Page 79 of A Tale of Treachery

Taking in a shaky breath, I backed out of the closet and closed the door behind me, locking away the atrocious sight.

Aiden had cemented my position as his mistress, his bitterness and resentment reflected in the style that he expected me to wear.

He wanted to dress me like a harlot.

I ventured over to my bed, where I’d made sure to hide a few outfits, sighing in relief when soft leather met my hands beneath the bed skirt. They hadn’t been able to get rid of all my clothing.

Grabbing a pair of pants, a tunic, and a cloak, I walked over to Gabriella and handed her the clothing. “Have George escort you back to your quarters. He won’t be able to deny your request. I’ll sneak away while he walks with you. Put on this outfit and exit your room when he leaves. Make sure to pull the hood over your face. Take the servant’s stairs at the end of the hallway and meet me in the stables.”

Gabriella’s forehead wrinkled. “Won’t we get in trouble if we’re caught?”

“Definitely. That’s why we can’t be caught,” I said with a wink.

She grinned mischievously and turned to the door. “It shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve known George since I was a child. He and Brandon often accompanied the prince on his visits to New Hazel. George willdefinitelyescort me back to my rooms.”

Her words didn’t register until she opened the door and George drew in a breath like he’d been punched in the gut. I watched as she requested to be escorted back to her quarters, and he was quick to oblige, smiling from ear to ear, the request lighting up his face in a way it never had before.

Oh. My. Gods.

Gabriella’s face flushed as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and giggled, while George watched, a look on his face he’d never given a woman.

That little—heliked her. George cared about Gabriella. All the puzzle pieces fell into place as I finally realized what he’d been up to. He wanted Aiden to be distracted with me, leaving him free to pursue the future queen.

I was going to kill him.

Later.

I threw on my green scholar’s cloak and pulled the hood over my face, a wicked smile on my lips. Now that there was something to hold over George’s head.

I laughed out loud.

I’d finally found a way to gain a little flexibility and freedom.

Aiden wanted me to behave and stay out of trouble while he was away.

Well, I’d show him trouble.

CHAPTER29

“This is so exciting!” Gabriella squealed, clapping her hands as if she were having the time of her life.

We hadn’t even made it to the tavern yet.

Gabriella had met me in the stables, bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement, thrilled that she’d escaped the palace. She was elated after we scaled the wall and landed on the other side, claiming that she felt unstoppable, like she could do anything, be anyone.

Once we entered the forest, Gabriella’s eyes widened, taking in its unique details. She stopped and touched a petrified tree, reaching up to pluck a crystal flower to place behind her ear. The bloodred color of the flower was reflected in the moonlight, complementing her deep brown hair and tan skin, making her look like she belonged.

“I’ve never seen anything like this! This place is amazing!”

I chuckled. “Most people are afraid of the Scourged Forest, hence its name.”

“Well, I think it’s the most magical place in the world,” she said, twirling in a circle, her cloak spreading out like wings.

“I agree.” I nudged her with my shoulder, her laughter lighting up parts of me that I’d thought long dead.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself smiling wider than I had in a very long time. Life hadn’t been the same since Eulalia disappeared, and it was nice to have a genuinely nice person to spend time with. This new friendship was unexpected. I thought she’d be spoiled or despise me at the very least. I never expected the Princess of New Hazel to have a wild streak and an unquenchable thirst for freedom.

My heart skipped a beat when we reached the clearing where Eulalia and I often met, and I yearned to see my friend again. I wanted to know what she was doing, how life was on the run. But more than anything, I wanted to tell her that the fae she’d admired from afar for so long had turned out to be her destined mate. I wished I could go back in time and undo my wrongs, fix what was broken between us, because an apology would never be enough.

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