“Do I?”
I wished I had never believed the lies I was told—and the ones I told myself.
Both had cost me more than I was ever willing to give. “Please, you can’t hurt him. I will go with him.”
“It is settled then.” Soren’s smile softened. It looked a bit like relief. “I expect your silence until the plan is set in motion. His fate could still shift if I hear that anything is amiss. Every word you utter—every correspondence you attempt to send will be monitored.” When he rose, he headed for the door.
I hoped someday my sister would forgive me.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
ASHLYN
It had been two days.
Two painful days of silence.
I waited in luxury while Fyn waited in the dark.
Soren had arranged the plan.
I knew little about it. Maybe it was better that way. The starlight didn’t indicate he was lying.
I hadn’t been able to speak to Fyn, to know what version he knew of the truth.
All I could do was trust.
After everyone had gone to bed, I waited in mine.
Soren said he’d come for me. He hadn’t told me if Fyn sent word.
Hours after I was readied for bed, I dressed in the darkest riding tunic from the wardrobe.
The blue in my hair was still just as vibrant. It would do no favors in aiding my escape.
Of course, I had to choose blue. Only I would do that and then be stuck with hair that nearly glowed in the moonlight.
I pulled out the thick black cloth that held my hair after itwas freshly dyed. The fabric unevenly slipped as I tried to tie it in place. Every tug made another section of hair fall free.
The door creaked open. Even in the darkness, I saw Soren’s outline.
“You came.” I had worried he wouldn’t—that it had all been a ruse to get back at me.
“Take this.” He thrust the hilt of a sword in my hand.
It was mine.
My thumb ran over the leather where it had been worn. I never thought I’d see it again.
“Grab a cloak. It looks like it could rain.” The flicker of annoyance in his voice couldn’t be mistaken for care.
I shuddered as I tossed the sword onto the edge of the bed. There were far too many gowns in the wardrobe. Quickly I parted them, searching for something that could offer me comfort.
Soren pulled the curtain back, letting the moon’s glow shed a little more light on the garments.
Wool met my palm. I yanked the cloak free, pulling another gown with it.
“Leave it.” He glanced down as the gown I wore to the very first ball pooled on the floor. His fingers gripped the leather strap he held tighter.
