A Usurper's Cause (Book #4)

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Haven woke up early the next morning. She dressed in dark clothing and shielded her face with that same floppy hat. And she sneaked through the corridors, staying quiet and avoiding eye contact whenever anyone did pass her.

Eldon almost felt tempted to follow her instead of sneaking into her room. Wherever she was headed off to, she wanted to make it there fast and alone. The secrets awaiting her sounded more interesting than finding a damn recipe book.

"Can't ruin this too," he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Once he knew Haven was gone, Eldon made his way to her bedchamber. It surprised him that she was allowed to stay here. He imagined Elouise and Henry spending much of their time convincing King Victor. He imagined King Victor had disagreed, but they found a room for her anyway, and he eventually gave up.

Eldon slowed his pace and furrowed his brows. Why would he even imagine something like that?

He took a deep breath and resumed until he reached Haven's door. It was red like the other doors in the hallway. Appropriate for her. He grabbed the doorknob and groaned when he found it locked.

Of course, it wouldn't have been that easy.

Eldon hurried outside, beyond the courtyard where the royal stable was. He built distance between the palace and himself and looked up at the row of windows. Hers would be the one in the middle, and it sure was a high climb. It would be a hassle climbing up there without being spotted. Especially now that everyone was awaking and going about their duties.

"What do you need from Haven?" asked Ashton.

Eldon flinched and whirled around.  "Nothin' that matters to you."

"I might help you if you're honest."

Eldon squinted at him. "I wanna know what's she's doin', but don't wanna follow her."

"The answer wouldn't be in her bedchamber."

"Figures." Eldon crossed his arms. "Why would you help me, anyway? We ain't on the same side."

Ashton smiled, which unnerved Eldon more than anything. "We will be. But until then, that is a fair question to ask. Good luck." He winked and disappeared. 

Eldon rolled his eyes. But he knew Ashton was right. Haven wouldn't keep anything just lying around her bedchamber, especially if it had any importance. No, that book was probably always with her. She wouldn't risk having anyone here find it and question why she had a book filled with spells and potions.

If he wanted it, he'd have to wait for her and take it while her back was turned.

---

Haven returned much later than Eldon had expected her to. He avoided being around Udolf and anyone else to focus on her arrival. But he spoke to a servant and asked if she could inform Haven that King Maximus needed to speak to her.

Just before sundown, Haven sauntered back into the palace with dark shadows beneath her eyes. And just as Eldon had thought, she held an old leather-bound journal in her hands.

She headed back to her bedchamber, and Eldon trailed behind her. When she reached her door, the servant—Lacy—walked up to her.

"Good evening," Lacy greeted warmly. "I was informed King Maximus wanted to speak with you."

Haven unlocked her door and raised an eyebrow. "What would he want with me?"

"I am unsure. I was not told anything about that."

"Alright, well..." Haven slipped inside and came right back out, slamming the door behind her. She didn't lock it, murmuring about how this, "better be quick."