♔𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝒮𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉♔

~4~

"Okay, so. Here's the plan." I say. I made an entire speech about this, but I was blanking. I should have made notecards. Or posters. Focus, Ember. "You're going to help me sneak out, and we're going to talk to the rebels."

"And why would I do that? Raine replies, coldly. "Sneaking out of the castle not only risks my job, but your safety."

"So we don't get caught."

"Your highness, this is ridiculous."

"Fine, then I'll just have to go alone," I say, turning towards my office door.

"I can't let you do that." She says sternly, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"You know that I'm going anyway." I say, turning back to face her. "Either you come to ensure my safety, or I risk it all and go alone. The choice is yours."

"Fine." She says, dropping her hand. "But if we get into danger, and I need to get you out, you better listen to me."

"I promise."

...

East Courtyard, Midnight. The note said. It was slid under my door during the hour spent with my family during lunch.

I needed to get packing. If all went well, we'd be back in a day or two. I packed two spare sets of simple clothes, simple pants and a t-shirt, as well as some toiletries. I planned to snag some leftover food from the kitchens after dinner.

While I was snagging some maps from the schoolroom, I noticed Elliot was there. He sat at his usual desk in the corner, nose in a book.

"You're up to something, aren't you, Em?" He says, closing his book.

"No." I say, trying to sound confident.

"Riiight," He says, crossing his arms.

"Can have a favor?" I ask, sliding into the chair next to him. "I need you to cover for me, only for a day or two!"

"Why?" He asks, his brown eyes staring into my green ones.

"I can't say that exactly."

"Whatever," He picks back up his book. "I'll tell Mom and Dad you've got the flu or something."

"You're the best little brother ever!" I say, throwing my arms around him.

"I know," He says. "Don't get into too much trouble."

I skip out the door, maps in hand. Now I just needed to get through dinner.