Plethora Unraveled

Chapter 146: Promise

It's here.

I've been subconsciously expecting it for weeks but now that it is here I'm almost numb to it and surprised by my reaction.

Five days it says, five days to self-report to Sojourn Prison for crimes against the High Queen. I'm surprised I was given that leniency; I suppose Lennox had something to do with that to which I am grateful. The extra days will give me time to get whatever is left to prepare in order and say my goodbyes.

Speaking of goodbyes, there is no time like the present to announce my pending departure.

Hum, my armstation. I'm pretty sure I know who this is.

"Hey Lennox," I say as soon as I accept the call.

"Hey, how are you? I'm sure you've seen the notice," she says.

"Yes, I got it about five minutes ago."

"It will be released publicly in about two hours. You better let Adrienne and Ever know."

"I'm on my way to Adrienne's to let them know now."

"Wait are they alone?" Lennox asks with concern.

"It's fine, I have an eye out for them."

"How do you have an eye on them? How can you be so sure that they are fine?"

"Lennox, I promise it's okay. Please don't send anyone over here."

"Liam–"

"I need at least an hour to talk to them, bye Lennox," I say and disconnect the call.

She'll send someone over here, I just know it.

I turn off my spy camera, cut through Ever's suite, and make my way into Adrienne's bedroom. A pleasant warm fall scent fills my nostrils but before I can take a moment to relax and breathe it in, I hear a giggle from the closet. As I approach the closet the giggles die down as if life were smothered out of them.

I lean against the wall, place one foot against it, and knock on the door.

"Come out of the closet ladies," I say.

The door slowly opens and Adrienne steps out holding Ever's hand with a smile on her face.

"Why are you two hiding in the closet?"

"We weren't hiding, we were just talking," Adrienne.

"Talking with your tongues, huh?"

"No, just talking. My lips just accidentally feel against her skin," Adrienne says with a smile.

Ever smiles and holds her head down.

"You know we have to be careful. I'm sorry, look I'm not trying to lecture you, just be careful. You know we can't go too far," I say.

"I know," Adrienne replies, "I won't go past a kiss."

Disappointment makes its way across Ever's face, unfortunately, she does a bad job of trying to hide it.

Adrienne tilts her head and looks at me, "What's wrong?"

I motion for them to sit on the bed. Ever hops on the bed and lays down while Adrienne carefully takes a seat.

"What is it?" Adrienne asks.

"I'm being prosecuted for crimes against the High Queen, I just received the notice. I have five days to turn myself in."

They both freeze in place for a moment, look at each other, and look at me.

"Please don't go," Ever whispers.