Page 61 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“Princess?” Francis’ voice pulled me out of the memory as I jumped out of his reach, storming out of the stables. “Are you well?” He rushed after me.

“Yes!” I put all of my energy into forcing my birthday ball out of my mind. “Just need some rest,” I offered over my shoulder.

Timothy is not here.I calmed my breathing, walking towards the castle.He cannot hurt me anymore.I ignored Francis’ worried stare on my back.

“I am all right,” I said more to myself than to him.

The sound of our steps occupied the heavy silence in between us. My eyes were locked on the castle before me, though I could not tend to my surroundings for a heavy fog invaded my vision: I was blinded by my own thoughts.

“What in the Kingdom—” Francis' voice echoed behind me.

Chapter 24

Royal Steel

Francis’ eyes traveled past me, an odd smile spread across his face. “What is a cat doing in your lap?” he yelled, laughing.

“I found him in the kitchen, trying to steal our dinner. Poor thing was freezing to death.” Caleb sat atop the stairs by the front entrance of the castle. A gray hairball settled down in his lap, slowly eating a huge chunk of raw meat. A pair of gold eyes met mine.

“Silver?” I took a few careful steps forward.

The cat let out a loudmewbefore rushing toward me: his dinner completely forgotten.

“Silver!” I dropped to my knees, catching the creature tight in my arms. “Hello, my friend!” I pet under his chin. “How did you find me?”

“You named your cat Silver?” Francis’ brows furrowed down at me.

“You have a cat?” Caleb chimed in.

“I missed you too,” A genuine laugh escaped my lips when Silver licked my hands.

Francis' voice dropped a few octaves, “A word?” he gestured Caleb inside.

“Of course,” Caleb pursed his lips.

“Thank you,” I called after Caleb as he reached the entrance.

He nodded before disappearing into the castle.

For being an outdoor cat, Silver quickly adjusted to his new home. Just one hour later—after inspecting every corner of my room—he deemed it safe to take a nap. Laying next to me on the bed, Silver purred in his sleep, bringing a small smile to my face every time I glanced at my companion.

But even he couldn’t ease my mind tonight.

With a book borrowed from Francis’ library in my hands, my eyes could barely focus on the text. The book was not boring by any means: it was my thoughts that refused me any distraction.