Page 67 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“We will next week, during the meeting.” Francis entered the room, heading straight toward me. He took an empty glass from my hands, pouring himself a drink.

“How is Roxanne?” I asked him.

“She will be alright,” He shrugged, finishing the drink in one gulp before returning it to me. “Thankfully her wounds did not need Caleb’s attention.”

Hours passed as we sat in silence. I stared at the flames, imagining their powerful hands stretching out and brushing my skin. The fire was slowly dying out, yet no one seemed to care about the heat leaving the room.

Heavy steps grew louder against the marble, stopping just outside the room. Our heads flew towards the door, waiting for the owner to show their face.

The door creaked open, revealing a figure covered in blood. Caleb’s white tunic was now bright red, the exhaustion reaching his eyes made him look a lot older.

“How is she?” Francis got up from his chair.

Caleb did not say anything as though his mind traveled into places we will never know about. Francis repeated his question, taking a step forward. Their gazes met before Caleb finally responded, “She will be alright.”

I let out air from my lungs that I didn’t know I was holding.She will be alright.I looked at Francis, his eyes were closed in silent relief.

“When will she wake?” Simon’s voice carried through the room.

“In a week. Perhaps two.” Caleb took a seat next to the fire. “It is hard to tell. She’s lost a lot of blood.”

“I should go tell Roxanne.” I charged toward the door.

“I will tell her.” Francis caught my hand, holding it firmly. “You go rest, Princess.”

His thumb brushed over the back of my palm, burning my stomach aflame.

“I should go too.” Simon looked at our hands’ embrace and I immediately moved away. “Dawn is near.” He sent me a curt smile.

“Good night,” I said to no one in particular, rushing to the exit.

Simon’s words did not leave me when sleep claimed me, nor did they leave me a whole week after when I was preparing to meet with the Barrens.

The shaking in my hands increased with every passing moment, making it more challenging to braid my hair.

I cannot do this!My thoughts screamed at me as I watched my reflection. The dark blue gown tightened around my ribs, around my neck.I can’t. I can’t!My irritated skin tingled when I pulled the fabric off of my neck. Perhaps I should change.

“Ready for another adventure, my Princess?” Francis knocked on my open door, making me jump in my chair.

“Cease calling me that,” I spoke through clenched teeth, meeting his gaze through the mirror.

I wiped my sweaty hands on the gown before attempting to braid my hair for the tenth time.

“Why not?” Francis picked up Silver—who, I am sure, mewed at him to leave—with outstretched hands, studying the cat as though he’d never seen such an animal before.

I forced a lump down my throat, though it just grew bigger. “I am a princess no more.” I tightened the braid around itself several times. “And certainly not yours.”

Breathe in. Breathe out.I commanded myself.I can’t do this! What if he is there?My lips trembled.

“Is she always this gloomy?” he asked the cat, tapping on its head.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

“Are you always this childish?” I rolled my eyes, securing the end of the braid with a pin. Thick air wouldn’t let me breathe. My chest ached, yet I refrained from checking if my heart was still in its place.

I shook the invisible hands of my body, breathing way too fast.

“Are you alright?” Francis raised a brow, putting the cat down. When I didn’t reply he added, “You have nothing to worry about, Princess. The Barrens are all bark and no bite,” he smirked.