I nodded. A truth potion would solve almost everything. Captain Greenwood would be saved and the duchess would be exposed. And Ash would not suspect witches.
Everyone would be safe, that is, except the queen. I felt nauseous thinking about what would happen to her. But there was still a chance for justice.
“This may seem a little forward, sir, but I was wondering if I could borrow five pounds of gold.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “Asking a dead man for gold? You must be jesting, Miss Flora.”
“You aren’t dead, sir,” I said, embarrassed. “But it’s not for my personal use. I’m trying to help.”
“And I suppose you won’t tell me what you’re going to do with it?”
I hesitated and shook my head.
“Very well. I have nothing to lose,” he said with a grumble. “I will send a note to my wife. She’ll see to it you receive your gold.”
Out of all the possible responses, I did not expect him to agree. “Thank you, sir!”
After telling him Tori’s address, I exited Captain Greenwood’s cell and joined Ash outside. Luckily, he didn’t ask any questions, and he and I traversed the shadowy halls of the dungeons yet again. I prepared myself for the gruesome sights this time, but it did not make the trip any more pleasant. Still, I refrained from clinging onto Ash’s arm for the sake of my pride. I was all too glad when we made it outside. The air was a great deal fresher.
An owl hooted. The sun had set hours ago. Time was imperceptible in the dungeons.
“I ought to go back. The Strongfoots and my sister are expecting me.”
Ash nodded. His profile was silhouetted by the lamps along the exterior of the east wing, but I saw the creases under his eyes and the stiff set of his jaw as clearly as I would in daylight. His features softened when he turned to me. “Will you be fine on your own?”
“It’s a fifteen-minute walk, at most. And shorter by chaise, which I’ll be taking,” I added quickly when he raised a brow.
“Good.” He paused a few moments before speaking again. “What did you say to the captain?”
I shifted my weight, glad it was dark enough to hide my flushed cheeks. I felt like a schoolgirl caught committing some petty crime. “It was nothing. I told him...not to worry, and that he’s in good hands.”
Ash smiled. It was a ridiculous for a girl to tell a grown man who had seen all sorts of violence not to worry. Luckily, he didn’t comment on it and merely took my hand. “I see. That’s kind of you.”
“Thank you. Well, good night,” I said. His fingers were very warm.
Ash released my hand and tucked his behind his back. “Good night.”
I began walking away before I did something foolish like kiss him.
Then, a voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Amarante. My mother would like a word with you.”
I turned. Narcissa strode out the entrance of the east wing in a velvet gown, a servant trailing behind her. Her heels clicked against the marble in sharp, staccato steps. Her face was icy.
“Lady Narcissa,” I said. How had she known that I was here? I exchanged a glance with Ash. His expression was guarded as he dipped his head in greeting, even though Narcissa hadn’t addressed him.
“It is late. Would Her Grace be so kind as to schedule a meeting for tomorrow?” I said, keeping my voice as civil as possible. What could the duchess possibly want with me?
“My mother is a very busy woman,” Narcissa said. She flicked her gaze from me to Ash. “And clearly you have no objections to staying late in the company of nobility.” She said the last word as if she didn’t mean it.
“You will have to excuse Amarante,” Ash said. If he was insulted, he didn’t show it. “It is late.”
Narcissa’s nostrils flared. “Are you defying my mother’s orders?”
I wondered if she knew she was talking to a prince.
Ash looked calmly at her. “Not at all. Amarante merely wishes to meet Her Grace at another time.”
