Page 88 of Decoy

“It’s one thing to threaten her, but to also be so disrespectful towards Their Majesties…” Though in truth I’d found great satisfaction in the exchange.

“Think of it as a calling card, my dear.”

Assassins certainly took a thrill in living dangerously. “To be fair, I did earn my sentence.” It was almost worse knowing I only had myself to blame for my predicament…which only increased my determination to be the one to claw my way out to freedom.

“A trivial detail that matters little to me. Whether or not it was deserved, I want you to live, Blair.” All previous amusement vanished as his smoldering gaze met mine.

My heart swelled. “I want to live too…for you.” How different it felt to choose life for the sake of love rather than revenge. I wanted to live the remainder of my days continuously chasing after this feeling…but first I had to earn my pardon.

“Luckily, you have an assassin on your side whose mission is to ensure you live a full life.”

“Assassin or not, I’m content so long as I haveyoubeside me.”

His expression gentled with a look like he might kiss me if time weren’t so pressing, but he couldn’t seem to resist at least settling for a tender brush across my cheek.

Halfway up the staircase twisting towards the foyer, Luke suddenly tensed, rapidly withdrew his dagger, and pressed me against the wall behind him. I peered around him to find the princess halfway up the steps, accompanied by her regal companion and Guard Silas.

Luke narrowed his eyes, instantly suspicious. “Come to rescind on your agreement already?”

At his threatening tone Guard Silas tensed, while the regal man stepped protectively closer to rest one hand on the base of her back, the other hovering above the hilt of his sword.

Princess Evelyn’s cheeks pinked. “I would never go back on my word. Was a written pardon sealed with the royal insignia truly not enough?”

“Forgive us if previous experience makes us wary about how the royal family values their promises, especially in regards to prisoners. No matter their crimes, they’re still human.”

“A fine speech coming from an assassin.” Guard Silas pushed towards the front to stand protectively in front of the princess, sword raised in silent challenge.

Luke’s jaw tightened as if he had a barrage of retorts he was prepared to throw like daggers, but before he could offer the first blow, Princess Evelyn hastily lifted her hand.

“Time is too pressing for us to argue.”

“Isn’t that why you’re here?” Luke demanded.

She hesitated a moment, as if nervous to divulge her true purpose, before determinedly lifting her chin. “On the contrary. I want to help.”

Surprised, I edged out from behind Luke’s shielding stance, but before I could ask how she intended to do that, Luke’s derisive snort interrupted.

“We refuse to be persuaded by empty sentiments. What’s your true motive?”

She frowned. “You doubt me?”

“Naturally. Your assistance would defeat the entire purpose of a decoy.”

Princess Evelyn faced me, her expression earnest. “I know you have no reason to believe me, but I didn’t ask for anyone to risk their life on my behalf. I’ve been uneasy about it ever since I learned of it. As a princess, I want to face whatever threat infiltrates my kingdom…even if it’s against me directly. My magic would only prove useful in apprehending the one seeking my life. Please allow me to help.”

Luke remained unconvinced, but I recognized the resolution glistening in her eyes. Though I had no reason to trust her, my constant weight of doubt had long since exhausted me. I was tired of fighting every battle alone, and although Luke was an able partner, even his shadow powers couldn’t make up for the princess’s magic or her experience with the threat we were currently after.

But there was also another reason. There was no greater sense of powerlessness than to feel as if your life was trapped in another’s control. My role as a stranger, decoy, and most of all prisoner with my own selfish motives gave her little reason to trust herself solely to my care. After all the effort I’d expended fighting for my own life, I couldn’t help but want to grant another the opportunity to take their fate in their own hands.

Her bravery seemed sincere, along with her determination to prove herself. Against my better judgement a flare of admiration stirred my breast.

I evenly met the princess’s gaze. “We accept your help.” Luke made to protest, but I brushed his arm. “In the end it’s my life I’m fighting for, so I will weigh every option with its potential risk to choose the best path for how I wish to secure my freedom.”

At my sincerity, Luke conceded the fight with a sigh. But though he offered his reluctant cooperation, he didn’t lower his guard. His attention darted towards the shadows slithering along the floor.

“Keep an eye on them,” he murmured, too quietly for the princess’s entourage to hear, but the secrecy proved unnecessary when he kept his knife drawn, a visible sign of his blatant distrust.

Princess Evelyn motioned to her companions. “This is my guard, Silas, and Prince Ryland of Brimoire, my husband…or rather, myformerhusband.” She gave the last introduction rather wistfully. Their intimacy made the nature of their relationship surprising, but I didn’t care enough to press the matter.

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