Page 38 of Magic of Sins

My gaze goes to the palace garden. It is meticulously laid out and in the dim light of dawn the high hedges appear labyrinth-like and threatening. The smell of damp earth hits my nose. I breathe it in, lean my head out of the window, and feel the tingling cold on my skin.

I have to do something. Anything. Even though I called in sick to Mrs.Byron, I can’t stay away from work for days on end.And Ava will be missing me already, I’m sure. I told her on the phone that I was visiting my foster mother. But she sounded suspicious. I bet she didn’t believe a word I said. I’d never stayed away that long before, certainly not to pay a visit to my old home. I didn’t really want to lie to Ava, but it’s better this way. The less she knows, the less danger I put her in.

I’m up and dressed before the sun has fully risen. I’ve decided to leave the palace to at least get some of my clothes. I just don't feel comfortable in Ophelia’s luxurious skirts and dresses.

I leave my room on quiet soles. No one has forbidden me to move around the palace without an escort. Still, I feel like an intruder. As I walk down the hall, a servant comes my way. He frowns when he catches sight of me.

“Miss Ashton, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Thanks, but I just want to get some fresh air,” I reply evasively.

He doesn’t need to know where I plan on going. But when I move past him, he turns around and doesn’t leave my side. When I look at him questioningly, he tilts his head.

“If you’ll allow me, I’ll escort you to where you’re going,” he says stiffly.

Of course, I should have known I wouldn’t be left to my own devices, free to roam the palace by myself. Sighing, I allow him to accompany me.

It’s still quiet in the palace. Some windows are open to let fresh air in. Birds are chirping, and I instinctively quicken my pace. I know that freedom’s not waiting for me on the other side of that gate. Even if I leave the palace, I’ll always be a caged bird. Someone who has to keep her emotions in check. Watch what she says, what she does, what she thinks at every turn. Just like everyone else. Still, I feel like I won’t be able to breathe freely again until I leave these walls.

At the palace gate I nod to the servant, letting him know thatI will go on alone from here.

“Tell Princess Ophelia that I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” I instruct him.

He hesitates and glances at the guard stationed at the gate as if looking for support from her. He’s probably not sure whether he can let me leave.

“Shall I call you a car, miss?”

“Thank you, that won’t be necessary.”

I’d rather walk and have a little peace and quiet for a few minutes.

Before the servant can reply, I turn and am on my way. The streets of Virtue are already bustling with activity; no one wants to be late for work. I mingle with the men and women making their way with haste, heads bowed. No one pays any attention to me. No one knows I just left the palace and walked through the East End alongside Caden Nox three days ago.

With every step I take, I relax a little more. Today could be a day like any other day. One in which I do my morning shopping at the market before going home to get ready for work. In which I intercept the paperboy at the entrance to the library to take the current issues from him, put them out in the reading room, and take the old ones to the archives.

But today isn’t like any other day, I quickly realize as I turn onto my street and see Caden’s limousine already waiting for me.

I stop abruptly. Why’s he here? How did he know I’m on my way to my apartment? I’m pretty sure he didn’t come here to pay Ava a visit.

The back door of the car opens, but no one gets out. It’s an invitation. One I’ll definitely be declining. Caden’s already gotten me into enough trouble. It’s better if I stay away from him.

Determined, I trudge past the limo toward the front door.

“Kaya,” Caden’s voice rings out from inside the car.

I think I hear a pleading undertone, but maybe I’m just imagining it. In any case, it confuses me so much that I stop on the steps to the front door. I notice the curtains moving in the first-floor window and I’m sure Mrs. Hughes is watching me. If I unlock the door and step into the hallway now, she’ll have a thousand questions.

Sighing, I turn to Caden. He looks almost casual today, with his cotton pants, dark blue shirt, and tousled hair that looks like he’s run his fingers through his blond locks a few too many times.

“I just came to get some clothes,” I say, anticipating his objections.

I’m sure he thinks I’ve left the palace and am returning home for good, defenseless against his enemies. But I’m not stupid. I want to live. Besides, I would never want to put Ava in danger.

“Get in!” Caden growls.

It doesn’t sound pleading now, more like a command. Nevertheless, I get into the limousine with him, knowing full well that Mrs.Hughes will now have a thousandand onequestions.

Caden eyes me up and down as if to make sure I’m still in one piece. His gaze burns like fire on my skin. Involuntarily, I cross my arms in front of my chest. I’m remembering our last encounter, and I wonder if he does too. Is he thinking about how he dragged my half-naked self out of Crime and Punishment? How my chin was coated in strawberry juice and my body trembled with desire and shame?

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