No. The word shouted in her mind even as her body went cold. Her father, who had always been a tall, unbending presence, couldn’t be—
She had just seen them, not even a few months ago, and they had been healthy and whole. There had to be some mistake.
The coachman offered her a handkerchief, looking concerned for her welfare.
Exhaling sharply, she gathered a few things and stuffed them into a trunk.
“Shall we, then?” she asked brusquely, offering a half-hearted attempt at a smile.
She refused to believe it and clung to the idea that this was some horrible joke.
It had to be.
***
Caspian was lounging in the sitting room, enjoying his evening goblet of lamb’s blood, when Fiza hurried in with Finnigan. The two of them were supposed to be tailing Elizabeth, ensuring she didn’t come to harm.
Fiza wrung her hands pathetically. “M-Master ... Lady Elizabeth has left the city.”
Finnigan stood beside Fiza and nodded solemnly, all the evidence he needed that whatever the water demon had to say might be worth histime.
“Go on,” he said.
“A manservant arrived at her door looking grave, wearing House Harrison’s colours. Lady Elizabeth left in his carriage soon after.”
Finnigan added, “I stole a horse and followed them out of the city and as far as I could without drawing attention. They are bound for the road south.”
Caspian stood abruptly.
“Master,” Finnigan cut in. “I can see well enough that she will not thank you for coming. And, if Raziel is after you, this could be a trap.”
“Nonsense.”
“Raziel doing something stupid to the girl, whom he thinks is your weakness, is not unfathomable. He must know that if he draws you away from the portal, it will be defenceless. What other reason could anyone possibly have to go after the girl’s family? She is nothing.”
Dismissing the possibility and overlooking Finnigan’s insolence, Caspian snapped his attention to the water demon. “Get me Asmodeus.”
“But Master—”
“Now, or I will show you how ruthless I can really be.”
The water demon nodded and turned on her heel, striding quickly out of the room. Soon after, Asmodeus came bustling along and plopped himself onto the sofa.
Asmodeus shrugged. “First of all, you don’t know what the footman said to her. It could be nothing. They might have gone to such lengths to tell her that her cat got sick or something. We might be jumping to conclusions.”
At his murderous expression, Asmodeus sighed heavily. “It’s up to you, brother. If it’s something serious, she might appreciate the shoulder to cry on, but she might not appreciate the intrusion. Especially as she will definitely realize you’ve been having her followed.”
“Would you blame me? To make sure she is alright? To protect her if something bad happens?”
Asmodeus bowed his head. “It is not my position to question your orders or actions. I acknowledge your position in the household to be above mine.” The words struck the binding cord between them. Softly, and in a more serious tone, Asmodeus met his eyes and added, “I will follow wherever you go.”
The words were thick with things left unsaid. Asmodeus had always stood by his side after Caspian had offered to take him in when he lost all his powers. The sap.
He did not deserve such loyalty.
***
Elizabeth sat in a carriage bound for Briarton. The sun was shining brightly overhead, and they passed through rolling hills covered in wildflowers—a glorious morning that was utterly lost on her. Her mood was somber, and she felt at odds passing through the pleasant countryside in the Harrison family carriage.
