Page 61 of Keeper of the Word
“M’lady—” Joss started.
“Come now, Joss,” Hux said. “When was the last time you two were able to visit a city without being regarded merely as the Wolf’s lackeys? Would it not be pleasant to have one day of your own?”
Joss exchanged a glance with Barrett.
“For one day, we’ll be ordinary citizens on an ordinary day. Besides, I thought you said Asalle was the most peaceful and safe city on the continent?”
“You are most right aboutthatfact, Deogolian!” Joss said. “The Heart is everything the tales say it is.”
“Then what are you afraid of?” Hux smiled like a barn cat toying with a rodent.
Barrett shrugged at Joss. “We will have the sovereign’s guards.”
“It does sound like a lovely day,” Elanna admitted. “Joss?”
“M’lady, ’tis my duty to?—”
“Aye, aye, we know Dame Joss. But you deserve a day spent in frivolity. Not even a day. Three hours. Four hours.”
“We’d need the sovereign’s permission, of course. As he’s occupied by Lady Wenonah’s impending arrival, I am uncertain ’tis a good idea to inquire.”
“Leave that to me.” Hux smiled.
Early the next morning, Elanna dressed in the simple gown she’d worn to travel. Mayhap she’d draw less attention to herself.Thank the stars it had been laundered. Joss entered the room, carrying a brown muslin cap.
“Here you are, m’lady.” Joss handed it to her. “I’m still not certain this is a good idea.” She surveyed Elanna in her looking glass as she tucked her hair inside the cap. “Hux said that he, Barrett, and the sovereign’s guards would meet us at the servant’s side gate. A peculiar place, don’t you think?”
Elanna adjusted the cap on her head. “How do I look? Like an ordinary person?”
“Nay, m’lady,” Joss said. “You will ne’er look ordinary. But hopefully, the cap will help.” Her eyebrows refused to relax.
When the two entered the courtyard leading to the servants’ gate, they found it void of anyone but Hux and Barrett. Four guards stood near the gate in the distance.
“Where is our escort of sovereign’s guards?” Joss asked, scanning the area.
“Oh, aye,” Hux said, a sly smile combing his face. “You see, yesterday, I decided that we should take the approach of beseeching forgiveness in lieu of permission.”
Joss retreated a step. “Meaning?”
Hux shrugged. “It shall merely be us. But worry not. I do not think we shall need either. I have a plan all laid out. No one shall be the wiser of our absence.”
Elanna gaped.
“Hux,” Barrett said. “We cannot leave.”
“Why not? The gate is directly ahead. Lady, what say you?”
“Do not ask her to make a foolish decision!” Joss said.
Indeed, the gate was directly ahead. And guards didn’t bar people fromleavingthe castle. Elanna readjusted her cap, registering how much she’d been looking forward to these few hours. It was more than any frivolity in store for them at the festival.
Elanna longed to feel as ordinary as possible for one day. Since yesterday, when Hux had suggested attending the festival, she’d thought of little else but walking around as unnoticed and unseen as she’d e’er experienced. The anticipation of a day of enjoyment had made her lose sleep.
The gate opened, and after being validated by the guards, two servants walked up the path toward them. Neither even glanced in Elanna’s direction.
“M’lady, ’tis not too late. We may still beg the sovereign’s permission,” Joss pleaded.
But what if the answer was no?
