Forbidden Love

Chapter 26: Plan of Attack

Hey everyone! Sorry for posting a little late. I fell asleep early last night so I'm finishing this just after waking up. Hopefully it isn't total garbage, I can't really tell because I'm still a little drowsy XD Anyway, I'm going to try my best. Also Happy Early Easter! 

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I slowly peeled the covers off me, desperately trying not to wake Riley. I kept my eyes locked on his face, searching for any signs of disturbance in his slumber. My toes gently pressed against the floor; merely testing the waters before I got fully out of bed. I stumbled around in the dark for some clothes or a blanket. I wasn't hunting for anything particular, just something to cover myself up and shield me from the wave of overwhelming air that slapped my skin as I removed the sheets heated protection. I tiptoed around, overly analyzing every move to ensure Riley staid asleep at all costs. 

A warm fabric brushed against the arch of my foot and I froze immediately to bend down and retrieve it. It was Riley's white flannel crumbled into a knotted ball. I diligently untangled it before I put it on and partially buttoned it. Now that I didn't feel so bare and exposed, I planned to search for any clues to when Riley and Angela's wedding would be. The curiosity clawed at the back of my mind, demanding to be fed. 

The first place I checked was his desk. With papers scattered left and right I didn't know where to begin. I picked up the closest parchment and adjusted it until the moonlight illuminated the ink. It was hard to translate the jumble of letters sloppily thrown on the page. For someone of high honor, I had expected their handwriting to be much more advanced than chicken scratch. 

I skimmed quickly over the document, searching for clear dates. Before I knew it, I was already at the bottom of the page where Riley's clearly legible signature was signed perfectly. Oddly enough, I felt slightly relieved that the page consisted of someone else's writing. 

I placed the paper on the floor and picked up another. Once again it had nothing to do with any dates. Frustration forcefully shoved out curiosity and began beating at the back of my own mind. 

I began brainstorming all the possible locations to find some sort of answer. I could go out and try to eavesdrop but if I was to be discovered, I would surely get punished. However, at least I would know when the wedding is scheduled to be. That would definitely put my strong feelings at ease. 

 I glanced down at what I was wearing. There was no way I could go out there like this. Instantly, I dropped on all fours and began hurriedly outstretching my arms, hoping to bump into my underwear. I circled the whole outskirts of the bed and didn't find a thing. I know Riley tossed them after removing them but I didn't imagine they would go far. 

I broadened my search, expanding the area to half the room. My hands began to burn while my knees cried out in pain. Despite the drawbacks, I urged onward to find my belongings. At last my fingers grazed across a lace surface and they immediately latched on. I reeled them in and held them up to the moonlight to make sure. Both items were there and I hastily dressed, putting Riley's shirt back on to further protect the little coverage I had. 

I quickly tiptoed to the door and ran my hands down the wood until the cold metal stung my steaming hands. I unlocked it fast without thinking and the alarming click made me wince and regret the decision. 

I staid frozen long enough to ensure Riley was still unconscious. When I felt positive he was still out cold, I began the process of opening the door. Luckily the hallway was pitch black, therefore no light would have the chance to wake him. Riley's furniture was always kept updated; furthermore, the hinges didn't creak at all.

Once in the hallway, I closed the door and gently gripped the handle as the door closed shut without a peep. Relieved that I had escaped the dragon's keep, I began my quest to my quarters, on the hunt for my uniform. 

I stood outside the door ready to barge in and take what was my mine, until a questionable thought screamed to stop. What if my old annoying roommate was asleep in there. I couldn't risk any witnesses to my snooping around. I ditched the plan and chose to go to the servant quarters. There, everything is stored from uniforms to supplies. 

The entire castle was extremely dark. The only light shining through the windows was the blue glow of the moon. I squinted my eyes to make out objects and doors as I passed. Eventually I reached the entrance. I held my breathe and listened closely for any voices. I patiently waited for any signs of life footsteps, whispers, even the clinking of dishes. Satisfied with the absence of anyone else's presence. I entered the room and flickered on the lights. I rushed across to the clothing shelves and searched for a dress my size. I dropped Riley's shirt and flung the dress over my head, quickly snaking my arms through and yanked it all the way on. 

Before I could sigh in relieve, I still was plagued with the flannel. I needed it somewhere where I could return it to Riley later. After running through all the options in my head, I denied them all. I couldn't guarantee the shirt would still be there when I returned. Someone would start raising questions and I couldn't afford even the slightest bit of suspicion. 

i spied a woven laundry basket and an idea immediately sprung into my thoughts. Perhaps I could appear as if I was doing laundry and redistributing the clothes. I threw the shirt into the bottom and piled clean folded towels on top. I examined my work, feeling accomplished by my quick thinking. I absolutely must know how soon it is and if there is any way to delay it. I needed something and that's going to tell me, whether it is a voice or a paper. 

With basket in hand, I left the quarters, determined to do anything to find even the slightest bit of information regarding the wedding. I was going to find something, I was sure I would; and I had all night to find it.