Something was folded inside it.
She said nothing. Just kept scrubbing at the carpet with shaking hands, as though the world hadn’t just shifted sideways.
“Leave it,” Vael said sharply. “Take her to change. Then get that dress cleaned.”
The maid dipped her head again, backing away.
I looked down at the ruined gown, at the red seeping into the fabric, staining my skin like blood.
A soft, brittle laugh escaped me.
“What a shame,” I said quietly. “I guess dinner’s over.”
The girl walked beside me, holding my ruined dress off the ground. She said nothing while we were still within earshot of the dining room.
The corridor stretched ahead, lit by soft golden sconces that flickered against dark stone. My footsteps were muffled by thick carpet, but hers were almost silent. She kept her head bowed, her movements practiced.
Only when we turned a corner—well beyond the reach of listening ears—did she speak.
“Don’t open it until you’re alone,” she whispered.
I didn’t look at her. “How long do I have?”
She hesitated. Then, quietly, “Shift change is at eight. The only way out is down.”
Then she locked me in my room.
I waited until she was gone before I unwrapped the napkin. Inside was a small silver key.
My body shook with relief. I almost laughed.
Thank the gods.
I could hear movement outside and knew the guards were still there. The clock in my room ticked by slowly. It was only 6pm. I had to wait for hours.
I sat on the edge of the bed, still in the blood-stained gown, the silver key cradled in my palm.
So small. So delicate.
It looked like something from a child’s jewellery box. Not a key that could change everything.
The room was warm. Too warm. I stood and cracked the window, just enough to let the air in. The scent of night drifted through—smoke, distant rain, the salt of the sea below the cliffs.
The sound of footsteps passed by outside my door. A pause. Then silence again.
I stared at the clock.
6:03.
Godsdamn it!
I kicked off my boots and peeled the dress away from my skin, shivering as the sweat-soaked silk came free. I tossed it into a heap and pulled one of the heavier tunics from the wardrobe. Not ideal, but better for running.
Not that I could run yet.
Not for two more hours.
“Arrgh!” I screamed, kicking at the bedframe. If I had to stay in this godsforsaken place for two more hours—
