Julienne looks stricken, but she doesn’t argue.
I start unsaddling Nox, my movements sharp. “I wish I could help him, but I can’t.”
“No, of course not.”
I need to think of myself from now on. I have to.
I pull the saddle off and set it on the ground. I lead Nox into his stall, unbuckle the bridle, and slide it off his head.
“You’re right. I wish to the gods that there was something we could do, but we can’t. It’s up to him now,” Julienne says, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks.
“I’m sorry. I really hope he got away.” A lump forms in my throat.
“Me too.” Julienne makes a sobbing noise as she turns away.
I harden myself to the emotions inside of me.
I need to escape this court. I need to think of myself. Sebastian didn’t want my help, so he isn’t going to get it.
I have to pray that this isn’t what it looks like. That he is safe.
19
Isla
I jump when the bell starts to ring, alerting us to someone’s approach.
I’m halfway through folding one of Julienne’s spare dresses into my saddlebag when it happens, and my hand freezes, my eyes locking with Julienne’s.
“Hide,” she tells me, already moving toward the trapdoor. She pulls the animal skin aside. “Quickly, Isla!”
I grab the saddlebag and scramble across the floor. Then I lower myself through the opening. The familiar scent of earth and old wood surrounds me as I descend into the near darkness.
The trapdoor closes above me. The animal skin slides back into place. I sit on the mattress, praying they don’t find me here. I’m so sick of running and hiding. I almost can’t remember a time when I didn’t have to; my childhood seems like a distant memory.
A knock sounds, and Julienne opens the door.
“Belen!” Julienne sounds relieved. “I thought you were a group of guards.”
“It’s just me,” he says. His voice is warm and kind.
There’s the rush of movement. The sound of an embrace. Then soft murmurs I can’t quite make out.
Then it sounds like they might be kissing. I didn’t realize that Julienne had a lover.
I’ve heard Sebastian and Julienne mention this Belen person.
Soon after, the trapdoor lifts. Julienne’s face appears, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright.
“It’s safe,” she says, reaching down to help me up. “Come on.” She smiles, looking happier and lighter in herself.
I climb out into the cabin. A tall fae male stands near the hearth, his dark hair falling past his shoulders. He’s dressed in armor; his posture is relaxed. His eyes are kind as they land on me.
“Isla, this is General Belen,” Julienne says. Her hand finds his, their fingers intertwining. “Belen, this is Isla. She’s the one who helped Sebastian escape.”
My throat tightens at Sebastian’s name, but I push the feeling down.
Belen steps forward, inclining his head. “It’s an honor to meet you. What you did took tremendous courage.”
