Page 19 of Barbi and the Villain

“That’s what she says,” Ivan grumbles, staring at me belligerently. “It still remains to be established if she is who she says she is.”

What the hell is his deal? I am the most non-threatening person ever. I’m wearing pink, for God’s sake, and I have a fluffy white dog that takes the word cute to a whole new level. What is more inoffensive than that?

“But, sir. Look how small and frail she is,” Willy continues, pointing toward me.

I smile. Yes, look how small and frail I am. How could I be an impostor when I look so innocent? Perhaps I should have said I was a nun, something like Saint Barbi…

Ivan looks at me, and his expression says he doesn’t buy my innocent persona. Yep, even nuns would look suspicious to him.

Alas, eventually more soldiers suggest taking a break and he relents.

We find a pasture for our break—a welcome change of scenery from the plague-infested towns we’ve passed through. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a desolate landscape, not even in movies. Willy, ever the thoughtful lad, tried to shield me from the death around. We rode ahead while the soldiers remained to torch what was left behind—including any person who might have been alive.

A shudder goes down my back. I can’t think of this right now. I need to stay focused on my task and find a way to get back home.

“We have a few more hours until we reach the Capital,” Willy tells me as he helps me tie my horse to a tree. “We will get there before it gets dark.”

I let PomPom out of my arms so she can stretch her legs and do her business in the bushes. She runs around, letting out a couple of excited barks.

“That’s good.” Okay, I can do a few more hours. But that also means only a few hours left until we reach the castle and meet the Five. With the lies I’ve told, I will need to be quick on my feet and make up even more lies.

From the corner of my eye, I note Ivan watching me suspiciously. He’s hovering around Willy and me, pretending to stretch his legs, but I can tell he’s eavesdropping on our conversation.

He’s been awful to me the entire journey, at times insinuating what will happen to me once my lies are exposed. Of course, I merely smiled and pretended not to mind his comments, but inside I’ve been freaking out.

With how invested he is in my identity, I have no doubt he’s going to need confirmation from Lady Jocelyn herself that I am her bosom friend as I implied.

“There will be a feast when we get back,” Willy comments. “I can’t wait to have some nice food again.”

“A feast?”

He nods enthusiastically.

“The Queen organizes a feast for the return of the troops. That’s when you’ll meet her, too. She comes to address the soldiers in person. She’s very nice,” he says wistfully.

“I thought I would get a personal audience with her.” I frown.

“No, no.” Willy shakes his head. “The Queen and King have a very strict schedule. It’s because of the plague.” He sighs. “They’re spending all their time trying to figure out a way to stop it. They do not even entertain their friends. The only way to meet the Queen is during the feast. Even with all this chaos, she finds a way to make time for her soldiers,” he adds with a smile. He’s definitely a Lady Jocelyn fanboy.

“I see,” I murmur. So that’s why Ivan has been so adamant about checking my claims. He knows I won’t be able to see her by myself and he will be there to witness everything.

Damn it!

I must find a way to speak with her beforehand to consolidate my ruse. But how? She’s the Queen.

Willy shares a drink with his fellow soldiers while I remain deep in thought.

Who knows what will happen to me if they realize I’ve lied about everything? They might think I’m some type of spy sent to infiltrate the Capital.

I purse my lips. This won’t work. It’s too dangerous. At the same time, it’s imperative I see the Five if I want to get back home.

Hmm…

Maybe I can run away once we enter the Capital? I’m sure I could find my own way to the castle, but how would I get to the Five? The Queen and King are almost out of discussion, but what if I could meet the other three? They might not be as strong as Sir Damien, but surely they would have some insight…

I’m wrenched from my thoughts when I realize that PomPom is no longer in my line of sight. The breath is knocked from my lungs as panic overtakes me. I look around, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

But then I spot a flash of white in a sea of green. She’s in the bushes!

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