Page 51 of Chained

“You could leave through Maywin’s room—or even better, through Rufus’ room. Just sneak through the adjoining doors and come to meet me.”

Again, I was struck with concern, but Stralia seemed to read my worry. “I won’t take much of your time, and we can meet in an open space—as long as it’s private. You say that Cade won’t banish me, but you underestimate how much he loves his kingdom. He sees me as a threat, and I don’t blame him. I was acting like a fool when you got here. It was hard for me to let him go.”

“Miss?” Maywin’s voice was too close now, and I decided on the spot as Stralia turned to flee, the panic on her face tangible.

“Meet me in the greenhouse at eight o’clock,” I suggested, letting her run off before Maywin could catch her.

I knew my maid wouldn’t say anything about her being there, but I also respected Stralia’s concern, despite the rocky start we had gotten off to.

“Eight o’clock,” Stralia repeated, rushing away as I pivoted back to steer my servant away.

“Are you all right?” Maywin asked worriedly as I emerged from the shrubs.

“Of course,” I panted, avoiding her inquisitive gaze. “Did you feed the guards?”

I led her toward the waiting basket, my heart pounding.

What could Stralia possibly want with me? And should I really meet her alone?

After the way she had treated me when we’d first met and what had happened at the gala, I had no reason to believe that Stralia had anything but nefarious intentions, arranging for a private meeting that Cade was not aware of.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Maywin breathed. “You’re very distracted.”

I turned to Maywin and exhaled.

“I have something to tell you,” I informed her bluntly. “But you have to swear not to tell anyone unless I don’t return tonight.”

* * *

Stralia’s advice toduck the guards proved sound. I snuck out of Maywin’s room without alerting the guard stationed in front of my room, stealing along the shadows of the corridors toward the back doors where a few staff still remained.

I had learned that whoever manned the security cameras didn’t do a very diligent job, particularly not in the late evening hours, when the activity in the palace was minimal and streaming new episodes of their favorite shows was much more enticing. It was easy to avoid detection when the camera guards assumed that the important faeries were under flesh guard, and I took full advantage of that.

Several times, I stopped to wait for chattering butlers and maids to pass, once for a pair to stop making out, until I was finally outside in the crisp, sweet night air, rushing silently in my favorite running shoes toward the greenhouse. Wearing a dark tank top and matching shorts, I hoped I blended in with the landscape, even against the accent fairy lights which laced through the trees of the pear orchards where the greenhouse sat.

If I were caught, I intended to fib and say I had gone to the kitchen for a snack or out into the yard for a quick run to unwind. There was only the sound of chirping crickets and tireless cicadas motoring endlessly to witness my evening rendezvous.

The moon’s pale halo guided my way, and my senses were on high alert when I stood at the threshold of the greenhouse, my pulse roaring in my ears. I didn’t trust Stralia, and I asked myself why I was doing this, but I had seen a naked desperation in her eyes earlier that made me want to hear her out.

Maywin knew where I was.

And I was fully prepared to wreak a full tornado on her or anyone else if they dared cross me that night.

“Stralia?” I whispered loudly. “Are you here?”

“Miss.” The tall, platinum blonde fae appeared along the rows of green, her work uniform stained with the day’s chores as she again curtseyed formally.

“You really don’t have to do that,” I muttered, embarrassed. “I’m not the queen yet.”

“But you will be soon,” she reminded me, ambling closer, her vivid eyes studying my face closely. “You should get used to others bowing before you. And I could use the practice. It’s been a while since I’ve had to do it.”

I stood in place, unsure of what to make of her tone. It didn’t feel threatening, but how could I be sure? The gala hadn’t felt threatening, either.

“Again, I apologize for the secrecy,” Stralia sighed. “But if the King finds out that I asked for this meeting, he really will be furious. He wants me to leave you both alone.”

I started to shake my head in denial.

“That’s not true, Stralia. Cade told me that he cares for you still,” I insisted. “He wouldn’t be mad that you were speaking to me. I think he’d want us all to be friends… if it were possible.”

---