“When Ella told me… I knew you wouldn’t want to leave, so I thought…” He nudged the blankets in my arm.
There was a burning in the back of my throat.
“Thank you, Ian,” I whispered.
“It’s nothing.”
The mage cast another glance at Darren and then back at me. He noticed my stare and gave the slightest nod with his chin.
Then he turned and left, without looking back.
I spread the blanket across Darren’s legs and my own. The second healer knelt to my side and saw to my wounds.
I hardly noticed the pain.
It was only as I was drifting to sleep that my fingers brushed a bit of parchment tucked tightly into the folds of my blanket.
The last thing I remembered was Ian’s nod, and then I closed my fist around the paper and drifted to sleep.
*
I know you are planning something. Whatever it is, I want to help.
-Ian
I read the words over and over again. It was late into the night, and the guards had grown lax, content to chatter amongst themselves instead of watching the rest of us for hours on end. They had our weapons, and there was only one exit to the dungeon; they weren’t concerned.
Planning something… Want to help.
Darren tossed and turned at my side. A fever had broken out within hours of Alex’s casting. My brother was still seeing to Darren’s healing—constantly assuring me that the fever was a good sign, that he could now fight off infection on his own—but most of Alex’s treatment had changed to that of a court physician.
We had to let the fever run its course.
Darren’s side of the blanket was soaked with sweat. He alternated between shivers and burning skin. He cried out in his sleep. Every time he did, it was like a dagger to the chest.
Only this time I couldn’t save him.
No magic.
My fingers dug into the blanket. I’d never felt so helpless in my life.
I took a shuddering breath as I repeated the lines, again.
Planning something… Want to help.
Was it a test for Priscilla and the rebels? Or did Ian truly want to help?
Did it even matter?
My pulse pounded in my throat.
I knew what I had to do.
*
Seven hours later, I was ready. I hated leaving Darren, but I didn’t have a choice. Plotting and gathering support would do more than pining away while he slept.
Alex and Ella helped me back to my chamber in silence. I knew they were worried about me. I had refused to eat or drink anything since I awoke, but there were more pressing things on my mind.
What I was about to say next, I couldn’t risk being overheard. But first…
“Alex.” I addressed my twin as soon as he shut the door. “Can you find Ian?”
“I knew it,” he muttered. “You are planning something, aren’t you?”
“Please.”
“You trust him?”
I didn’t have a choice; I needed all the help we could get. What I was planning… it would be a miracle in itself. And Ian had shown true regret. He had also fought for me against the rebels. That would have to be enough. “Yes.”
Twenty minutes later, my brother was back, Ian in tow.
“You got my note?”
There was a knot in my stomach, and it wouldn’t go away. I nodded.
Ian took a spot next to Alex against the door. His fingers flickered momentarily, bright as he cast a barrier for sound just in case anyone was listening on the other side.
“What I want to ask you all”—my fingers twisted in my lap—“I have no right to ask. It’s treason and I can’t promise we won’t get caught.”
No one spoke.
“I want to help Darren escape. I want to get him out of Jerar, and I’m going with him.” I met each one of their eyes. “If you want to walk away, I’ll understand. I just ask that you keep this plan between us. Give me a chance to do it myself.”
“Are you really ready to exile yourself and live in hiding the rest of your life?” Alex fought to keep a neutral expression, and failed. “Priscilla and Horrace will send men to find you. It’s dangerous and”—his hands fisted at his sides—“if you are caught… Ry, I don’t want to lose you again. I-I already thought I lost you once. And after Derrick…”
The knot in my chest expanded and I bit down on my cheek, hard. I knew what I was doing was selfish. Gods, I’d nearly lost myself when Derrick died. How could I subject Alex to my own death, twice?
And how could I not—for Darren?
“But what about Jerar?” Ella’s words were quiet. “What will happen if King Horrace finds out Darren escaped? Emperor Liang and King Joren might not care, but Horrace will. And the treaty would be void.”
I exhaled. The truth was she was right. I didn’t want Caltoth to turn its back on a potential alliance with Jerar… but Horrace had been a peacemaker for decades. Perhaps nothing would come of it.
“Horrace will be at the execution.” Ian cleared his throat. “Are you planning the break out then?”
“It’s the only chance I’ll get.”