Page 95 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“I know,” I said quietly, hating to admit the rationale of her words. “If I were a human, I would steer clear from this place after Wurdulacs butchered my people.” I passed her another set.

“They know it is safer this way.” Florence’s lips turned into a thin line as though she wasn’t exactly fond of the idea either. “We were the ones to stop the attack. We have a treaty: we did our part by protecting them, it is their turn to feed us.”

“It sounds cruel,” I muttered, walking towards the next table.

“War is never kind,” Florence sighed. “And we—”

“They accepted.” Roxanne’s steps pounded on the marble floor as she ran into the ballroom; papers fluttered in her hands as she made her way towards us. She offered me the letter with a neat handwriting I immediately recognized as my mother’s. A wicked smile made it onto Roxanne’s face when she met my gaze, “Your mother agreed to meet us at the full moon.”

Chapter 37

Repellent Messenger

The crisp snow reflected the moonlight, crunching under our horses’ hooves. The four of us traveled through the dark forest for hours, slowly making our way to Francis’ cabin.

“So,” Roxanne turned in her saddle to look at me. “What is our plan exactly?” She moved a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Cordelia isn’t much of a planner,” Francis winked at me, grinning.

I glared at Francis before moving my gaze to Roxanne. “Speak of only what you know for a fact,” I told my company. “Lying will only worsen our case. She knows everything that is happening beyond the palace but she and her council will play ignorance.”

Florence’s hands squeezed the reins when her, full of worry, eyes met mine.

“Her council will try to sabotage you at any given opportunity, ignore them. Don’t say more than you need to.” I sighed, “And let me take the lead. I know how to convince her.”

Francis’ lips turned into a thin line, though he refrained from contradicting my words—out loud at least.

“She will listen to me,” I argued with his silence. “She has to. The Queen never agrees to meetings she deems worthless.”

“Perhaps I should stay at the cabin,” Florence muttered, her horse slightly slowed in front of me.

“No,” Roxanne shook her head. “We don't separate when Wurdulacs are so close. Not when they already took Caleb.” She stretched out her hand to the side, towards Florence who gratefully took it. “And I cannot stay with you,” a sad smile spread across Roxanne’s face. “Two of us are not nearly enough to face the Royal guards and the Queen.”

“Everything will be all right,” I reassured Florence. “They know they need us, nothing bad is going to happen.”

“I envy your confidence, Princess,” Francis muttered. “But Roxanne is right: we all have to go.” He sighed before locking his gaze with mine. “If something goes wrong, we leave immediately.”

“Moon help us,” Florence shook her head, ordering her horse faster.

Flowers bloomed deep in my stomach remembering my teeth on Francis’ flesh the last time I occupied this room. I undressed to my undergarments, ignoring my foolish body’s reaction.

“May I come in?” Francis’ voice traveled through the closed door as I crawled into bed.

“Yes.” I pulled the sheets to my collarbone, staring up at the ceiling as though it had all the answers.