“We have only two options,” he said. “Kill her or take her with us. The error was mine, so I will leave the decision up to you. It is my strong recommendation, however, that we kill her.”
“Kill me?” Miss Huda cried. “You cannot be serious—”
“No— No, we arenotgoing to kill you,” Alizeh said, shooting an unkind look at Nothing. Then, trying for a smile, she turned to Miss Huda. “Though you did say you thought you might like to run away, didn’t you?”
Miss Huda looked suddenly as if she might faint.
“Here,” Alizeh said, opening Miss Huda’s wardrobe doors and drawers, plucking essential items from their depths. “I will help you pack.”
Miss Huda gaped at her. “But— I can’t—”
Alizeh located a medium-sized bag in the girl’s wardrobe and pressed the small luggage into Miss Huda’s frozen hands. “Bring only as much as you can carry.”
“But I don’t want to run away,” Miss Huda said in a whisper, her eyes bright with fear. “Where will we go? How would I live? How long will I be gone?”
“These are all excellent questions,” Alizeh said, pattingthe girl’s shoulder. “You pack, and I will ask.”
Mournfully, Miss Huda pulled a gown from a hanger, stuffing it halfheartedly into her bag.
To the stranger, Alizeh said, “There is no need now for subterfuge, is there? You may now inform me of your plan. Where do we go from here?”
Nothing stared at the scene unfolding before him, looking vaguely nauseated.
“The details are spare,” he said. “I will extend you a level of protection until we reach the ball, and shortly after our arrival I will escort you to a secure method of transport. This transport will deliver you to your destination.”
“But where is my destination?” Alizeh asked. “What happens when I arrive?”
“Oh—and will it rain where we are going?” Miss Huda asked. “Will I need an umbrella?”
The stranger closed his eyes. “I cannot now tell you where you are going, but I can assure you that your destination is safe. Already I’ve guaranteed you an extra measure of protection with the dress and shoes.”
Alizeh blinked at that; at the reminder. “Of course,” she said, glancing at her gown and boots. “I nearly forgot. How do the items work, exactly?”
“Did you not read the notes?”
“I did, but—”
“If you don’t know where to go, your feet will assist, if you fear being seen, the gown will protect your identity from those who wish you harm, et cetera, et cetera. If you do not, however, follow my exact instructions at all times, I cannotensure your safety. Heed your own whims and I will not be responsible for what happens to you, and I will not care.”
Slowly, Alizeh looked up to face the stranger. “Did you really feel it necessary to add that last part?”
“Which part?”
“And I will not care,” she said, echoing his emotionless tone. “Do you enjoy being needlessly petty?”
“Yes,” he said. “I do.”
Alizeh opened her mouth to say something unkind, then bit her lip, drew back.
She didn’t know this stranger, and he knew little of her. Even if unwillingly given, his honest commitment to help her was nothing short of miraculous, for, whoever he was, he was doubtless risking a great deal. Perhaps he was unaware how much his help was worth to her, but if things went well tonight, Alizeh’s entire life might be spared; the trials of the last several years would come to an end.
Finally, she’d be free.
She decided then that she could not—would not—allow herself to be rude to this young man, not even if he deserved it, not when she might soon owe him her life.
She cleared her throat.
“Do you know,” she said, trying to smile, “in all the excitement I’ve forgotten to say something rather important.”
