“Unfortunately,” Meena hissed through a forced smile. “He was feeling unwell this afternoon and decided to rest. He is sad to have missed the festivities, though.” Meena glanced around the space again. “I assume he is somewhere near, though?” she whispered so only Younn and Jules could hear.
“Perhaps you can give him my regards when you see him next?” Younn said loudly. He raised his eyebrows, the concern on his face barely covering his glee. “And no, Princess,” he whispered, leaning forward. “He’s nowhere near. I placed him far outside of your reach. As ifyoucould do anything about it anyway.”
Meena knew she had lost the upper hand, but she wouldn’t let him have the last word. “I would love to, Councilor,” she said loudly. “Have a wonderful evening. May this goldenreign season bring you everything you deserve.” She couldn’t resist getting one more barb in.
“I think it shall, Princess.” Younn bowed low. As he stood, he moved closer to Meena, whispering in her ear. “For I will be graced with your presence tomorrow morning at first light on board the Sapphire. I will escort you home where you should have been all this time.”
Meena opened her mouth, gasping at the rudeness of his words. But he had turned away and pushed through the crowd.
Meena closed her mouth.
“Did you hear that?” she asked Jules, raising her voice again to be heard above the chatter.
Jules shook his head. “No, it’s too loud.” He leaned closer to her. “I know you are angry at the councilor, but he is leaving first thing tomorrow morning to escort your husband to Chendas himself.”
Meena tensed, leaning closer to hear every word.
“And I will send one of my best men to plead for him before King Gareth,” Jules continued.
“I know.” Meena smiled up at him. “You’ve mentioned that multiple times today.” Her heart was pounding. “Captain, perhaps this evening was a little ambitious.”
“Shall I escort you home?” Jules asked quickly, concern on his face.
“No, I’m sure I shall be fine.” She didn’t have time for that. “I shall just find a quiet spot to sit down for a moment. You should go attend to your wife.”
“Of course.” Jules kept her hand tucked into his arm and pulled her through the crowd. “You can rest in my personal study. No one will disturb you there.”
“Thank you,” Meena replied.
He led her through the halls of the fort, dropping her off in a spacious room with a view of the sea.
Meena instantly caught sight of a familiar ship anchored far below. It looked so lonely, anchored past the waves.
Jules lit a candle on his desk as the light was fading. “Stay here as long as you need, Meena,” he said. “And come find me as soon as you are ready to join everyone or if you would like to go home. I can’t go losing a princess on my watch.” He stopped at the door. “And if you can’t find, surely Ezra will be close.”
Meena forced herself to meet his smile. He was being very accommodating, which made it much more difficult for her to hate him.
“Thank you, Captain, I’m sure I’ll feel better momentarily.” She sank back into the chair with a satisfied sigh.
Jules left, closing the door quietly behind him.
Meena waited a moment, then sprang from her seat. She went to the window, looking down at the ship below.I placed him far outside your reach.
Sol could be on that ship.
She didn’t have much time. Neven was likely already on the beach, waiting for the sun to fully set before they put their meagre plan into action.
If she was not back in time, she would jeopardize their mission.
But if she succeeded, she could increase their chance of survival. If she could rescue Sol, they would have two Majis instead of one.
Her palms grew sweaty, and she breathed through the lightness in her head.
Slipping out of the captain’s room, Meena hurried through the halls, looking for the nearest exit.
Chapter 33
Meena crept through the busy crowd. Fortunately, the townsfolk were too engaged in merriment to even notice her. She kept her head down and stayed close to the shadows. The one time she caught sight of Jules and Ezra, they were dancing with their heads bent close, as though they were deep in conversation.
