Rune frowned. Maybe Juniperwasn’tin on Seraphine’s scheme.
Juniper looked to the banquet hall doors. “My parents said they sold her. They told me she was on the Continent, and that I’d never find her. I followed every lead. I lookedeverywhere.”
Rune followed her gaze to the doors she’d just come through, still shut. She could not be standing here the next time those doors opened.
She needed to go.
Now.
She turned to head for the kitchens, when Juniper whispered:
“I thought Harrow was dead.”
Harrow.
The name jolted Rune. It wasn’t a common name. What were the chances the Harrow kneeling before Cressida was Gideon’s friend?
“Then the soldiers brought her in, and I… Rune, I have to save her.”
If Harrowwasthe Commander’s spymaster, she would be sent to the interrogation rooms for sure. They would try to break her. She was too valuable for them not to.
Go! Now! Every second you remain here is a risk!
Rune clenched and unclenched her hands, still staring down the hall toward the kitchens.
“I wish I could help you, Juniper. But I can’t.”
Rune wasn’t about to risk her life trying to rescue an enemy who wouldn’t do the same if their positions were reversed. Besides: Harrow was as good as dead. There was nothing Rune could do to change that.
An old fear had woken up in her. Like a serpent, it coiled around her heart. Choking off anything that might prevent her survival.
She turned on her heel and started walking away, heading for a door she knew led to the servant quarters.
“You’re the Crimson Moth,” Juniper called after her. “Saving people is what youdo.”
Not anymore.
“She’s friends with the Blood Guard captain,” said Juniper, more quietly. “She’ll know where Gideon is. If Cressida finds out his location…”
Thatmade Rune stop.
Because of course that’s what Cressida would use Harrow for.
You think you can protect him from me?Cressida had told her.Once I have my throne, the first thing I intend to do is hunt Gideon down.
Rune knew what would happen if Gideon fell into Cressida’s hands.
If he’s even still alive.
The thought squeezed her heart.
And if he is alive?
“Fine,” she growled, spinning to face Juniper. A plan—a stupid, dangerous plan—was forming in her mind. This would be her last rescue. After that, no more.
“I’ll save this girl for you.” And for Gideon. “But I need something from you in exchange.”
Juniper palmed the tears from her cheeks. “Anything.”
