A Heart Divided

Chapter 32

The Rebel's Call

In the following days, Eliza and Alden kept to the shadows, rarely leaving the safety of the small house James had offered them. The village of Blackthorn was a quiet place—too quiet—and their presence was becoming more noticeable with each passing hour. The people here knew little of the intrigue swirling in the capital, but there were whispers of soldiers searching for two fugitives: a runaway princess and her companion. The entire kingdom was in a frenzy, and the eyes of the royal court were beginning to turn toward Blackthorn.

James had been their only lifeline, but even his warnings had a limit. The rebel group, as he had promised, was their only hope. But they couldn't afford to wait too long. The Duke's men were closing in on them, and Eliza's status as the last remaining heir to the throne was a ticking clock.

One evening, James came to them with urgent news. "I've made contact with the rebels," he said quietly, looking over his shoulder as though someone might be listening. "They want to meet."

Alden looked at Eliza. His gaze was intense, and for a moment, she could see the same fear and resolve in his eyes that she had felt when they first fled the palace together. They were in this together—there was no turning back now.

"Where do we meet them?" Alden asked, his voice steady, though his eyes were alert.

James paused, his hand tightening on the doorframe. "Not here. Not yet. The meeting place is further south, near the border. But you must be cautious. If anyone finds out, it'll be the end of us."

Eliza swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her decision press down on her chest. But she had come this far. There was no going back. She couldn't afford to hesitate now.

"How long will it take to get there?" Eliza asked, trying to gauge what they were up against.

"Three days, maybe four, depending on how fast you can travel without being seen," James said. "The roads are treacherous, and the soldiers will be patrolling heavily in the days to come. You'll have to avoid them at all costs."

Alden nodded. "We'll leave tonight."

James hesitated. "Are you sure? You need to be prepared. These aren't simple rebels—these are people who are willing to go to war. If they take you in, there's no turning back."

Eliza stood up, her decision final. "I understand. But we have no other choice. I need to do this. I need to fight."

Alden's gaze softened, but there was an understanding in his eyes. He didn't need to ask her again. He knew she had made her choice.