Torgrin and Cillian slept in my bed, and after some tossing and turning, I went to sleep just before dawn and didn’t wake until after midday.
Saying goodbye to the others was difficult, especially Cillian.If everything went well tonight, I wouldn’t see him for months.I had always been on my own, yet somehow, these men had found a way into my heart, and I couldn’t imagine being without them.
Torgrin stayed behind in the Warwick suite to watch our prisoner.Once the queen was free, Bethel and I would ensure no-one suspected our involvement.Being here under the king’s watchful eyes tonight would help to absolve us if we were to become suspects.
I tried to hide what a nervous wreck I was at the king’s dinner table.I was glad Merrick was here for once because it meant hewasn’t in the dungeon.I watched Bethel closely as she conversed with the king and Goodwin.
Her family’s safety was at risk if she revealed our plan to rescue the queen, but I’d learned that the person Bethel cared about most was herself.
The dancing began, and I watched Goodwin spin Bethel around the dance floor.
‘Dance with me.’King Hared held out his hand, leaving me with no choice but to take it.
‘This is a sad day for me, Caris.’He gripped me tight as he moved us between the other dancers.
‘Your Majesty?’I had lost sight of Bethel, and my mind was only half on my dance partner.
‘You must promise not to reveal this information to anyone.Merrick thinks we should wait until after the wedding to tell the people.’He had my full attention now.‘I want us to be close friends, Lady Caris.I think you could do well having me as your friend.’I tried not to react when King Hared’s hand moved down my back suggestively.
‘This morning, I lost my queen,’ he whispered in my ear.
No!I couldn’t hide my reaction this time.Sadness and fear flooded me.
‘Please don’t be too upset, dove.It was for the best.She had been ill for so long, and I could not bring myself to do what the Order wanted.I had loved her very much before she betrayed me.’
I detested this man and all those around him.I had to warn Torgrin and the others.They would be killed if they went to the dungeon pretending to be fetching the queen when she was dead.
King Hared jumped back with a hiss and looked at his hand.His palm was an angry red as if he had held his hand over flames.He looked at me, confused, and I turned and fled the dance floor.
Bethel was across the room watching me with the king.Goodwin was nowhere in sight.
‘We need to gonow.’I grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the exit.
‘Let me go, you sow.It’s still early!’
I ignored her protests and kept her arm in a tight grip.I was much stronger than Bethel, and she had no choice but to let herself be half-dragged back to our rooms.
My ears drummed in time with my heart, each beat a reminder that I might be too late.‘Please be safe,’ I whispered under my breath, my steps quickening until I was nearly sprinting down the hallway.
‘What are you muttering about?’Bethel gasped out, her voice edged with annoyance.She dragged her feet, resisting every attempt I made to hurry her along.
We finally reached the door that led to our rooms.Bethel’s weight still pulling back against me, I flung it open and stumbled inside, panic clawing at my chest.
The room was full of the king’s soldiers, and blood.
So much blood.
CHAPTER 31
Rhett was on the ground, his face pale and eyes wide.He was taking in quick gasps of air as blood pumped out of his leg and side.There was so much blood it was soaking the rugs under him and pooling across the floor towards my feet.
Across the room was a sobbing Tomas, who was on his knees with his hands tied behind his back.Rhett was dying helplessly in front of him.
Torgrin was tied up the same way.He must have put up a good fight because he was on his knees, surrounded by angry, bloody-nosed soldiers.In the middle of this nightmare scene stood an amused Goodwin.
I dropped to the floor to stop the bleeding in Rhett’s leg.Bethel walked past us, pulling her skirts up to avoid getting any of Rhett’s blood on the hem.
I needed time to think.I tore strips from my dress to create a tourniquet.There were four soldiers with swords drawn, and I only had a dagger.Tomas was injured.Blood soaked the front of his shirt, and I could see he was having trouble staying upright.It was as if Rhett was the only thing keeping him conscious.
