Masquerade

Chapter Twelve

"You made it! I was afraid you were going to back out," Jac greets us, standing up from the bench that has now become so familiar to me. As I get closer to him and the lantern in his hand, I am able to see his appearance more clearly. And once I have this ability, I find myself unable to look away.

Jac does not look like his usual self. The black suit he donned almost every day has been exchanged for a more casual look: black trousers, boots, and a brown cotton shirt. The top's wispy sleeves cover his arms, but the same can't be said for his torso. The shirt dips down, exposing a good portion of his chest and causing me to blush furiously.

Kendry can't seem to look away either, but not for the same reason. He stares with clear disapproval, judging every inch of his outfit. "What are you wearing?"

Jac opens his mouth, ready to retort. But then he stops himself, probably remembering the conversation he had with me about Kendry. "This is my travelling outfit. Ol' reliable. Lightweight and perfect for all kinds of conditions," he explains calmly.

"Here, I made you a cloak. If you want to wear it, that is," I blurt, quickly handing it over.

Jac strokes the fabric approvingly and then looks up, wearing a smile that can be seen clearly even in the shadows. "I love it. Thank you, Fawn."

"Well," I say awkwardly, unsure of how to start this whole thing, "should we go? We'll want to take advantage of the dark as long as we can."

"What are we going to do about him?" Kendry asks, jabbing a finger towards Jac.

"Whatever do you mean?" Jac demands, narrowing his eyes. He was doing so well at being gentle, but apparently something in Kendry's tone set him off again.

"Oh, right. Kendry's talking about the gate. You're not approved to be let into the forest because you're not part of a business," I quickly explain. "I think we should get to the gate, assess the situation, and then make a plan."

Jac looks at me and cocks an eyebrow in surprise. "Look at you being a leader."

"WAIT!"

We all turn, instinctively drawing our weapons at the sound of the unknown voice. I think we're all thinking the same thing: someone discovered our plans and is coming to stop us. But we won't let them.

But as the stranger draws closer, I realize that they don't seem like a threat at all. The figure is clumsy and unthreatening as they run towards us, flailing their arms about dramatically. And once they've stepped into the light, I smile upon realizing that they are practically the least threatening person in the kingdom.

"Wren? What are you doing here?" I cry, running forward and grabbing her hands. "You shouldn't be out here this late."

"Neither should you, but here you are. And I'm coming with you," she announces, lifting her chin defiantly.

"What are you talking about? I thought you said-"

"I know what I said, but I was...ridiculous." She hesitates before that last part. Apologizing has never come easily to her. "You're right, Fawn. You're right about everything. I had some time to think, and I realized that a king who wants to send my grandmother away without explanation is not one I wish to follow. Someone needs to change the way things are, and I want to be a part of that change."

My eyes glow as I look at Wren, thrilled by this new development. Our last conversation didn't end well, so I didn't expect to be this happy to see her again. But I suppose nothing can surprise me these days.