Driscoll stayed silent.
Jillian’s green eyes were empty of any emotion, but she nodded. “I think we should get some rest now. We can talk more tomorrow. And... happy name day, Liliath.”
She lay down, her back to me. At least I could see her. That was enough for now. But her spirit was broken, and I wasn’t sure anything other than us breaking out of here would fix it.
Soon her soft snores filled the silence.
“Well, that didn’t go well,” Driscoll said. His voice softened. “I know you hate your name day, but we wanted to make it special. I told Jillian you’d appreciate a bottle of wine more than seeing her face, but she insisted on this plan.”
I snorted.
“You have to stop blaming yourself for all of this,” Driscoll said. “I know you think you’re responsible, but you’re not. Night night, Lil.”
He didn’t understand. I’d done so many things I regretted that led to this, but it wasn’t just my actions that plagued me. It was also the actions of my father. Of my stepmother. Neither of them had been the rulers my people deserved, and I was determined to be better. To be perfect. Nothing less would be acceptable.
I turned my gaze to the night sky. “Where are you, Jasper?” I whispered, wishing I could see the stars.
He was our only hope.
“Wait a minute, what is that?” Driscoll asked. “Down there.”
My gaze automatically snapped to the castle grounds.
I stood, walking to the bars and pressing myself against them. “What is what?” I searched the area far below, the maze, the trees where the murder of crows sat, the destroyed fountains, but I didn’t see anything.
“That figure on the gate!” Driscoll said, exasperated, and I could imagine the way he was currently rolling his eyes.
The gate. I searched the tall iron bars and finally saw it: someone was climbing the gates. Even from this distance, I could tell the figure was massive, a mountain of a man. They had to be a man based on those thick legs and powerful arms, though I couldn’t be sure since the figure kept their face covered and their head hooded. Then I saw the wink of a red gem sparkling on his finger, and I gasped.
“Blood and earth,” I said, my gaze fixed on that glittering red ring. It had to be. It couldn’t belong to anyone else.
“What?” Driscoll asked. “Spit it out. What’s happening?”
“Jasper.” I could barely get the words out. “Jasper has finally come.”
Chapter Two
My chest stretched so tight I thought it might snap apart. Jasper was here. I shot a triumphant look over at Driscoll before remembering he couldn’t see me.
“Well, shit,” Driscoll said. “I might have to actually admit I was wrong.”
I snorted. “As if that would ever happen.”
Jasper scaled the gate, reaching the top and then swinging himself over. He’d certainly filled out over these last few years. Maybe I just wasn’t remembering him right. He’d always been slight, thinner and wiry, but now I watched as his huge form descended down the other side of the iron gate, hopping to the cobblestone ground, blackened by moss and mold.
It had to be him. I’d recognize that ring anywhere. It was his pride and joy, the ring that was handed from father to son in his family, signifying the heir to their estate and financial holdings. Jasper looked from side to side, then studied the maze that lay in front of him.
“You have to wake up Jil,” Driscoll said.
I didn’t want to tear my eyes away for a minute, but he was right. She needed to see this. Needed a spark of hope. Then again, maybe I should wait until Jasper made it through thedeath trap down below. No, no, that would mean I didn’t believe in him, and I did. He would rescue me, us.
I ran to the square in the wall. “Jillian, wake up!” I whisper-shouted. “Jil!”
She didn’t stir, snores still escaping her mouth. I groaned.
“Throw something at her,” Driscoll said. “Oh no!”
I whirled. “What? What happened?”
