The extra pairof pants I’ve only just pulled on under my dress already clings uncomfortably to my legs. I’m covered in perspiration already, and I haven’t even left my room. Sweaty palms smooth down the front of my dress, making sure there’s no sign of the tight shirt I’m wearing underneath, as well as the small stash of food I’ve hidden in the skirt. Two bread rolls, an apple, and a skin of water—my insurance against starving if I manage to get out of here. The last thing I need is to get arrested for stealing food and be dragged right back to the king. I try to ignore that if I had even the tiniest control of my Strength, I wouldn’t have to worry about bringing water to drink with me.
The heat is almost unbearable, but I don’t have a choice but to wear this change of clothes. They’ll be looking for a woman in a dress when I’m gone, not someone dressed for travel. The moment I’m free of the city square, this dress is gone.
Checking my reflection in the mirror, I look a little bulky from the extra clothing, but no one should notice unless they’re really looking at me. I run my hands down the front of the dress again, with a sigh. It’s one of the dresses Rylan had bought for me when we’d stopped at the inn. Teal blue cotton, with a white lace corset and trim. It’s one of my favourites, it’s always made me feel like a princess every time I put it on. It’s going to be a pity to ditch it but I hadn’t been able to resist wearing it one last time. I push the thought of how if I could I would take it with me, as a memento of a certain dark-eyed, gorgeous, mysterious grouchy prince.
I pick up the short note I’ve written, my fingers brushing over the words before I slip it under the pillow.“Thank you, Bri. x, E.”It’s a simple message, but Brienne deserves at least that. She’s been a huge source of comfort here, and a part of me feels guilty for leaving without saying more. But I can’t risk it. If I don’t pull this off, it’s not just a failure—it’s my head on the block.
With one last glance around the room, I take a deep breath and step out, shutting the door behind me.This is it.
Mathis is waiting for me in the courtyard, leaning casually against a stone pillar. He’s in his fighting leathers today, the dark material hugging his frame, emphasising the lithe strength beneath. He’s slightly shorter than Rylan, his shoulders wider, but they’re both practically perfect physical specimens of men. There’s a casual confidence in his posture, a readiness that makes me wonder if he knows more than he’s letting on. But when he grins at me, it’s the same easygoing charm I’ve come to expect. “You look lovely, Miss Eirabella,” he says, offering his arm with a mockingly formal bow.
I take it, returning his grin with one of my own. “Thank you, Captain Corvane. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
He laughs, the sound rich and warm, putting me at easedespite the storm of nerves brewing inside me. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” he teases as we begin walking out of the castle gates. The city sprawls out before us, vibrant and chaotic. The streets are lined with colourful stalls, vendors shouting their wares, the scent of fresh bread and roasting meat mingling with the earthy smell of wet stone. Children dart between the crowds, their laughter a sharp contrast to the tension coiling in my gut.
Mathis is chatty, his tone light and relaxed. “So, how are you finding life in the castle? Missing home yet?”
My heart skips a beat at the mention of home, a sharp pang of longing stabbing through the nervousness. “I do,” I admit, trying to sound casual. “It’s strange being somewhere so different.”
He nods, his gaze flicking to me with a hint of curiosity. “It must be. But you’re holding up well. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you,” I say, the words automatic. My mind is trained on the city ahead, searching for my escape route. The town square is just a few streets away, and once I’m there, I’ll have my chance.
“And what about you?” I ask, forcing myself to focus on the conversation. “How’s life as the captain of the guard?”
Mathis chuckles, shrugging as if the role is no big deal. “Oh, you know. Lots of standing around looking intimidating, making sure no one gets too close to the king and the royal family. And I love it. Yosef and Grellor send their hellos, by the way. They’re on guard duty today.”
I pause, surprised. “Yosef and Grellor? I thought they’d be with the prince.”
Mathis raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Curious about Rylan, are we?”
Again, the mere mention of his name sends a rush of conflicting emotions through me—annoyance, confusion,a strange sense of longing I can’t quite place. I chuckle, trying to sound casual. “Not really. Just surprised they’re not with him.” I wave my hand dismissively. “Anyway, enough of him. Tell me more about your daily duties.”
“Well, it’s good to know Rylan isn’t the only one who can hold your interest,” Mathis teases, his flirtatious grin widening. It’s hard to miss how handsome he is. “And if you ask me, I think you’re better off with a dashing captain of the guard than a moody prince.”
I laugh, trying to keep things light despite the nervousness building in my chest over what I’m about to try to pull off. “You’ll hear no arguments here.”
We stop at a stall selling brightly coloured scarves, and Mathis picks up a deep blue silk, holding it up to me. “This would suit you,” he says, his tone serious for once. “Matches those eyes of yours.”
I arch an eyebrow, amused. “Are you trying to outfit me in the latest castle fashion, Captain?”
He shrugs, the playful glint returning to his eyes. “A Keeper must always look their best.”
I can’t help but shake my head at the absurdity of it all. Mathis has a way of making everything seem less daunting, and for a moment, I almost forget what I’m about to do. Almost.
He continues to point at clothes and trinkets he thinks I might like. I try to feign as much interest as I can as I glance around, my eyes scanning the busy square for the perfect spot to slip away. Halfway through the row of stalls, we come across one that is crowded with interested shoppers, and I see my opportunity. “I’m just going to check that stall out,” I say, trying to sound casual.
Mathis grimaces at the bustling bodies pushing for room and nods, “Sure thing. Don’t go too far.”
I give him a small wave before turning and making my waytoward the stall. My heart pounds in my chest, but I force myself to walk slowly, casually, as if I’m just browsing. The stall is crowded, and I use the cover of the people to slip around the side, ducking into a nearby narrow alleyway.
The moment I’m out of sight, I break into a run.
The cobblestones are slick beneath my feet, still damp from the morning’s rain. I sprint down the alley, my breath coming in quick gasps. The city is a labyrinth of twisting streets and hidden passageways, and I have to lose Mathis before he realises what I’m doing. I’m blocks away when I hear his voice ring out behind me, calling my name, but I don’t dare look back. I push myself harder, adrenaline surging through my veins.
Run, Eirabella. For your life, fucking run.
I take a sharp turn, my feet slipping slightly on the wet stones, but I catch myself and keep going. The alley narrows, the walls closing in around me as I weave through the twisting paths. The sounds of the market fade, replaced by the echo of my footsteps. I know the city is full of dead ends, and I pray I don’t run into one.
