Lies of the Line

Chapter 4

I didn't sleep much that night. It wasn't because I was afraid. I was too distracted to feel any fear. I laid awake for hours sorting through the details that had been hastily rattled off to me at dinner.

"Greyson is the leader of the rebellion, and we are all right-hand men so to speak. We're the elders." Adrienne explained.

"How many people are in the rebellion?" She pondered an answer for a beat.

"Too many to count." Greyson spoke for her.

I rolled onto my back, turning my head to glance at her sleeping figure before glancing at the sundial perched at the edge of the room. The stars were out, a gray haze had settled on the horizon and I knew that morning had to be close. My unease had risen after I had been informed of the plan. We would wait for the queen to answer us to set up our timetable, then if the time allowed, we would travel back to Lamorence, so I could gather my things and check on Father before I would have to come back to Accomes and wait for my meeting with the queen.

If she even allows one.

I had been promised that she would at least hear what I had to say, but going on the fact that I had never met her and my father did not get along well with his siblings, I was skeptical.

I sighed, shifting to my left side to look at the moonlight as it streaked across the floor. I closed my eyes and with the thoughts of all to come, fell into a dreamless sleep.

Bang, bang, bang. I jumped at the sound of knocking. Adrienne was already out of bed when I rolled over and opened my eyes. From my sideways perspective, I could see she was talking to Jax. I sat up in bed and waited for her to finish her hushed conversation and close the door before I got out of bed and stretched. I grabbed my bag and pulled it open before grabbing my clothes and I laid them on the bed. Adrienne left without a word

After I had finished getting dressed and was sitting on the bed braiding my hair Jax had come down the hall. His slow, relaxed pace echoed down the hall alerting me of his presence before he knocked on the door. Adrienne had gone into town to meet with someone and left me alone. I rose from the bed and walked to the door before opening it.

"I have your reply." He held out a white envelope with my name written beautifully on the front. I tore it open as quickly as I could and unfolded the page inside, not stopping to let him in.

Dear Lilac,

I hope this reaches you in good time and that you will be able to plan accordingly. I have accepted your request and would like to speak with you in three days. Your previous letter said you needed to warn me of a danger that I may be in and I would like to do what I can to help stop it. I have heard of my brother's illness as well and I am hoping he regains his health soon.

I look forward to speaking with you,

Queen Adira of Cephille

"She said I am to meet her in three days. I'll ride home today to get an idea of what's happening." I stepped back into the room.

I set the letter on the circular, wooden table next to my bed as I gathered my belongings and met Jax back at the door. "I'll be back by tonight if I leave right away." He moved out of the way, shutting the door behind me as I strode toward the stairs.

"Your travel partner is waiting for you in the stables." Jax told me once I'd reached the top step.

"Thanks." I smiled as I bounded down the stairs. The front room was empty compared to the evenings. Most people had left to celebrate the first day of winter or sightsee.

Cora waved goodbye to me as I walked through the room and out the door.

"I'll be back soon." I called behind me. I turned right and Griff stood in the road beside a familiar-looking horse, but I wasn't sure who he belonged to until Greyson stepped out from behind him.

"Where's Adrienne?" I asked as I strapped my bag to Griff and mounted him.

"She's in town. I'm going with you." My mood fell once the words registered in my mind. I had to travel with not only a stranger but the head of a rebellion that wanted to overthrow my kingdom.

"Be a bit faster then. I haven't got all day." I set off down the street with that.

He caught up with me after a minute or so, but he trailed behind me letting me take the lead. The stones faded into an earth path and the buildings became lesser and lesser as we went on. After several minutes we were no longer in the capital. Trees and bushes walled us in as we went along. The next town was miles away and with how little time we had we couldn't stop at all. The shade made the already cool air colder, and I found myself begging the sun to rise above the trees and warm up the small forest road. Clouds began circling over the tops of the trees and I worried it might rain. Greyson quickened his pace until his horse was trotting alongside Griff.

"Do you think they'll let you back in?" A hint of humor laced itself into his voice.

"They can't stop me from coming in. I am still my father's daughter." I pushed Griff into a canter, leaving Greyson a few feet behind me.

He just picked up his own pace until he matched mine. "That's a bit rude don't you think? I'm just trying to make conversation. You can't want to sit in silence for hours." He quipped.

"I would prefer that to your stupid questions." I retorted.

"I was taught that there are no stupid questions." This was the most I had heard him speak without being a stick in the mud. His newfound want for conversation knew no end. I blew a frustrated sigh out through my nose and bit back the comments bubbling in my throat.

The wind picked up and pushed the tree branches into a rough sway as they were whipped back and forth, and blew the pieces of hair that had escaped my braid around my face. The wind whipped at my face until my cheeks and nose had turned red from the harsh cold. The wind only became more robust as we traveled along almost like the winter was telling us to turn back and not travel to warmer kingdoms.

"You packed light." Greyson spoke from beside me as a chill ran down my spine.

"Great observation. Do you want a cookie?" I pushed Griff faster and hoped to get out of the cold soon.

"We should stop in Silipas. it's the next town over, we should get something to eat while we are there." Greyson suggested from behind me, ignoring my comment.

"No. We don't have time. I have to be there today." I rejected.

"Oh, why not? They have the best food in Accomes, plus I'm hungry and you're snappy because you're hungry as well, we should stop by for a few minutes." He pressed, matching my pace once more so he was next to me.

"I am not snappy. You just annoy me, and I do not have time to stop." I said in hopes he would drop the topic and we could make it to Nyer before sunset.