Page 52 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“I am—” Francis stared at the bite he just left me in pure horror. “Sorry.” He coughed, wiping my blood off his lips. His strong hands held my arm so gently; the roses in my stomach bloomed with more power.

His face was so close to mine, his breath brushed my lips. I watched his perfect eyes, unable to look away.

Francis took out a cloth from his coat, wrapping it around my wound—just like I had for him a few minutes ago. His strong, soft hands gently touched my cheek, and I had to stop myself from leaning into the temptation. “Princess?”

His husky voice sucked the air out of my lungs, his amber eyes hypnotized me, welcoming me into the depths of his soul. The smell of my blood on his lips made my head spin.

“Cordelia?”

I could see every curve of his perfect, soft, crimson lips.

My dear Gods!I shook my head.What is wrong with me?

“We need to get out of here,” I quickly exclaimed, rushing to my feet—away from him. “I am certain the knights will trace us here soon.” Untightening Annabelle’s reins, I avoided Francis' gaze at all cost. “Can you mount the horse?”

“I can try,” Francis groaned, attempting to get to his feet.

After a few failed attempts we’d finally managed to mount the horse. I had Francis sit in front of me this time: in case he lost consciousness again.

If we were lucky, we would get home without any more obstacles, yet I did not dare to spoil myself with such dreams. Luck was definitely not on our side tonight.

The trip back was much quicker than our way there. We did not stop for rest, we did not slow for even a moment. I could feel the frustration in Annabelle’s every step, yet I also could not allow her the break she desperately needed.

“A little bit more,” I patted her on the back as we continued our long journey.

Francis was in and out of the oblivion despite my best attempts at keeping him awake. If we fell again, we might’ve never gotten back up.

Just a little longer and Francis would get the treatment he needed, just a little longer and this disaster would come to an end.

Seconds, minutes, hours later I could finally see the silhouette of the castle. The early sun rays slowly crept in, forcing me to cover every inch of my skin; Francis did the same.

“Please stay awake, we are almost there,” I told him.

“I am trying my best, Your Highness.”

The horizon was now bright pink, fighting with the darkness behind the forest, forcing it to give place to the beginning of a new day. We had to make it before the sun fully uncovered itself.

Francis’ castle was gorgeous in the early morning light. Glorious stained glass art now shimmered with dozens of rainbows, brightening the misery of our night.

I urged Annabelle faster, not believing we’d actually made our way here. We’d done it.

The excitement and relief filled my blood—

Francis’ low growl dropped the reality of our situation back on me, his body shook from all the pain he’d endured throughout our journey.

“We are almost there,” I kept telling him—or myself, I was not sure. My voice sounded hoarse after tonight’s events. “Almost there,” I whispered, turning Annabelle to the closest entrance of the castle.

“I got this,” Francis stated, as he dismounted.

Despite his childish refusal, I stretched out my hand to him for support.

“What have you done?” A voice traveled from behind me. I turned toward the sound, and my already bad mood darkened.

“What have you done?” Caleb screamed at me, pushing me aside with such force I stumbled over my feet. “What have you done to him!”