My eyes dart away before I whisper, “Tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow?” She hits me in the arm. “You were going to leave without saying anything?”
“You have just been so busy I thought it would be better to write to you once I got there.”
“Unacceptable.” She wraps her arms around me. “Once you get there, you better get to writing and don’t leave out a single detail. Be careful.”
Luna and I haven’t been apart for longer than a week since we were children. I want nothing more than to stay behind and have her tell me about what life is like for her now.
There is a fear of losing her. A chance that my role in her life has fallen a position or two. There is a strange wave of jealousy, and I can’t figure out if things will ever return to how they once were, or if they’re even supposed to.
We let go of each other’s embrace and I do everything I can to retain my tears. This isn’t a goodbye. I assuredly will be seeing her again, but there is an ache in not knowing when that will be.
With the papers tucked in my pants and a smooth exit down the clandestine staircase, out into an unoccupied garden, sneaking away isn’t as difficult as sneaking in.
13
IANN
Everyone in the palace lines up outside to offer their farewells and well wishes to Marcel and me as we set out on our journey to Haymel.
We take four carriages in total, one is for Marcel, his courtier, and Rolley; another is for me, Esha, and Benny; one is for my expedition crew; and then a final one is for luggage. Then there are a total of ten guards on horseback and four footmen who also join us.
At some point, I had to fess up and tell Deean he couldn’t join. He became fixated on finding the map and learning the functions of the anchor. The more I watched his passion grow, the more I knew I had to tell him before he became too emotionally invested.
To say he was pissed is an understatement, and had Benny not been present, I’m sure the fist he took to my arm would have been in the face.
He’s so angry he’s not even here this morning to send us off, and I haven’t seen or talked to him in a few days.
“Make sure he stays away from the bottle,” I whisper to Gran as we lean in for a hug.
“I’m worried he may have fallen into one. I haven’t seen him in over two days.” Pulling away, she squeezes my shoulder. “Don’t you worry, I’ll find him. You and your brother have more important things to fear than a grown man pouting because he can’t go on a trip.”
She makes sure our eyes lock when she states, “Now remember, Queen Cayleen is a callous, stone-hearted individual just like her mother was. Rumors have it that she has spies all over court, so be careful who you interact with. This may be a peace offering but be cautious of anything she offers you, especially in the form of a woman. The last thing you need is both your heads and heart tied to a Haymelian.”
“Lovely. Please, don’t spare any details on how much you hate her.” I laugh.
“I mean it, Iann. A Haymelian can’t be trusted. And you and your brother are walking targets once you cross into their territory.”
I nod. “I’m sure there has to be one who can be trusted.” She swats at my sarcasm. “But I understand.”
She lets me go so my mother can have a turn. My mother goes back and forth from kissing mine and Marcel’s heads. Her tears are uncontrollable.
“For goodness sake, Evie dear, they aren’t babes.” My grandmother rolls an eye at all the affection. “Stop with all the kissing and crying.”
“It’s a long journey.” She sucks in a breath and wipes a few tears. “I just want them to be careful is all.”
“They will be fine, my darling.” My father plants a kiss on her right temple. “They will go make peace and we’ll all be better off.” He claps his hands. “Now! There is a schedule, and the Queen expects you soon. It’s departure time, my sons.”
Marcel and I offer him a bow and head to our carriages.
“Nice to see our brother couldn’t bother to show up. Might be the last time he sees us for a few months and he’s nowhere to be found. Probably buried deep in a bottle, or a woman.” Marcel tosses me a dry smile and a wink.
“Nice to know the future king is so optimistic. Must give the people so much hope.” But my reply only brings out a laugh from him.
Before we part ways, Marcel holds out a hand, blocking me from heading to my carriage. “What do you know about this man Father has instructed to join us?” Over his shoulder, I catch a glimpse of Rolley waiting. “I know you will be going off on your next adventure once we’re done in Haymel, so I get the need for your crew, but he doesn’t seem like he’s with you.”
Unlike Deean, Marcel is unaware of the flower and our father’s obsession with it. “He knows the area I’m meant to explore well. Father thinks he belongs.”
