Page 176 of The Chains You Defy

After all, there was nothing else wrong that needed fixing.

And if one of the oldest beings alive aside from the gods and godlings pointed me to a chance to remove what clung to me like a curse, I’d be stupid to discard the suggestion outright, no matter how vague she’d been.

The following day, I was still alive, which I considered a win under these circumstances.

My eyes were rimmed red and puffy, and my hair was a tangled mess resembling a bird’s nest. Last night, before I’d cried myself to sleep, I hadn’t bothered taking out the pins Thain had used to style my tresses for the ball. Between sleeping the whole night like that and Danartha’s treatment yesterday, only thoroughly caring for my locks might help them, and I didn’t have the patience.

Safety before vanity.

According to the weird timepiece on the wall—Fig had taught me how to read the device that I’d formerly assumed to be art—the time until my coach left was limited, and so I hurried to get dressed.

As I tied the laces of my gown into a knot, the door chimes rang—about fifteen minutes too early. My stomach churned, and my mind careened against my will, but still, I grabbed my bag. After I’d dragged the chair away that blocked the exit, I peered outside.

“Miss Ortha? I’m here to pick you up and accompany you to the coach for your excursion.”

Examining the servant, who glanced around nervously and who’d only spoken in a hushed whisper, I came to the conclusion that I’d never met him before. The uniform he wore wasn’t the same as the one thechamberlains donned, and on top of all, he wasn’t unfriendly. My heavy-beating heart calmed down a little.

“One moment.”

Yes, the sooner I escaped Alaiann Palace, the better, but the minute it took to scribble down a note for Dion was necessary. My words aimed to soothe him, alerting him that I was safe thanks to our friends, so that he wouldn’t frenzy or worry, and I promised him we’d meet each other again real soon.

And then I left Dion’s quarters behind.

Outside, a magnificent white coach stood waiting, and relief flooded me as the servant led me there.

The plan had worked, and I was about to leave the palace. I was safe at last.

Or, almost.

The curtains of the coach were drawn, and an anxious spike shot through me, but I squared my shoulders, gripped my bag tighter, and approached the door. The servant opened the vehicle, and after a curt nod of thanks, I climbed aboard, praying I wouldn’t be caught in a trap.

The door closed, and relief barreled into me with the force of Estos, the godling of destruction, as I recognized the male lounging inside. “Cantarlann.”

“Darling, I’m relieved you’ve made it.”

Laughter bubbled out of my throat, more hysterical than anything else, but I put my luggage on the benchand took a seat across from him. “You’re the one who agreed to take me away from Alaiann.”

“Yes, dear. After those threats, letting you remain at the palace would have been irresponsible.”

“Aren’t you afraid of the High King’s retaliation if he ever found out about your involvement?”

“Not particularly. We’ll be traveling fast, and once we arrive at our destination, even Galrach can’t touch us.”

A heavy weight fell off my chest, and for the first time since Dion had left, I was able to relax. “Thank you, Cantarlann. Even though this sounds exaggerated, I believe you possibly saved my life.”

“Maybe.”

Allowing myself to sink deeper into the seating, I rested my head on the soft, cream-colored pillow behind me. The whole interior of the coach was light and exquisite, the bench under me beyond comfortable, and heaviness spread through my limbs. The drapes in front of the window were closed, and their fabric had the same color as the upholstery.

“Alaiann is not a safe place for a human, especially not for one who has earned the scorn of the High King. But don’t be afraid, I’ll take you home, where it’s secure.”

“We’re going to the Cuirt an Ghra?”

“You remember the name?”

“Of course. Thain lived there, and Antas has ties to your court too. And just because Dion is prejudiced, doesn’t mean I can’t be open-minded.”

“I never said you wouldn’t be, sweetling.”