Page 5 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“Don’t forget your manners, Francis.” The woman called over her shoulder. “She is a royal.” Roxanne smiled as she disappeared into the darkness.

Chapter 2

Royal Cage

Royal?My stomach dropped. Suddenly I had the urge to run. Something told me I did not want to stay long enough to find out what the ocean woman meant.

Filling up my lungs, I readied to fight my way out, but the man had left as well.Odd.Maybe I’d misunderstood them: they hadn’t been talking about me. Either way, I took this as an opportunity to flee and started the opposite direction—just a precaution.

As much as I wanted to avoid the front gate, that was my best option given the circumstances. I would’ve rather dealt with the consequences of slipping away from the ball than be the next name on theVanished List. I just needed to reach the gate, the guards would’ve been on their night watch—I’d be safe.

The fog spread on the ground like a blanket, enveloping the naked trees, keeping them safe on that gloomy night. I walked for a long time, going all the way around the perimeter of the palace. The sounds of nature were my only companions, keeping me calm on my way home.

I regretted not stopping by my room to grab my cloak, though the cold air seemed to welcome me with open arms, distracting me from the misery of my spirit. My mind soothed as I got closer to the main gate.

Turning the final corner to the front gates, I froze. My heart dropped to my stomach as I retreated a step, disturbing the dried leaves settled down on the ground.

“Your Highness.” The arrogant man bowed graciously in front of me, looking completely harmless: as though he was indeed bowing before his ruler.

I raised my chin and straightened my shoulders in an attempt to seem intimidating. I could only hope he did not notice my body tense. Maybe I could talk my way to safety.

I hated to use my status, but today it seemed as if it would save my life—if I played my role well. Threatening a Royal life would turn out bad for him, and I wanted him to remember that.

He took a step forward looking at me with interest, as though I was a painting in the gallery room.Is he going to kill me?Yet,Francis didn’t seem to move a muscle, just stared at me, studying.

Nature became silent, depriving my mind of the only sign of peace, as if hiding from whatever danger this person possessed.

How dared he stare at me like I was his to stare at?

“Weren’t you taught that eavesdropping is bad manners, Your Highness?” His accent finally broke our silence when he crooked his head as if talking to a child. The arrogance!

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner?’’ I replied to his arrogance with my own. “How dare you even look at me?” Perhaps it was the adrenaline speaking for me, provoking this man where no one would even hear my scream. Perhaps I’d completely lost my mind in this disaster.

Should I run? Where will I run?He was directly in my way and if I were to turn around I would be trapped.Perhaps, I can make it to one of the hidden passages if I am quick enough.

A big smile spread across his face, amused by my reply. “Well, well...” Francis’ brows furrowed, without dropping hissmirk. “If my memory serves me right,youwere the one gawking at me in the ballroom.”

We were dangerously close—he wouldn’t have even needed to put in any effort to end me right now.

Not again.

Fear overwhelmed me, sending my mind into a hurricane of my memories as I took a step backward, putting myself out of his reach.

“You definitely have the nerve to talk to a woman this way, mister,” I said at last. “Your arrogance will do you no good. Now, let me pass, before this will end badly for you,” I bit out.