Phoebe was close behind, though her expression looked more reluctant to help, with shifting eyes and uncertain steps as she followed.
When we reached the top floor again, Silas was already awake, lounging in the chair with his coffee.
“Going somewhere?” He cocked his head at me.
“Brief excursion.” I glared at Phoebe as if she were conspiring against me, though he could easily do that on his own.
“My bag is packed already. Would you like to go horseback or wagon?” Silas replied.
“Horseback for myself, and you stay here with the Nest.”
“I will meet you in the middle and say wagon. I don’t think you can ride with that leg. I will bring my bag to the first floor.” He straightened up from his seat and rolled his sleeves.
“Neither of you listens,” I grumbled.
“You would be dead if we did listen to you.” Phoebe followed me to the bedroom.
“I will meet you downstairs,” Silas chirped. He was more awake than I expected him to be after how tired he had looked. “We should leave as soon as we can. There is an inn halfway to the town.”
I chose a small bag. I had low expectations for packing.
“Can you grab four blouses and skirts? I will change into one now and pack the other. Oh, and wool stockings, four of them. I’ll layer.” I talked through my packing list as I removed my clothing.
“You don’t want to wait? Or send Luka and Silas on their own?” Phoebe handed me my corset and wool stockings.
“What kind of diplomat would I be if I can’t attend myself?” I sat down on the edge of the bed, putting on layers of wool socks over my legs, taking special care with the injured one. “Besides, I wouldn’t trust those fools to empty water from a bucket with a hole in it on their own.”
“Part of being an affluent figurehead is sending other people to do things as small as investigate disturbances.” She sat behind me, clasping the corset in front and then tightening the laces in the back.
“I think that would make me look weak. I do not wish to hide from conflict.” I stood, putting on my petticoat and corset cover.
“You need to choose what battles are worth it. There may be worse to come.” She handed me the blouse and skirt.
“I’m picking this one.” I dressed myself, finishing before closing the small traveling case with only essentials in it. “Help me downstairs, please.”
Even with the pressure on my leg, the wool stockings held a steady compression, warm and secure. My boots were mid-calf, supporting my ankle a bit more. The only thing that would make this better would be some numbing.
When we reached the bottom floor again, Silas and Luka were already by the front door talking. Their conversation stopped abruptly as we approached.
“I’m ready.” I placed my bag down.
“No, you aren’t.” Luka frowned. “Where is your coat?” He threw his hands up as if I should have thought of that as he retreated to the coat closet. The truth was that I was already feverish in what I was wearing. “Here.” He made me put on a fur-linedjacket.
“It is like my mother never died, and she is here to pester me through you all,” I grumbled, gesturing to the lot of them.
“Save your complaints for the long journey; the talking will keep you warm,” Luka laughed, resting his elbow on Phoebe’s shoulder, though she shot him an unsavory look.
“Let us go, we can get to the inn with plenty of daylight if we leave now.” Silas glanced at his timepiece impatiently. He picked up my bag and took it outside.
I glanced at Phoebe. “You will be fine for a few days?”
“We can handle it, right?” Luka wrapped his arm around Phoebe playfully. “A few days is nothing.”
I shot him a glare, hesitating before pushing open the front door.
It was a clear day, perfect weather for travel. The only issue regarding travel was that it would have to be with Silas attached to my side like a leech. He was already fastening the wagon to my horse.
A sharp breath pushed through my nose as I tilted my head back to stare upward.
