some rest. You have a long journey ahead of you. You will need to make good time if you are to escape and to get ahead of the guards. The shadowfae will not be the only court looking for you. There will be a big bounty on your head, my Lord.”
“Are you sure? I could—”
“You need your rest. I will manage just fine,” Julienne tells him.
Sebastian nods. “You are right. Perhaps rest is a good idea. Thank you for breakfast. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course.” She gives him a sad smile. “Rest well, my Lord.”
“Before I go, do you perhaps have paper, a quill, and some ink?”
“Yes, of course.”
Julienne goes over to a cabinet and takes out the requested supplies, which she hands to him.
“Here you go.” She inclines her head.
“Thank you. I will see you both a little later.” He glances my way, and I nod once.
Then he heads toward the trapdoor, opening it. He descends the ladder using one hand. Moments later, the door closes, and he’s gone.
Julienne looks at me, her expression sympathetic. “He’s stubborn, isn’t he?” she whispers.
“That’s one word for it,” I mutter.
I prefer pigheaded.
She moves to the basin and begins washing the dishes. I stand and join her, taking up a drying cloth.
