BLOOD OF KHARIS

CHAPTER 56: MISTRESS

Esme walks up towards the entrance of the castle gates only for Isaac to drag her back, hiding her behind a tree in the bushes.

"Isaac-"

"Are you sure about this?" 

"No, but there is no other way."

"Let's go back and come up with a better-"

"We do not have the time or the luxury to do that. People are dying, Kharis needs our help."

"I know."

Esme looks at him in the eyes before releasing a sigh. "Look, my friend has assured me that no one would notice the staff change. There are hundreds of people that work in this castle"

"Once you have the diary, get out of there."

"What about the book they used to exchange messages in the library?"

"It is too risky. Whichever you find first, take it, send me the signal, and get out. I will meet you at our agreed spot behind the castle."

"Alright."

"You said you know how to get out from behind the castle despite the walls-"

"Yes, I do!"

She doesn't, but she'll find a way.

He nods in response, prompting her to turn around and head out of the bushes, but he turns her back to him again, fear written all over his face.

"Don't die"

"..."

"Esme"

"I'll try," with that, she turns around walking up to the castle gates, meeting the guard that stands there. The two exchange a couple of sentences, before she is allowed to pass.

***

"I could have remained in Lord Leonidas' manor," Greta says to the wearh behind her on the horse.

"I know," his deep rich voice replies.

An uncomfortable silence rests between Greta and the wearh before she continues.

"Then why?"

Cassiel had left Ambrose in charge of the manor as soon as Esme and Isaac departed. It took only a few minutes for Esme to concoct her plan, as time was running out. Cassiel, though one of the strongest in the king's army, cannot protect the manor alone once the time comes, so he left to get reinforcements. That is where both of them are headed now.

"Anything could happen when I am away."

"There are a few guards-"

"You are Lady Kharis' best friend if anything happens to you-"

"I understand. Your loyalty is to Lord Leonidas, and hence his woman."

Greta tightly holds onto the horse's mane, feeling her heart clench. What was she expecting him to say? Why was she expecting anything? Maybe because her friends have made her read into things. She loves her life in Bethillore. Will she still have a life there, after all this is over?

"You did not let me finish," he says, tucking a few strands of her wild curls behind her ear, causing her to shiver.

"You don't need to Sir Cassiel-"

"Don't"

"Don't what?"

"Address me in that manner."

"I apologize."

They both grow quiet, Greta breaking the silence once more, "You never told me our exact destination."