Page 103 of The Enemy's Daughter

In a daze, I retreat back to the safety of my room. It’s not complicated to figure out what’s transpired since last night. Mum’s taken my accusations—my threats—to Father.

Now they’re keeping me imprisoned in this house.

Skies. Did my rebellion hurt Tristan?

It’s all I can do not to slam my bedroom door as my chest rises and falls harshly. I thought amorning strollin daylight would be less suspicious to our border guards than sneaking around in the dark. Especially since I’ll need to wander deep into the forest to search for any Kingsland spies. But now my only hope of delivering this map is to slip out undetected.

Carefully, I inch open the shutters of my window and peer out. Although soldiers aren’t stationed directly outside, they’repatrolling too close by for me not to be caught.

Fates. I bow my head and brace myself against the wall.

There’s a soft knock on my bedroom door, and it opens.

“You put a guard at the door to keep me prisoner?” I don’t turn around to see who it is. It doesn’t matter.

“You’re not thinking right,” Mum says. “You’re distracted.”

“I’m—” I spin around, and my face goes blank at finding my best friend standing beside Mum. “Freia!” Her usual mischievous grin is missing. Her big brown eyes lower with concern to the fresh bandages at my throat.

“Yes,” Mum says. “Mrs. Nastuk finished your dress, and I thought you might like Freia to help you try it on.”

My lips part as she holds up a wedding dress the color of dandelion fluff that somehow also shimmers like water. That material must have cost a fortune in goods with the traders. The design is simple but elegant and reminds me of a dress I once saw on the cover of a novel about an epic romance. The skirt is long, and the neckline in the front drops into a fitted V.

It’s beautiful.

I hate everything it represents.

“We still have a few hours to make adjustments if needed.”

I don’t take it from her, so she places it on a hook in my closet and clears her throat. “You should know the ceremony will be small due to the tensions going on with... It’ll be mostly family and the clan leaders as witnesses. There won’t be a celebration after since no one will be able to stay—except for Liam. The Penners have offered their cabin for your wedding night, and I’m preparing a celebratory dinner so you and Liam can have time alone.”

A restlessness sweeps over me. If I can’t get Tristan out beforethe wedding, I’ll have to marry Liam to buy time. A wedding is one thing, but what comes after it... How do I deal with a honeymoon?

Mum presses her lips together, looking more tentative and unsure than I’ve ever seen her.

“If that’s all?” I ask, my voice hard.

Freia looks like I’ve just ripped off my arm and thrown it for speaking to Mum that way. And just as surprising, Mum tolerates it. She gives Freia an almost nervous glance before leaving. The door closes.

Freia runs a hand over her rows of braids, then laughs to break the awkward tension. “Are you okay?”

My head shakes. “No. I’m not.”

“Is it because of the Kingsland?” She comes closer. “Was it horrible being there?”

“Would you believe you’re the first person to ask me that?”

The fragile stiffness between us collapses at her sad smile. She plows forward and we embrace in a fierce hug. “Yes, I believe it.” She pulls me tighter. “I’ve met your parents.”

“Stars, I’ve missed you.” What a relief it is to have a friend who’s known me forever. One who loves me entirely.

Someone who’s always been willing to help me when I’ve asked.

Of course. Freia could deliver my map to Vador.

An uncomfortable pressure builds in my chest at the thought of asking her to do something so dangerous. She’d be risking her life.

There’s no one else.

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