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Unlikely, but miracles did, in fact, happen.
Glued to my side, Angela trembled with each step. She adjusted her grip on the staff she carried, her wide-eyed gaze darting around like a cornered rabbit. As adjusted as she was to the supernatural world’s existence, but instinct rode deep within our genetics.
It impressed me she’d made it this far without having a panic attack or trying to back out. Kit had found a worthy partner to share her life with, and I would do everything within my power to get her home safely.
A thunderous boom resounded through the palace. As the walls shook and the overhead light fixtures swung precariously from the aftermath, I met Edric’s knowing gaze over Angela’s head, and my mouth went dry.
The fight had started.
Edric slowed and peered around a corner before waving us forward. We snuck after him, our footsteps silent against the marble floor as we crossed a wide hallway.
Voices echoed down an adjoining corridor. Judging by the increasing volume and rushed footsteps, they would round the corner and discover us at any moment.
The prince cursed under his breath and ushered Angela and me toward an open door. “Do not make a sound,” he warned as we darted inside.
The room was cozy, boasting floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on both sidewalls and several cushioned chairs. An unlit fireplace that was six feet tall from floor to mantel embellished the back wall.
Edric ruffled his hair and unbuttoned his pants, untucking his shirt haphazardly. As he stepped back into the hallway and shut the door, the footsteps halted. I withdrew the teleportation device that held my scythe and gripped it tight, ready to activate it.
“Ah, you there,” Edric addressed whoever had stopped. “My lady guest and I would like some refreshments.”
“Prince Edric,” said a surprised male voice, accompanied by creaking armor, “why are you entertaining on this level? We’re at war.”
“A guard dares to question my comings and goings in my own home?” Edric’s voice rose in volume, and he slurred his words convincingly. “I can entertain on any damn level I want, whenever I please!”
“Yes, Your Majesty, forgive me,” murmured the voice. “We will have food sent immediately to the, uh, medicinal library. Although, I would advise you and your guest against wandering the halls until the threat has passed.”
I understood the guard’s hesitation. Reading about medicinal herbs and remedies—or, based on my few interactions with the man, reading in general—didn’t seem like something Edric often enjoyed.
As the footsteps departed, the prince called out, “And drinks! Desserts, too! I want a variety of choices. Do not return without a buffet fit for a king!”
If we weren’t in hiding and killed if discovered, I would have chuckled. For all his royal haughtiness, he was sharp. His last request would keep them distracted for a few extra minutes.
We wouldn’t need more than that once we reached the queen, but we had to get to her first.
The door swung open again, and Edric waved us out. “The next patrol will be along shortly. Let’s go.”
Angela and I hurried after him. I’d congratulate his acting abilities later.
A few doors down, he slowed in front of a giant grandfather clock and glanced up and down the empty hallway before reaching behind it. Something clicked, and a small section of the once-seamless wall slid sideways.
I raised my eyebrows, impressed, but unexpected voices pierced the hallway’s silence, including one I recognized—Colin. Judging by Angela’s gasp, she recognized his voice, too. I took her hand as a precaution and hovered my thumb over the button that would trigger my scythe.
Fuck. Was this whole attempt for nothing?
Would we fail so soon?
Edric shoved us inside the dark tunnel just as Colin raised his voice to be heard from the distance, “Edric, where have you been hiding?”
“Follow this to its end, and you’ll find my mother,” the prince whispered, then the opening slid back into place and sealed itself shut.
Without the light from the hallway, Angela and I found ourselves in total darkness, the only sounds our ragged breathing and thumping hearts. No voices drifted through the wall, and I hoped the sound dampening effect worked both ways.
The massive clock had hidden our hasty departure, but I had to pray that Edric hadn’t just forfeited his life for ours.
After waiting in the pitch black for a full minute, I determined it was safe to continue.
“Can you conjure a light?” I whispered.
