Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐞: 𝐀 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

The knocking on the door woke Adanna from her sleep. She had spent the entire night concocting a story for the guards, tossing and turning between excitement and fear. A muffled groan from the other side of the room told her Serena had slept poorly too.

Juana and Inés came in, less cheerful than usual upon seeing Adanna's tired eyes. Serena, her black hair a tangle around her face, sat up with a yawn. "Good morning," Inés said, trying to sound bright. "Your attire for the day is ready."

Adanna nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Thank you," she murmured, her mind racing with the plans she had made the night before.

The maids bustled about, dressing them in flowing blue gowns that reflected the sky outside their windows. As they were being laced up, Adanna thought this would be the perfect opportunity to begin her plan. "Inés," Adanna said quietly, "how might one send a letter home?"

Inés smiled in surprise. "Why, Lady Adanna," she laughed, "I could do that for you. We collect outgoing letters daily."

Adanna cursed inwardly. Having Inés deliver the letter would ruin her escape plan. "Oh, that is very kind," she stammered, "but I... I would not wish to trouble you."

Inés raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you certain, Lady Adanna? We are happy to help."

"Quite certain," Adanna insisted, too strongly. "I would not dream of inconveniencing you. Might there be a messenger or a... a letterbox?"

Inés thought a moment. "There is a box in the courtyard, for non-urgent letters . If you tell the guards at the estate door, they can let you into the courtyard and you can put your letter there, under their watch, of course."

Adanna's heart raced. This was a risk, but their only chance. She glanced at Serena, who seemed to give her a look of 'it is too risky'. But Adanna knew she couldn't pass up this opportunity. "Thank you, Inés," she said, her voice steady. "We shall do just that."

After Juana and Inés finished, they led them out of their chambers. The corridors of the De León estate were as grand as ever, yet the whispers of the maids lingered in Adanna's mind like a pesky fly at a feast. As they approached the dining room, the sweet aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, but her stomach was too tight with anticipation to feel hunger.

Breakfast was a silent affair, the tension palpable between Adanna and Serena. They exchanged knowing glances, their eyes speaking the words their mouths dared not. The other contestants, oblivious to their plan, chattered away about the upcoming challenge. Adanna's mind, however, was miles away, racing through the lands of Aeronia, eager to uncover its secrets.

After breakfast, a tense silence hung between Adanna and Serena as they linked arms and walked out of the dining room. As they exited the dining room, Serena bumped into a tall figure in guard armor.

"Apologies," a muffled voice mumbled before the figure continued on its way.

"That was strange," Adanna muttered, her nerves jangling.

The ladies continued walking and they saw the other ladies were roaming around the estate, which was perfect for their escape plan. The guards would never notice them.

"Serena," Adanna whispered, "it is now or never."

Her friend nodded solemnly, her eyes shimmering with a mix of fear and excitement. Together, they made their way to the front door of the estate, where two guards stood, their gazes stern and unwavering. Adanna took a deep breath, her heart thumping in her chest. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with sun-kissed skin, couldn't help but steal a glance at Adanna. His gaze lingered a moment too long, making her feel self-conscious and judged.