Page 57 of Thorns and Echoes

As though she needed the reminder that she was risking their lives, too. But there was no scenario where she walked into another Queen's castle, and her Escorts sat on their hands, doing nothing.

She hadn't responded. It was only now that she realized Vern had hoped it would hold her back, make her see reason. His reason.

Send him alone to find Castien.

The problem was, she couldn't sit on her hands and do nothing, either. And she wasn't certain her father could be trusted to simplyfindCastien.

Across the table, Pelios drained his mug and made to stand. He hesitated.

Approaching them was the duchess’ servant. She dodged a few groping hands while Pelios glared at the men behind her.

Zara reached their table. Her unwavering gaze landed on the Queen. Quietly, she murmured, “I know you’re sneaking into the castle. I want to help.”

Jerome dropped a hand to his dagger. A raised claw stopped him.

“Go on,” the Queen said.

“I know the servants’ entrances, and I'm friends with a few guards. If anyone asks, I'll say the duchess went to her estate and sent me to take the Queen's ire.”

“And why would you help us?”

Her fists clenched. “I… My lady was at court when the Queen’s toy – your Escort, when he was there. We all knew he was being tortured. We could hear his screams. They moved him using the servants’ corridors. We weren't supposed to look, but it was impossible not to hear. And I looked. No one deserves what they did to him.”

Violence simmered in Anais’ blood. Her tongue scraped her teeth as she bit back an accusation. Like the duchess, Zara hadn't helped Castien either. But a servant couldn't have done anything. Anais breathed slowly. A servant would have only gotten herself tortured and killed. She couldn't have prevented the screaming.

After a moment, Pelios said, “I trust her.”

The maid’s cheeks were slightly pink when she smiled at him.

In a controlled tone, the Queen asked, “Your lady would let you go?”

She pressed her lips together. “She doesn't… She has my brother. He's young. If I help you, will you take him? He should be at my lady's apartment in the city. I could fetch him.”

Anais raised a brow.

The girl swallowed and steadied her shoulders. “I've heard slavery is outlawed in Drantar. Then you ended those slavers. My lady… she often threatens to sell my brother. I think she'struly angry with me this time. I can't let that happen. At least in Drantar, he won't be a slave.”

The thin-lipped anger on Pelios’ face indicated he was ready to charge across the city and kidnap the child himself.

Anais leaned forward. “Even if you can't go with him?”

Now Pelios’ glare was directed at her.

The maid frowned. “I… I just want him to be safe.”

Pelios reached out and patted the girl's hand. “We will take both of you when we go. I'll make sure of it.” He held the Queen's stare for a few moments, then smiled at Zara. The maid smiled back.

They already had maps of the castle, very thorough ones from last time. They didn't need the girl. She might get in the way. For that matter, a child on the road while they were running through enemy territory would only slow them down.

A child. Anais sighed and nodded at Pelios.

Without hesitation, the rebel turned to Zara. “Do you need help getting your brother?”

She shook her head. “I visit alone sometimes. No one will notice.”

“Good. Bring him here, to my room. We'll come for you when we're ready. Don't return to your lady.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. Inclining her head to the Queen, she scurried out of the tavern.