Page 54 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

Florence placed her candle upon the dresser, taking a seat on my bed.

“How are you feeling?” Florence’s dark brown eyes watched me with curiosity. Dried wild flowers decorated her beautiful curls, her olive dress reminded me of a summer forest. “You’ve slept for nearly two nights.”

“Is he well?” I whispered.

“Francis is well,” her soft hands covered mine. “He just needs to rest now.”

For the first time since I began my journey, I took a full breath. My eyes closed as the relief washed over me, my aching heart finally calmed.

“Where did you two go?” Roxanne broke a moment of silence. “What happened?”

They had no knowledge of anything that had occurred at the Royal palace. For them we’d just disappeared in the middle of the night, and I’d returned Francis on the brink of death.

No wonder Caleb acted the way he had. Perhaps I understood. If something like that happened to Sandra I would’ve been furious too.

“We got the documents,” my voice cracked, as I rushed out of bed.

“What?” Roxanne’s frowned.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for the cloak I’d worn that night. I hadn't even checked if the documents were still where I’d left them when the fatigue had claimed me. After the knights had attacked, all I thought about was finding safety.

My fingers brushed over the papers that were now crumpled. I smoothed out the corners of the documents before handing them over to Roxanne and Florence. “Here.”

They took the papers from my hands, holding it carefully as though it’d grown fangs.

I watched their facial expressions change, as they carefully read the contents: from pure confusion to realization, from realization to disbelief.

“Good Gods!” Roxanne laughed. “How did you—” she trailed off, her eyes full of shock.

“This is it—” Florence chimed in, her smile as bright as the sun itself.

“We must set up the meeting immediately,” Roxanne’s gaze met mine. “Thank you.”

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without Francis.”

“At least he is good for something,” she rolled her eyes. “Nevertheless, I am in your debt. I have been begging him to break into the royal palace for months.” Roxanne held the papers close to her heart. “Whatever did you do to convince him? Thank you.”

Convince him?My brows frowned.

“I should send the letter to the Barrens now.” Roxanne gave Florence a kiss before charging toward the door.

Despite my best attempts at sharing their excitement, my mind wandered to dark places, ignoring my pleas. The reminder of the Barrens’ name hurt. My sister’s screams were still fresh in my mind. My heart wailed, as if a dull dagger crashed through my chest.

“Do you have caramel fudge?” I suddenly asked Florence who studied my face carefully.

“No,” her eyes found mine. “But I know where to find it.” She smiled mischievously.