“Our transportation,” Ash said.
Of course. Elowyn could easily get us out. I was hit with a wave of relief. Magic was no longer off-limits to me above ground. Her hand grasped mine.
“Make it look like we escaped,” I said, pointing to the curtained windows. Narcissa nodded.
As the room twisted away, the last thing I heard was the crash of a chair smashing through glass.
––––––––
ELOWYN, ASH, AND Iappeared at the outskirts of town. The streets were dimly lit by the street lamps and all was quiet. I had never been more grateful for Elowyn’s charmwitch magic.
“Are you alright?” Ash asked me once we were safe inside Miriam’s shop.
After being lectured by the snail seller about being gone for so long, Miriam provided us with tea and blankets and retired to the back room, muttering something about reckless youths.
“I suppose,” I said, touching the throbbing part of my skull. “And you?”
Elowyn patted her own head. “I’m okay,” she said before Ash could answer. I chuckled.
“I don’t think it’d be wise for me to go back to the palace,” Ash said, warming his fingers with his teacup. “Not when it’s dark, anyway.”
Miriam’s voice came from the back room, “You’re more than welcome to stay here, sonny. As long as you don’t snore. I detest snoring.”
Ash assured her that he didn’t snore and thanked her for her hospitality. I expressed my gratitude as well, glad that he’d be safe. Heavens knew what would have happened if the duchess saw Ash after our escape.
“Elowyn and I should get back to the village,” I said, shrugging my blanket off my shoulders. “Rowena and my aunt are probably worried.” And I was in desperate need of a bath after my days in the dungeons.
“And I’m starving,” Elowyn said with a sigh. “I’ll wait over there.” She skipped through the beaded curtain, leaving me and Ash alone.
I stood. “Good night, then.”
Ash bit his lip, looking as if he wanted to say something. Instead, he briefly touched my cheek. “Good night, Amarante.”
33
When Elowyn and I returnedto Lana’s cottage, Rowena demanded to know what had happened. I merely told her we did not get the manbane, but will.
