Page 27 of Betraying Korth
“We should have just killed them all,” Curdy grumbled, and my stomach convulsed. There were sacrifices that needed to be made for the rebellion to succeed; I knew that. But that didn’t make it any more pleasant. Even if I hadn’t been the one to force them off the plank, I was at least partially to blame for their fates—sold into slavery to a gang of pirates. Would my conscience ever be able to find peace?
I shook my head. Once we did manage to overthrow the king, we would ensure that thousands of Ebora’s citizens didn’t suffer anymore. At least the citizens’ suffering could be prevented. Surely, the good of the many made up for the unfortunate fate of the soldiers loyal to Odette.
“We’ll meet up again in four days,” Thad announced. “We should have received the first letter by then, and Dahlia can update us at that time.” With a side glance at Curdy, he went on, “I’ll take her back.”
Once again, we all moved in unison, touching our earlobes, lips, and foreheads. “Hear all, speak none, remember always,” we repeated together. “In shadows we thrive; with unity we rise.”
The walk back to the dumbwaiter, free of Curdy’s oppressive presence, was fairly quiet. I remained lost in thought, trying to think of better ways to gain Korth’s confidence.
“Good luck,” Thad told me, looking up and down the corridor to ensure that no other servants were around. I climbed back into the dumbwaiter and Thad inspected the ropes, trying to determine which to pull. “Your father would be proud of you. I’ll speak with Garrik so he can keep an eye on Curdy, but know that the rest of us think you’re doing wonderfully, and you’re the only one who can be in your position. I know it’s a lot of pressure. We appreciate your sacrifice; I hope you know that.”
“Thank you,” I told him, smiling in relief. “I know I can’t communicate much with the rest of you, but?—”
“We understand,” he said quickly, then rolled his eyes and amended. “At least, most of us do. Don’t pay any mind to Curdy. Which rope should I pull?”
“This one,” I told him, indicating the correct one. “There will be a small tag that says Odette on it when it’s my stop.”
Thad’s eyes fell and I realized my error. He couldn’t read. “I’ll set the brake when it comes to my room,” I amended. “You just pull.”
Once I was safely back in my room, I curled up on the bed and rekindled my hatred of Raquel and Odette. It was their fault that Ebora’s citizens were poorly educated and hungry. Uneducated, hungry people were easy to control. As long as someone could dangle the promise of a full belly for their children, parents would sacrifice anything and obey any order to provide. Of course Raquel and Odette would want them to be desperate and dependent.
Korth was better than that. People here were much better educated, and I had yet to see a bread line like the one that wrapped around Ebora’s castle each day. I tucked my arm under my head, staring out the open balcony that allowed a warm breeze into the room. If only we had a ruler like Korth, there would have been no need for treason and subterfuge.
CHAPTER 13
As Korth and I strolled down the corridor toward the gardens, the sight of the page boy wending his way toward us, bearing a tray with a letter on it, sent me into a spiral of worry. Had it truly been two weeks already? Despite my assurances to the rebels, I lacked the confidence that Korth was prepared to pour a great deal of money and resources into a war he wasn’t involved in.
I kept my eyes fixed ahead as I took several deep breaths, willing my hand not to shake where I had my fingers interlaced with Korth’s. The rebellion’s success was resting on me. The innocent citizens of Ebora were counting on me. What was deceiving one prince, in the grand scheme of things?
“A missive from Ebora, Princess,” the page boy said with a bow, holding out a tray with a thick envelope and letter opener on it.
I gasped in excitement. “It must be from my father!” I gave Korth’s hand a little squeeze before I took the letter and slit the envelope open. “He said he would write and let me know when he could arrive for our…for our…” I allowed my voice to fade away for dramatic effect as my eyes slid from side to side, face falling by the moment.
My Dearest Odette,
I hope this letter finds you safe and well in Haven Harbor. I write to you now with a heavy heart and news that I wish were otherwise.
There has been an uprising in our kingdom, one that has shaken the very foundations of our realm. The rebels have seized control of the palace, and I find myself ousted from my rightful place as king. For now, I am in hiding, surrounded by loyal guards who remain dedicated to protecting me. But in truth, our situation is precarious at best, and I fear for what the future may hold.
My dear daughter, it grieves me to inform you that it is not safe for you to return home at this time, even for visits. The rebels are ruthless in their quest for power, and they will stop at nothing to harm those associated with the royal family. Your safety, of course, is my utmost priority, and I implore you to remain where you are until further notice.
I cannot predict how this political upheaval will affect your impending marriage to Prince Korth. Whether or not he still wishes to proceed with the union when our kingdom is in turmoil, I cannot tell. What I do know is that your well-being isparamount, and I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety, no matter the cost.
If there is any possibility of aid from Haven Harbor, I would submit the humblest of pleas at this time. I enclosed an additional letter for you to give to Prince Korth. While I hate to request assistance even before your union is finalized, I would be lying if I claimed our situation here was anything but dire.
Odette, know that you are always in my thoughts and that I long for the day when we can be reunited once more. Until then, stay strong, stay safe, and know that you are loved beyond measure.
With all my love,
Papa
I quickly foldedup the letter as my eyes filled with tears.
“What is it?” Korth asked, touching a hand to my elbow.
“I don’t want to bother you with my family’s troubles.”
As expected, Korth drew himself up. “Your troubles are mine as well. What’s wrong?”
