Leaning against the side of a small boathouse, near the edge of the dock, was the man he needed to see. He stood impeccably still amid the chaos, his dark eyes the only thing giving away his attentiveness. Approaching him, Ellis glanced around nervously.
The man, seeing Ellis’ approach, nodded towards the box in his arms, not saying a word. The box was plain, no markingsof any kind, but Ellis could feel its weight, both the physical weight of its contents, and the weight of the danger it exuded.
“Do you know what this is for?” Ellis asked, glancing up at the man as he transferred the box into his arms.
He smirked at Ellis, “If Evanar didn’t tell you, maybe he’s doing you a favor. He has his methods.”
Ellis thought on that for a moment before realizing that the man was right. If Evanar had wanted him to know, he would have enlightened him. “Of course.”
Without uttering another word, the man nodded once more, before straightening from where he leaned, stepping into the flow of dockworkers, and disappeared from sight.
Ellis didn’t wait. He moved in and out of the maze of shipping containers, heading back into the thrall of the marketplace, to where Rivka waited. He’d been gone longer than he intended.
Rivka was just finishing up her shopping when Ellis found her. Happiness radiated off her, mixed with more than a little exhaustion. He knew her happiness was short lived but he loved seeing her this way. This was how she should look-how she deserved to look. The irreparable damage that had been done to her would forever be a shadow, tainting this period of her life. Tristan’s too. Neither of them deserved what his wretch of a mother had done. Fari knew Vivian would get what was coming to her. Fate would see to that, along with some well planned vengeance. Seeing where his thoughts were headed, Ellis pulled back. He would not ruin Rivka’s good mood, fleeting as it would be. They made the journey back to the palace at a snail’s pace, everyone wanting to stop and speak with their queen. Ellis let them. He knew she needed this. It would be the last time it happened for a long while.
Chapter Seventeen
Misdirection
Rivka
The chill in the night air bit at Rivka’s exposed skin, sending a shiver racing up her spine. Pulling her cloak tighter around her, she pressed closer to Ellis’ side. Rivka had dressed in a simple gown, her hair braided down her back. Her cloak, dark in color. Ellis too, was dressed in similar attire. She wished that she had worn gloves. It was unseasonably cold this fall. It wouldn’t be too long before the snow began.
They were almost to the docks now; so eerily quiet. At half past midnight, the docks were deserted except for a few night fishermen and a couple of soldiers. She had hoped they wouldn’t run into trouble, her mind playing out how things would go once the palace realized they were missing. Avoiding eye contact with those few who they passed was imperative, knowing they would be interrogated and questioned regardinganything they saw or heard. There wasn’t time to dwell on the multitude of possibilities that opened in her mind. They had slipped out of the palace, undetected, after Ellis had mixed a sleeping tonic into the guards' water canteens. Rivka felt awful, knowing that Captain Wright was going to be livid when he awoke to find them missing, not to mention the trouble he would be in for falling asleep on duty.
If Alex was in the palace when the alarm sounded, Rivka knew she’d be one of the first to respond. She would be beside herself to discover them gone. Or at least she would have been before. They had to be sure they were as far away as possible because knowing Ria, she would search the entire realm until she found them. She may not love her anymore but her loyalty to Varon could not be disputed. It killed Rivka to know that she was adding to the hurt and pain she had already caused her. It was unavoidable, though all part of the plan, no matter how much her heart ached.
The dock loomed ahead with several large supply ships moored offshore. Rivka knew that the farthest one out was their ship. A dark figure awaited them on the far side of the boathouse, hardly noticeable to the naked eye. As she neared the shadows of the building, Rivka was yanked into a soul crushing hug, a familiar scent enveloping her. She held on, squeezing right back, neither of them willing to let go. Finally, Evanar set her down, stepping back just enough to cup her face. Leaving him was going to be incredibly hard. He leaned in and placed a kiss on each cheek before releasing her. Turning, he clasped Ellis’ forearm in a firm handshake.
“You remember everything we spoke about?”
“Yes, sir. We row out to the wayside of the ship, just out of view. Wait until we see the lantern flash three times before heading back to shore, a ways up the bank.”
“Correct. The timing must be perfect. Once the diversionbegins, mayhem will ensue. The ship will look as if it were under attack, before it is ‘pirated’ away.” Evanar’s eyes darted between the two of them. “It is imperative that you be in the Underground when it sails.”
“I’ll protect her with my life, sir. I swear it.” Ellis assured him. “I will carry out your instructions as discussed. I do have one favor to ask of you though…please see that this gets to Prince Tristan. Only use your most trusted messenger. It is vital that he receives this. Only him.” The grim look Ellis gave Evanar brooked no argument.
Evanar took the sealed envelope from his outstretched hand, concern etched on his face. “Of course, my son. I will see to it at first light.”
Evanar pulled Rivka into his arms once more, tears clouding his eyes. “Stay safe, my child. We will get to the bottom of this quickly. You will be home before you know it.” Bending, he placed his hand on her abdomen, “Grow strong, little one. You’re destined for greatness, just as your mother. I cannot wait to meet you.”
The babe gave a little kick, as if it understood the words he had spoken. Evanar’s grin spread across his face. “She’s a feisty one, huh?”
“We don’t know that the baby’s a she.” Rivka said, rubbing her hand across her stomach. Evanar laughed, “I guess time will tell.”
Ellis stood silently watching their exchange. They were both stalling, delaying the inevitable. Stepping forward, Ellis reached toward Rivka.
“It is time, my love,” he murmured, clasping her hand.
Jerking her hand free, she launched into her father’s arms once again, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
“I love you.” She sniffled, before continuing. “Tell Mama that I love her, too. I never meant to hurt her.” Rivka clung toher father, wanting to never let him go. Everything felt so final. If Vivian had her way, this could be the last time she ever felt his embrace, breathed in his scent, heard the timber of his voice. Holding back a sob, she dropped her arms, brushing at her tears.
“I love you too, Rivka. Words can never express how much joy you’ve brought to your mother and I. We will be counting the hours until your return.”
Reaching out, Evanar pulled Ellis into a quick embrace.
“I trust you. Do not let me down.”
