A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Eleven

Henry and Avery lowered themselves as they approached the edge of the hill. From here, they were safe, covered by cedar trees and dried shrubs. At the very bottom, Henry spotted the manor. Moss nearly covered every inch of the gray bricks, climbing up towards the chimneys in the front and back. The wall wrapping around the property appeared broken down in some areas, yet guards were posted in these spots, dressed in black armor and helms. In fact, everywhere Henry looked, he saw at least two or three men.

"Goddesses," he breathed.

"I didn't imagine it would be this bad," Avery admitted. He scratched his head and sighed. "Alaina, my love, I pray you are well."

"Where do we go from here?" Henry asked.

Avery pointed to the wide window in the center of the back. A small balcony was attached and potted flowers hung from the railing. However, the flowers were dead and dried—long forgotten. Then Henry's blood went cold when he noticed the iron bars on the window.

"That is Alaina's bedchamber," Avery stated.

"I feared you might say that."

"If we can reach her, we can speak to her. I know she can help us get inside." Avery's eyes scanned the ground, and he pursed his lips. "If only I could get through without harming everyone. It isn't as though they don't deserve it, but I'd rather not have so much blood on my hands or cause such a commotion."

Henry lifted his brows. "The sleeping powder."

"Pardon?" Avery looked at him.

"There is a sleeping powder... ah, if it is blown into someone's face, they will fall asleep for a short while."

"How do we obtain that?"

"I am certain all these men have it on them. It's their favorite method. We will only need to take down one of them and check their belongings."

"The easiest one, then." Avery nodded toward the small shed behind the garden. A man currently leaned against it with his arms crossed. Though the helm shielded his face, his eyes appeared to be closed.

"There's always at least one flaw," Avery whispered, grinning. "Let us make our way down." He lifted himself up slightly and moved around the trees.

Henry waited until a short distance had grown between them before following. They ran down the hill, narrowly missing their next step and losing balance. But they managed to keep still and safely reached the wall beside the shed. The guard was indeed asleep. Henry could hear his soft breaths.

"I will move to the other side," Henry said to Avery. Then he gestured to his bow. "If he wakes before you get close enough, I will distract him."

Avery nodded at him and stayed put while Henry rushed to hide behind a row of hedges circling a nearby fountain. It almost reminded Henry of the fountain back at the castle, bringing him momentary peace. He wished he could pretend he was there instead—during times where everything felt simple with Elouise, Eldon, and Ivy. Even then, their threats existed, but they were able to make the most of it. Now they couldn't go back until this was over. Who even knew how long that would take?

Henry froze when he heard a grunt from the man. Then the man raised his head and covered his mouth as he yawned. He got back into position and looked to his left.

Goddesses.

Henry grabbed an arrow and aimed at the wall where he was currently checking. Then he shot at it before the man could turn his head toward Avery.

The man peeled away from the wall and growled. "Who is—" Avery hooked his arm around his neck and yanked him backwards.

Henry stood at the sounds of the man choking. Avery carefully pulled him down and kept holding him in that position until he went unconscious. Henry joined his side, and they quickly searched through the man's attire.