“Your hair is soaking wet and all of us could use a few minutes to finish preparing. First impressions are important.”
“She’s right,” Genevieve agrees.
We spend a few minutes making our hair and makeup presentable, but we rush through it, all of us excited to debut the colorful clothing.
It feels like such a frivolous thing compared to everything else, but I can see the joy in their faces. They’re chatting about home and summertime and first balls. Though it might be short-lived, it’s a good distraction. A way to find a little happiness. They deserve that. Especially after the message that Mara gave me.
I send the thought away. It can wait. I can give them today. Besides, I don’t yet know how to do what she requested. And us parading around in colorful gowns might help reduce suspicion, too. It’s expected to watch us play the roles of women of the court who are more concerned about fashion and frivolity than anything else. Scouring the estate for the library and figuring out how to return to the castle is going to take some finesse.
When we step outside my room, both of the men waiting there react with surprise. Nate is quicker to regain his composure. Breven stares at me so long I have to clear my throat. He blinks, then looks at the others.
They giggle, then start down the hall, leaving me with the men. He frowns, watching them for a moment, then returns his attention to me. Nate seems to understand and hurries to catch up to the ladies.
I hesitate a moment, then begin walking slowly. Brevan falls in alongside me.
“I’m surprised he’s letting you guard my door. Or is he making you do it as punishment?” I ask.
“Probably that.”
“I agree.”
“Didheleave those dresses for you?” Brevan keeps his gaze forward, not looking over at me.
“Yes.”
“It’s beautiful. You look beautiful.”
My cheeks heat and I look away from him. “Thank you.”
We’re silent a while, staying a few paces behind the others. My fingers accidentally brush against his and I pull my hands in front of me. It shouldn’t be this complicated to be around him.
“I hate this,” I say.
“I know.”
After a few more steps, I slow even more, waiting for the ladies to be out of earshot. I don’t even know where we’re walking, but they’ve been here longer than me so I’m following. “I think I know where they took Anya.”
“I think I might, also,” he adds.
We turn, then travel down a flight of steps. “It makes sense. To lock them both up at the same location.”
“I had the same thought.”
I hesitate, making sure there’s a gap between us and the others. “Do you know where they hold your sister?”
“Yes.”
A flicker of hope rises in my chest. “Can we get to her?”
He lingers at the top of another set of stairs, then waits until my ladies and Nate vanish from view. “It’s a tower on the coast. Beyond the castle at the edge of the continent.”
My shoulder slump. We were closer when we were at the castle. “How long will we stay here before we return?”
“The old emperor usually stayed for a month or two. But Caiden is planning to go to Iskvaland as soon as the weather allows. This is his closest property.” We’re catching up to the others now, following behind them down a long hallway.
I knew that was coming. I also know they’ll take me along. I was just hoping to get Anya before it was time. “When?”
“Soon.”
