Page 99 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

Recognition filled her eyes when our mother ordered her to follow. “I love you, Lia,” Sandra quickly whispered before rushing into the carriage after the Queen.

“Will you write to me?” Timothy appeared from my right, snatching my hand before I had time to move away. He squeezed it tight when I tried to break free, bringing it to his lips. “I will miss you.”

As I was about to jerk my hand from his forceful grasp, a piece of parchment scratched against my palm. My body stilled, my lungs froze in place.

A sneer made its way onto Timothy’s face when our gazes locked.

“Get away from her,” Francis sidestepped in front of me, forcing himself in between us.

Timothy retreated, “I must follow etiquette, orphan boy.” He glared at Francis yet a trace of fear shone brightly within his eyes. “Then again, I doubt you know anything about manners.” He turned to mount his horse alongside the council.

I squeezed the paper in my fist; my heart banged against my chest, threatening to explode.

I drew a long breath when Timothy ordered his horse into motion.

The council followed his lead, ushering after the Royal carriage, leaving the four of us by the entrance of the lodge.

“Let’s get out of here,” Roxanne’s hand wrapped around Florence’s who’d been quiet the whole time.

“Are you all right?” I asked her, ignoring Francis’ burning gaze on my back as we walked to our horses.

“I’m not one for meetings,” Florence simply said, sighing. “Especially ones with humans.”

Chapter 38

Lovely Conversation

Meet me at the meadow behind the palace at dawn if you want your sister alive. We need to talk. Come alone.

I studied the parchment for the hundredth time since we got back to Francis’ cabin. My fingers brushed over the letter; my heart banged, desperate to escape my chest as I sat upon the bed Francis peacefully slept in.

His sharp features were now soft, the smirk abandoned him as though it never belonged on his face at all. I grabbed my boots, quietly closing the door behind me and wondered how livid he would be when he would wake without me by his side.

But that would be a problem for tomorrow.

The cabin was silent as everyone had gone to rest early: I only had a few hours to make it back before the sun would burn my flesh into ash.

My trembling hands laced my boots in the tiny kitchenette, my heart finally escaped.Will there even be tomorrow?

Surely Timothy wasn’t foolish enough to hurt me when I could easily end his life in an instant.Is he?

Would I truly be able to protect myself if it meant taking someone’s life?

I reached out for the handle of the main door—