A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Six

They watched from the ash tree as Aaron gathered the soldiers. Elouise recognized a handful of them, particularly Leanne, Booker, and Annaliese. Aaron had everyone line up as he examined them and their weapon of choice.

"We still don't know what they'll be doing in the east," Haven said. "I know it seems they're rebelling against Udolf, but—"

"I know, Haven," Elouise stopped her. "We must be prepared for anything."

Haven snickered. "I've taught you well, haven't I?"

Elouise nodded toward the group. "They are leaving. We must be careful and not be spotted by any of them."

"I'd be more excited about this mission if I wasn't in a gown that hinders my speed."

"This is not the time for complaints. We will change at the first opportunity we get." Elouise bit back a gasp as she watched Aaron lead the group toward their direction.

Haven grabbed her arm and yanked her behind the tree. Henry followed suit, squeezing in close to them. They kept as low as possible as they heard footsteps and ruffling nearby. When Elouise also heard murmuring, she held her breath, worried one of them would be close enough to even hear her heartbeat.

Henry inclined his head and exhaled in relief. "We should be safe."

Elouise released her breath and checked for herself. The group was farther away, focused solely on the path ahead of them.

"There are hardly any guards out here," Haven noted.

"I will assume most of the guards assigned to patrol tonight are the ones following Aaron," Elouise said.

Haven chuckled. "They volunteered to work tonight for that very reason. Clever."

They rose from the ground and carefully headed down the short hill. Without any prying eyes, Aaron used one of the keeps to get over the wall. The soldiers hurried after him. Once they were out of sight, Elouise, Haven, and Henry ran over. They checked their surroundings before making their way up.

Elouise ducked low inside the keep and watched Aaron's group run through the field. They also remained hunched, staying within the shadows. She caught other movements in the distance to the right and to the far left.

"The fields are crawling with Inferum cantivat," she said as Henry and Haven crouched beside her.

"Doesn't surprise me," Haven murmured. "We can outrun them."

"They must have been planning this for a long time," said Henry.

Elouise side-eyed him. "What do you mean?"

"Aaron knows precisely where to go to stay out of sight." He pointed at the group moving farther and farther away. Occasionally, they would drop onto their stomachs and crawl, keeping themselves out of view of the scouts.

"He must have mapped it out for everyone."

"Well, look at that. Not all the royal knights are useless after all," Haven said.

Elouise glared at her, and Haven merely winked in response.

"I believe I've memorized it," Henry whispered. "Every step they took. I believe I can lead us through."

Elouise nodded at him. "We will be right behind you then."

Henry's entire face lit up with a grin. He crawled out of the keep and used the rope left behind to slide down the wall.

"It's rare when you see Henry exuding confidence," Haven teased.

Elouise arched an eyebrow. "Henry?"

"Hank." Haven huffed and headed out next.