Destined for Deception ✔️

Chapter 15

Cerise leant against a tree, not bothering to look around her. The forest was dark and her other senses served her much better than her eyes. She heard him before he stepped into her view. Snapping twigs, the rustling of leaves, his relaxed breathing.

Had there ever been a time where these midnight-meetings inspired nerves in either one of them, they had by then done it often enough that it was just another chore.

"Cerise." His voice was as calm as it ever was, a hint of a smile dancing in his pitch.

"Any news?"

They met every week, sometimes more often, sometimes less often, depending on the situation. Lately they had been seeing each other almost every other day. There was loads to discuss. He was her informant in the castle. His inside knowledge was crucial to the movement of her operation.

"Not much has changed," he said. He leant against a tree not far removed from hers, looking her over. "Bringing Corbin to the castle was a risky move. Don't tell me you still have a soft spot for the guy."

She'd punch him if he wasn't such an integral part of her plan.

"I don't. Has he talked?"

"No. Won't be long before Alder resorts to heavier methods of interrogation. The only reason he's holding back now is because of your kid. Wouldn't surprise me if he started silvering the guy tomorrow. What is your plan with this, anyway? Surely it would've been easier to just kill him."

"I still have a use for him."

His gaze flitted over her face, undoubtedly to judge her sanity. "Alright. I hope you know what you're doing. This plan has been nearly sixty years in the making. We've come too far to give up now."

"I know. I have everything under control."

"I believe you. You've never failed me before. I just hope that the stress isn't finally getting to you."

"Keep talking if you want to lose some teeth."

He raised both hands. "You have as much bite as that daughter of yours. She's a royal pain in my ass." He grinned. "You get it? Royal."

"If you're letting Jade stand in your way, then I should be the one worrying about you."

"You haven't been around the kid in a long time, Cerise. She's not the weak-hearted girl you remember her being. I told you she's been taking classes from a human, didn't I? She's getting rather good."

"I don't care how good she is, our plan is better. Is she onto you?"

"Please. She has no clue. But that won't last. She's clever, and her gift is a threat. I would be far more comfortable if she were not in my way. The sheer fact that you tried killing her and failed says enough, doesn't it?"

"No. Her survival was not due to any strength of her own. I underestimated Ryleigh's regard for her, not Jade's strength. But if she's such a threat to you, then kill her." Cerise cocked her brows. "You complain that I wasn't able to do it, so go ahead and do it yourself."

"I can't. If she sees me coming – and she will – then my cover is blown. Besides, there's something you should know. I picked up a rumour yesterday, and it changes things."

Cerise regarded the man in front of her. "Well? Are you going to tell me or do you want me to guess?"

"I doubt you'd guess it. Jade's pregnant."

Cerise allowed herself a few seconds to let the information sink in. "You're sure?"

"When has my information ever proven wrong?"