Page 93 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

As if a dull dagger found its place in my chest, I staggered backwards: though not from the pain in my wrist this time. My mouth fell open before the mask of indifference made it onto my face.

“I am sorry,” Francis closed his eyes. “I did not mean what I said.”

I ignored his outstretched hands when I faced Roxanne. “I will write the letter tonight.” I told her before storming out of the study.

Chapter 36

Treaty

Francis’ words crowded my mind like a shadow.

Of course I understood the risks of talking to Mother. What were the odds she would make us walk straight into a trap: too afraid of people finding out the truth about the attacks.

But she was no fool.

Unlike William Barren, she knew the seriousness of the situation. She knew she could not hide the situation for long nor could she stop the Wurdulacs solely with a human army.

Soon enough her people would find out one way or another, and then her authority would be no more than a jest.

She knew that, and I could only hope it was a good enough reason for her to hear me: allow us to work together.

My wrist ached uncomfortably as I held the quill. It had only been a few hours since Francis had put my bone into its place, yet the healing had already started. The numbness slowly disappeared.

I stared at the empty parchment before me and the words escaped my mind in an instant. What would I even say?Good evening, Mother, the daughter you buried a few months ago is writing to you. Wurdulacs are planning a war: perhaps we could discuss it.

A groan escaped my lips as I put the quill down onto my dressing table.

Perhaps Francis was right: it was a foolish idea. Mother never read her letters, leaving her council to do the job. Only important documentation made it onto her table.

I spun the stamp in my hand; it shone under the candlelight. Would the royal mark be enough for the council to deem it worthy of their Queen’s attention?

“Cordelia?” A small voice called from the bed.

My eyes met Charlotte’s as she moved the blanket to the side.

“Are you feeling any better?” I rushed towards her, dropping the stamp on the table.

Charlotte’s hands wrapped around my neck when I sat beside her.

My hands held her tight. “You are safe here,” I whispered. A pair of green eyes studied me as though desperately wanting to believe my words yet couldn’t. “You are safe here, Charlotte.” I moved a strand of matted hair out of her face.

She slowly nodded. “I am safe here,” she repeated as though only saying it out loud would make it true. “Can I braid your hair?” Charlotte swallowed as her fingers brushed through my waves.

A small smile made it onto my face. “Of course,” I whispered back, settling down on the floor for Charlotte to reach.