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A hand tightens around my shoulder giving me a gentle shake. Blinking up at Cassius, I rub my hands over my face wondering when I fell asleep.
“The others are waiting out front with fresh horses,” he says.
Cassius loops my arm through his. I try to pull back. A crooked grin spreads over his face as he pins me to his side then leads me out of the front door.
Both Lawrence and Della look refreshed as well. Their faces are no longer sallow from the journey but full and healthy. Somehow, I will have to find a way to repay them all for everything they’ve done.
Before I can utter a word, Della motions for us to hurry.
Cassius settles himself in the saddle and reaches down to offer me his hand one more time, pulling me up in front of him. Then we ride out of the gates and toward the castle.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Clara
My pulse leapsinto my throat as we draw closer to the castle.
“Do not underestimate the queen’s compulsion over Alaric. He is powerful, but his power pales in comparison to hers,” Cassius warns.
I dip my chin.
The horse comes to a stop just outside the stables and dismounts. Issuing a farewell to Cassius, Della and Lawrence go their separate ways, not even glancing my way.
“Remember, you are a well-behaved human.Myhuman,” he whispers in my ear.
Again, I lower my chin imperceptibly in acknowledgement.
“Do nothing to draw attention to yourself.” When I pull in a sharp breath, he cups the back of my neck and presses his cheek to mine, nuzzling his nose near my ear. “If she suspects, then you will not live to see him free.”
Cassius straightens and walks out of the stables as I follow a step behind with my head bowed. There are at least a dozen vampires in the main hall when we enter. Their eyes bore into us—into me.
Snickering and whispers reach my ears. They are amused to see me with a new vampire master, knowing Alaric claimed me then marked me before the entire court. I grind my teeth, keeping my face placid and poised.
Unlike Elizabeth, these vampires are easy to fool. All I have to do is drop my eyes, and they believe I have been cowed into being a meek human.
Cassius wraps an arm around my waist, bringing his head down to the spot below my ear and nips, eliciting a gasp. My eyes widen, and barely keep from shoving my elbow into his ribs.
“Have patience, little bird. It won’t be much longer now,” he whispers.
Understanding his unspoken words, I remain silent and keep my head down. I won’t be able to relax until my plan has succeeded.
* * *
Outside, the clock tower chimes, signaling an hour before sunset. I pace, needing to release my excess energy. Getting the potion took almost two weeks, and now two more days have slipped through my fingers. This wait will be the death of me.
Even after promising Cassius that I wouldn’t act prematurely, he hasn’t let me step foot outside this room without him, Lawrence, or Della by my side.
Tonight is the night.
For the millionth time today, I check that my dagger is securely strapped to my arm and the vial is in my pocket. My fingers itch to put things into motion.
The sound of horses outside draws me to the window. I press my face against the glass to catch a glimpse, hoping it’s Elizabeth finally leaving the castle grounds.
No such luck. My room is not at an angle to see anything.
Giving up, I flop down on the rickety bed. A plume of dust billows into the air. Just as I close my eyes, the door opens. I’m on my feet in a second, hand reaching for the dagger and heart thundering in my throat.
Della frowns, closing the door behind her. She holds a small, amber glass jar in her hand, half-wrapped in a white cloth.
