Page 118 of Drawn in Blood
Ember tilted her head. She wished she had half the courage the Odette seemed to.
“We have company,” Killian whispered, as he nodded his head to the front on the room.
Ember felt the air shift as Helvig and her mother entered the room, gliding down the staircase like it was something that came naturally. She stiffened as she turned away, focusing on her friends, and praying they didn’t come up to talk to her. Rowan walked up to the table, her red dress flowing around her ankles, brown curls falling over her shoulders. She smiled at Ember, but her face immediately shifted when she saw the way Fen was looking at her.
“I was really hoping this was some sort of sick joke,” he mumbled, as she walked up to the trio, “but I suppose we couldn’t get that lucky.”
“It’s wonderful to see you too, Fenrir,” Rowan cooed, as she adjusted the bracelet on her wrist. “Still just as inconspicuous as ever I see.”
Fen pulled at his sleeves, the midnight black he and Killian were wearing in stark contrast with the spring colors everyone else seemed to have on. “And you’re still a raging bitch I see,” he spat.
Ember slapped him in the arm and gave him a look.Don’t start.
She started it,he seemed to say as his eyes narrowed.
“I find your obvious disdain for me so refreshing.” Rowan smiled back.
“Obvious?” Fen laughed. “And I was trying so hard to hide it.”
“Can we continue this little reunion later?” Ember asked, as she made to step in between them. “We have work to do.”
Rowan’s eyes widened a hair as she scanned the group. “Quinn?”
“Hello, Rowan.” Odette smiled, any surprise at the girl in front of her not evident on her face. “It’s so lovely to see you again.”
“I’m going to check that everything is ready in the garden.” Rowan shook her head, nodding toward the other side of the room. “Meet you in the dungeons in two hours?”
Ember nodded as Rowan left, moving to make sure everything was in place. The distraction would take place in the gardens, hopefully pulling everyone's attention away from the ballroom and outside. Ember wasn’t sure exactlyhowRowan planned to distract everyone, but she knew it would be nothing short of extravagant.
“We will only have a few minutes to get out of the room and to the dungeon after Rowan gives the signal,” Ember lowered her voice, as she talked to the boys and Odette. “We have to be focused, clear headed. Whatever you do, stayawayfrom the whiskey.” She eyed Fen, who carefully set his glass on the table behind him, wiping the amber liquid off his mouth.
“So, what’s the signal?” he asked, as he cleared his throat and stuck his hands in his pockets.
“When we get to the dungeons,” she ignored his question, “we will have maybe ten or fifteen minutes before we’re missed. We have to let Aesira out, then get the children and make our way through the tunnels.”
“Okay,” Fen nodded, “but what’s the signal?”
“I don’t know how long the tunnels are, the map doesn’t give specifics,” Ember continued, “so we’ll need to go quickly and quietly. I don’t know what’s down there. I’m going to go make an appearance with my mother and Helvig and then find Theo,” she said, as she sucked in a breath. “Try to mingle and not act suspicious.”
Killian nodded with a grin. “I’ll come with you. A princess needs an escort.”
Ember scrunched her nose but didn’t argue.
“But what’s the signal?” Fen whispered hoarsely, as they walked away, but they didn’t turn around to answer, leaving Odette to handle him on her own.
“Oh, Ember, love,” Aoife cooed, as she and Killian walked toward them. “Don’t you look lovely.” She brushed a lock of hair over Ember’s shoulder, smoothing the sleeves of her dress. “The tiara fits perfectly.”
“A gownandtiara fit for a princess.” Helvig grinned. “How are you enjoying your first Ostara celebration?”
Ember gritted her teeth, forcing a smile. “It’s lovely. Thank you, Granda’.” She nodded.
Killian squeezed her hand in his—an unspoken promise.
I’m here.
“Mum,” she continued, “you remember Killian Vargr?”
“I do.” Aoife smiled. “How lovely to see you Killian. Are your parents here?”
