Page 23 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens (The Crimson Duet #1)

Dull Daggers

E very instinct in me screamed at me to run, yet I could not—would not— leave Francis until I knew he was indeed safe.

“I am fine,” Francis’ voice dropped a few octaves as he fought his way between Caleb and I. “She did not do anything.” His fist firmly planted at Caleb’s chest as he staggered from side to side. “Leave her alone,” Francis growled right before he collapsed.

Caleb’s strong hands caught Francis’ weak body, my own hands stretched out in a feeble attempt to help.

“What in the Kingdom—” Roxanne’s scream flew through the courtyard as she ran down the stairs. “Dear Gods, Francis!”

“I just need rest,” Francis groaned, his eyes fluttering before shutting closed.

“Help me get him inside,” Caleb addressed Roxanne without sparing me a glance.

Slowly, they made their way up the stairs, leaving me to watch them disappear into the darkness of the castle.

The sun extended its powerful hands toward me, touching my cheek, burning my skin with an uncomfortable ache. Holding the reins tightly as if my life depended on it, I wished to stand and stare at it forever: unwilling to say another goodbye.

“Let’s get you inside, the sun is almost out.” The voice made me jump. So deep in my thoughts, I hadn’t even noticed my company. “I am so glad you are alive, we were so worried when we realized you were gone.” Florence hugged my shoulders tightly.

She pried the reins from my hands, walking Annabelle back to the stables.

I wanted to protest, tell her I could take care of myself and my horse. I wanted to thank her for the kindness of her heart, yet all I could do was stare into the darkness Francis had disappeared into.

“You need rest, Cordelia.” Florence carefully touched my back as if I was made of the most delicate glass.

“Will he be okay?” I finally found my voice.

“He will be,” Florence nodded, gently ushering me toward the castle. “It is not the first time he got shot with silver. Caleb can treat his wound.”

The idea of Caleb doing anything to Francis made me feel uneasy.

“Caleb can be a lot of things, but he loves his family.” Florence read the emotions on my face. “We have nothing to worry about.” She sent me a weak smile. “Let’s get you settled. Shall we?”

“Thank you.”

A loud knock on the door pulled me from my dreamless sleep. My eyes slowly opened, despite their best wishes to stay shut forever.

Two silhouettes stood at the threshold of my room. The candles shone brightly in their hands, reminding me of the warm loving sun.

It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the darkness of my room, yet I could not trust the clarity of my vision. Perhaps I was still asleep.

Roxanne took a few deliberate steps into the room, handing me a glass of fresh blood. “You must be starving.”

Her dark blue dress shimmered under the candlelight in a dozen rainbows. Her bright red hair was braided into a crown. She looked as though she appeared from the most magical fairy tale.

I took the glass, still not believing the sanity of my mind.

Florence placed her candle upon the dresser, taking a seat on my bed.

“How are you feeling?” Florence’s dark brown eyes watched me with curiosity. Dried wild flowers decorated her beautiful curls, her olive dress reminded me of a summer forest. “You’ve slept for nearly two nights.”

“Is he well?” I whispered.

“Francis is well,” her soft hands covered mine. “He just needs to rest now.”

For the first time since I began my journey, I took a full breath. My eyes closed as the relief washed over me, my aching heart finally calmed.

“Where did you two go?” Roxanne broke a moment of silence. “What happened?”

They had no knowledge of anything that had occurred at the Royal palace. For them we’d just disappeared in the middle of the night, and I’d returned Francis on the brink of death.

No wonder Caleb acted the way he had. Perhaps I understood. If something like that happened to Sandra I would’ve been furious too.

“We got the documents,” my voice cracked, as I rushed out of bed.

“What?” Roxanne’s frowned.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for the cloak I’d worn that night. I hadn't even checked if the documents were still where I’d left them when the fatigue had claimed me. After the knights had attacked, all I thought about was finding safety.

My fingers brushed over the papers that were now crumpled. I smoothed out the corners of the documents before handing them over to Roxanne and Florence. “Here.”

They took the papers from my hands, holding it carefully as though it’d grown fangs.

I watched their facial expressions change, as they carefully read the contents: from pure confusion to realization, from realization to disbelief.

“Good Gods!” Roxanne laughed. “How did you—” she trailed off, her eyes full of shock.

“This is it—” Florence chimed in, her smile as bright as the sun itself.

“We must set up the meeting immediately,” Roxanne’s gaze met mine. “Thank you.”

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without Francis.”

“At least he is good for something,” she rolled her eyes. “Nevertheless, I am in your debt. I have been begging him to break into the royal palace for months.” Roxanne held the papers close to her heart. “Whatever did you do to convince him? Thank you.”

Convince him? My brows frowned.

“I should send the letter to the Barrens now.” Roxanne gave Florence a kiss before charging toward the door.

Despite my best attempts at sharing their excitement, my mind wandered to dark places, ignoring my pleas. The reminder of the Barrens’ name hurt. My sister’s screams were still fresh in my mind. My heart wailed, as if a dull dagger crashed through my chest.

“Do you have caramel fudge?” I suddenly asked Florence who studied my face carefully.

“No,” her eyes found mine. “But I know where to find it.” She smiled mischievously.