Of Blood and Roses

Chapter 35

When the sounds around us carried only the small whispers of our own breath and footfalls, I finally allowed myself to relax. The guards weren't following us. If they knew about these tunnels, they hadn't thought to check down here yet.

We were going to make it. We were safe. I let out a deep breath, finally allowing myself to breathe properly, no longer afraid I might be heard. Light glowed dimly ahead, and Jourdon's pace increased, growing surer. Behind him I pushed myself to keep up, eventually loosening my hold on him when it became easier to see.

"This tunnel leads out into the gardens. The perimeter there isn't as tightly guarded, and the stables are just on the other side. It will be hard to see in the dark, which will work to your advantage."

I bit the inside of my cheek as I considered what was to come.

Sabine frowned. "The stables see a lot of activity, even at night. We will be passing right by the barracks, is this the best way?"

Jourdon grunted, and in the moonlight penetrating the passage I could see cool lines of sweat beading down his temple, his light hair plastered to his olive skin. I could only imagine how I looked, dirty and broken—still dressed in the tattered remains of my dress. I wasn't sure even the dark could conceal me if anyone happened by.

"It is the only way." He let out a deep sigh. "Your guards are already nearby, or should be. I'll distract the stable boys on duty while you slip under the gate."

We neared the end of the tunnel. The light came from overhead, a hole that was broken up by vines and branches. I could see one of the tall carved trees overhead— one depicting an angel right on top of us. A rickety wooden ladder sat fallen across the floor.

Jourdon turned to me. "Soon we must part ways."

"I know this didn't end well for us, but I hope with time we could at least be friends, should we meet again," I said softly to him, hoping my gratitude shone in my eyes.

I would never have gotten this far without him.

I still felt my anger, that broken fissure that lingered from my time down in the dungeon. I was leaving the palace a different person that who I had been coming in.

"Friends," he said, lips tugging to the side into a small smile. "I would like that. We never did get a proper chance to get to know each other."

I smiled, but it was strained, tears threatening at the back of my eyes. I had been here such a short time but it felt like a life time had passed.

I was not the same girl who had sat in the carriage across from him as we rode into Garnette.

"You'll be a great king."

"We'll see about that."

Jourdon motioned for me to go up the ladder ahead of him. "Stay low when you get to the top. I'll be right behind you."

I made it up the ladder, struggling with my skirts. Cool night air flooded my lungs—and I gasped it in as if starved. There was a small argument below, whispered in the dark. Eventually there was a sigh—Jourdon, then I heard someone moving up the ladder.

 I waited anxiously at the top, staying low to the greenery. I heard no one nearby, but in the distance, there were shouts. The palace was already looking for us. It was only a matter of time until someone came to check the gardens.

Relief overwhelmed me when Sabine's head came into view. She tried to pull herself the rest of the way and I gripped her hand—warm and rough—in mine. She grimaced, but relented, letting me use what little strength I had to help her the rest of the way.