A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Twelve

They kept stopping over every little noise that came from a distance. Everything was a threat until proven otherwise, which just made the journey feel longer than it was. After they stopped for the twentieth time and realized it was just a rabbit hiding from them, Eldon's patience broke.

"We're not gettin' anywhere like this," he said.

"What, do you want your head cut off by the savior if she finds us first?" Jaxon asked.

Eldon shook his head. "That supposed to scare me?"

"No, of course not. Because your head would be fine. She'd want you alive. But the rest of us?" He gestured to himself and to everyone else. "We wouldn't be so fortunate. So, get over it and shut up." Jaxon turned away and continued walking with the others.

Udolf laughed to himself. "Keep it up, Eldon. It amuses me to see them become sick of you."

Eldon glared at him. "Just tell me when we're gonna leave 'em? We're wastin' our time out here."

"Yes, I am aware." Udolf peered at the group and pursed his lips. "We can leave when—"

"Ah, there you are!" Godwin said from behind.

Eldon and Udolf spun around.

"What're you doin' here?" Eldon asked.

"I had this strange feeling," Godwin started, waving his hand around his chest and stomach. "An overwhelming urge to check on our prisoners over at the grand manor of Estria."

Udolf blinked and scratched his head. "The duke's home? We haven't worried about them in months."

"Now we have a reason to. Are you forgetting who we are hunting?"

"So, she's there?" Eldon glanced back and forth between Godwin and Udolf.

"Not her," Godwin said, shaking his head. "The two princes—Henry and Avery."

"Henry," Udolf groaned. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"I made them believe I had no idea where the savior is. In exchange for revealing her location, I would spare Lady Alaina and reunite her with her husband."

"Why?"

"Everyone is much more willing to comply if they believe they are earning something in return. Currently, the princes are locked away without any idea where Lady Alaina is. She will be sacrificed, naturally—along with the princes. However, I would like the savior to be there to witness it." Godwin whistled, earning the rest of the group's attention. They all gasped and bowed to him. Then he sauntered over, explaining to them their task.

"Guess that's a change of plans for us," Eldon murmured.

"Not a chance," Udolf said, crossing his arms. "He wants us to work together, but I will be the one to bring her to that manor. It seems we will be joining them in this battle, and I will get her alone and do precisely what Godwin did. I'm going to make her believe she's winning." His lips twitched upwards.

"You think she's gonna fall for that?"

"She hasn't killed me yet. I think that means something. Deep down, she still trusts me, even if she wants to hate me."

"You sure 'bout this?" Eldon nodded toward the group. "Either way, we're gonna get her. What's the point of goin' 'bout this alone?"

Udolf stepped closer toward Eldon and narrowed his eyes. "I already explained myself to you. If you wish to join them, Eldon, be my guest. I'm still doing things my way."

That was the best outcome, wasn't it? To let Udolf make a fool of himself alone because there was no way he could do this without Godwin knowing. For some reason, though, Eldon couldn't bring himself to agree and walk away. Maybe revenge would be sweeter if he came face to face with Elouise without anyone else's help. He'd get Udolf out of the way, too.