Page 44 of A Petal in the Crown

"Wake up, Emma. We’re leaving in ten minutes. Gather whatever you need. We might not be back," Erik ordered through the door.

The urgency in Erik’s voice sent a ripple of dread down her spine, but Emma forced herself to move, swinging her legs out of bed. The icy stone floor bit into her skin, the cold creeping up her bones. She shivered, wishing she could curl back under the covers and escape back into herdreamless slumber. But this was war. She would rest once Alaric was dead.

"I’ll be out soon," she called, voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside her. She quickly pulled on a riding dress, its fabric familiar and worn, and slid her feet into her soft, weathered boots. They, too, had seen their share of journeys.

But hopefully that would change soon. Emma wanted nothing more than to stay in one place for a while, close to her friends, and, most importantly, safe. She grabbed her satchel—the one she’d kept packed and sitting by the door since they’d arrived at the castle.

Emma hadn’t been able to shake the idea that they might have to leave at a moment's notice, and so she’d prepared, her paranoia and anxiety paying off.

She glanced around her room, eyes sweeping over the few things she would leave behind—books on the windowsill, too heavy to carry, and clothes that would be of no use on the road. There was no room for sentiment. A light pack would reduce her burden as they traveled. Though she couldn’t help but hope her things would be waiting for her if they returned.

Whenwe return,she reminded herself, turning and throwing open the door.

"Shit!" Emma said, nearly jumping out of her skin when she found Thomas standing just on the other side, fist raised and ready to knock.

"Sorry!"

"Thomas! Gods, you scared me!"

His expression softened, and he lowered his hand. "I— Um… Do you need any help?"

Emma shook her head, but his eyes latched onto the satchel. It was light, easy to carry, but she could feel from Thomas that he needed to dosomething. Help in some way, so she held it out to him. "Do you know what's going on? Where are we going?" she asked.

"I'm not sure." He took the satchel and slung it over his shoulder. "Do you have your dagger?"

"In there." Emma pointed to the bag.

"Perfect. Ready?" Thomas held out his hand, and Emma took it. It warmed her chest the way his face relaxed at her contact, and together, they hurried toward the main gates.

As they moved quickly through the hallways, Emma's mind raced. "Do you think they found him?" she asked softly, her voice so fragile it reminded Emma of glass.

"I hope so," Thomas gave her a sideways look, his steps slowing as they approached Lea and Gray sitting atop their horses.

"Has something happened?" Thomas asked.

Gray nodded. "Evangeline had a vision. We’re leaving for Howen. We think Alaric might be there."

Emma’s stomach dropped at the thought. Of course, they needed to find Alaric. It was the only way to end this war. But going after him so brazenly made her pause. As if sensing her discomfort, Thomas squeezed her hand.

"It’ll be okay," he promised, leading her toward two unoccupied horses, already saddled and ready. With a boost beneath her feet, Emma plopped onto the saddle and settled in, stifling a yawn.

"I'm so fucking tired," Janelle said from beside her where she sat with Erik on top of Cinnamon, her eyes heavy as if she, too, had been woken from a deep slumber.

Emma looked at the dark sky, wondering what time it was, guessing that it was the early morning hours before what should be sunrise. Would they be able to find their way in the dark? Anticipation and anxiety grewin Emma’s chest as she watched Vincent speaking with Gray and Tanad in hushed tones.

Gray turned to Thomas. "You brought weapons?"

"All that I could carry," he said, gesturing to the bag now hooked to his saddle. "Daggers mostly."

"That should be enough. Are we ready?" Gray asked Lea, sitting up straighter, and she nodded.

Another bolt of anxiety worked its way through Emma’s chest, wrapping around her heart and threading through her ribs.

Gray turned to Vincent. "This is a reconnaissance mission, to start. Once we’re certain where Alaric is, we’ll send for the rest of the troops in their entirety. Every last one of them."

"We’ll be ready," Vincent answered, tucking his thumb inside his fist and placing it over his heart. Gray returned the gesture, then turned Obsidian to face the portcullis. Lea moved to his side, and they shared a look, so full of fear and passion and fury that Emma had to look away.

Erik led Cinnamon over to them, positioning himself and Jenelle to Thomas’s left.

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