As soon as the door was open, her nerves jingled. Taking a deep breath, she took the first step into the drafty corridor. Cobwebs hung from the corners. The floor was dusty from disuse. Perhaps Seraphina didn’t realize the royal chambers were all connected with secrete passages that led out of the castle.
That gave her an advantage. She hoped.
She started down the hallway, but the only light was that from the chamber they left behind. It was faint at best. She glanced around the walls, looking for old torches in brackets. She found one a few feet away and pulled it from the bracket, but she had no way to light it.
“Let me try,” he said.
She watched as he closed his eyes and placed his hand over the wick. A moment later, flame burst to life. She stared at him in awe.
“I didn’t know you could do that.”
“I didn’t either,” he said, looking perplexed. “I didn’t think it would work.”
“Well, I’m glad it did.”
They started down the corridor, Snow leading the way with the flickering torch in hand.
“I feel different here,” he said. “Like…” He paused.
“Like?”
“Like there is a tingling sensation deep inside me.” He lurched suddenly, catching himself on the wall. His face paled.
She gripped his arm. “Are you all right?”
His eyes met hers. “It’s the poison taking hold.”
“Then we need to hurry.”
“You go ahead. I’ll catch up,” he said.
“But—”
“I don’t want to hold you up.”
She hesitated, looking him over. Sweat dotted his forehead. Was it the poison affecting him? And if it was, did it have something to do with his sudden new elemental magic?
“I don’t want to go without you,” she said at last.
“I promise I’ll catch up.” He gave her a weak smile.
Before she did, she glanced around until she saw another torch. She lit it from hers and then handed it to him.
“Here. I don’t want to leave you in the dark. Follow this until it dead ends, then turn left. The queen’s chamber is the last door on the left. I’ll leave it open for you.”
Grateful, he took the torch and nodded.
“Snow, wait. There’s something else I should tell you.” She paused, gave him a quizzical look. “There’s a certain tree with rainbow bark near Bridgefort that allowed me to forge the blade with a shaving of its wood. It’s what gives the steel that shimmering glow. When I made the one for the queen, though, the tree told me to choose my recipient wisely, that she was not the rightful ruler.”
Her brows drew together. “What are you saying, Roderick? She took the blade from me.”
“Yes, but if you can get it away from her, don’t hesitate to use it. That enchanted blade was meant for you,” he said.
Hot pinpricks went through her. She wasn’t sure what to say, so she merely nodded.
“Now, go. I’ll be right behind you.”
But something told her he wasn’t going to make it.
