Page 118 of A Dagger in the Ivy

He sighs and throws the covers off. My eyes do a slow drift over his magnificent body as he slides his legs over the side of the bed and starts to get dressed.

“I want to believe there’s a chance. He seems to be in pretty deep,and apparently the tsar has been making him promises that Torbin finds irresistible. It’s going to take a lot to convince him to walk away from that.”

I adjust my blouse, tucking it in. “And if we can’t?”

Dante buttons his shirt, a grave look on his face. “I don’t know. But we have to try. I don’t want to give up on him.”

Dante’s resolve is admirable. His refusal to give up on Torbin speaks to the depth of his loyalty. It’s one of the qualities I’ve come to respect about him, this unyielding hope that there’s still good in his brother. But deep down, I’m not so sure Torbin can be saved. Though the doubt gnaws at me, I keep these thoughts to myself, not wanting to crush the hope that keeps Dante going. He’s already carrying so much.

I return at noon, guiding Thora carefully through the narrow, shaded paths that lead through the forest to the stables. It’s a familiar, secret trail that Torbin and I used to use when we were kids. I’m not sure many know about it, because I never see guards patrolling the area. Thora’s hooves are muffled by the thick underbrush, her dark coat blending with the shadows.

My mind and heart are filled with apprehension as I try to figure out how to unravel this web I’ve been caught in. Dante stayed at his manor but said he would also try to come up with some kind of feasible plan. I can only hope that between the two of us, an idea sparks.

As Thora and I near the stables, I pause, peering around the corner to ensure no one is nearby. Once I’m sure no one is around, I lead her into the cool, dim space, where she nickers softly, sensing the quiet urgency in my movements. I rub her neck, calming her as I quickly unbuckle her saddle and bridle, storing them out of sight. I fetch water for her and give her a final pat, leaving her to rest.

As I slip out the stable door, I bump into someone. My heart lurches into my throat, and my stomach twists. But my breath returns to me when I realize it’s Jasper, the stablehand who looks after Thora.

He eyes me curiously, but his expression softens as he recognizes me. “Your Highness, you’re back.”

“Yes.” I hold a hand to my neck, registering only now that Torbin or his men could have questioned Jasper and discovered that my horse had been gone the entire night. “Jasper, did anyone notice that Thora wasn’t in the stable last night?”

“No one besides me, Your Highness. No one visited the stable since yesterday afternoon.”

My heart lightens with relief. It occurs to me that the stables and stablehands could be useful to me in my time of need. In lieu of riding to the Garrison myself, I could send someone to deliver a message, to get help. But I don’t know if anyone is able to pull off the job.

At this point, I’m desperate and have to take a chance. “Jasper, do you ride? I mean long journeys, across lands?”

“Yes, I do.” Pride straightens his shoulders. “I have.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Would you be in any kind of trouble if you were to disappear for a couple of days?”

His eyes widen. “‘Disappear’?”

“I need a message sent to my uncle in Delasurvia. But I need it sent discreetly.” I hold my breath, waiting for him to react. In essence, I’m asking him to betray his king, and for all I know, Jasper might be a man who is completely faithful to the crown. In this moment, between breaths, Jasper’s reaction could decide my fate.

Jasper inclines his head. “It would be my honor, Your Highness.”

The sigh of relief that leaves my chest scratches at my throat. “You have my thanks, Jasper. Would you happen to have parchment at hand? And some ink?”

“Yes.” He bounces on his toes, running past me into the stables.

I check my surroundings, hoping there are no nosey courtiers nearby, until Jasper reappears. He hands me the parchment and ink, and I crouch down, quickly jotting down a message to my uncle. I’m unable to explain everything on the small piece of paper, but I write down the most important points.

My fingers tremble as I clutch the parchment tightly once I’m done,the weight of my message heavy on my conscience. I hold out the parchment, my hands trembling. “Jasper, It’s urgent.”

With a nod, he takes the parchment from my outstretched hand. “Of course, Your Highness. I’ll prepare a horse and see that it reaches him safely.”

“Thank you, Jasper. I won’t forget your kindness.” I offer him a small smile as I turn and head toward the castle.

With each step, I feel the weight of the kingdom’s fate resting on my shoulders. The hood of my cape conceals my face, shielding me from prying eyes as I hurry to the kitchen entrance. It’s the route Torbin and I would use when we snuck in and out of the castle, stealing treats for our childhood excursions. Every nerve in my body is on edge, every sense heightened as I listen for any sign of danger.

The castle is busy at this time of day, with servants and guards bustling about, so I keep close to the walls, slipping through less-traveled corridors. I turn my head away as I pass two guards, hunching slightly to throw off the scent of who I am. When I reach the corridor where the hidden passageway is located, I check over my shoulder once more.

With my ears perked, I lift the tapestry that conceals the entrance and press my hand to the familiar stone. It gives way, revealing the narrow staircase that leads up to my room. My heart pounds as I ascend, each step bringing me closer to safety. The passage is cool and damp, the air thick with the scent of earth and old stone, but I move quickly, my mind focused on reaching my chamber before anyone notices my absence.

When I pull open the secret door to my room, I spot Nadya sitting on my bed. She gasps when she sees me and jumps up, her hand held to her heart.

“Celeste!”

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