The Book of Glass

The Compromise (20)

"I can assure you, Shay, everything we agreed to in our discussion is in that contract and nothing more. My conditions are simple."

As Evander spoke, Shay continued to think, her hand hovering beside the pen and quill that she would need to sign their contract. Plain and simple was the problem. It all seemed too easy. She reread the words one more time, to make sure that she was reading it right even though she already knew she was. No policies would be changed under her reign, Emory would be announced as the Holy Child, and Evander would relinquish his seat on the throne. He had mentioned going back to his position under her father, but Shay didn't see any mention of it in the paper. Perhaps he had forgotten, or perhaps he just assumed it would be the next step.

Evander sighed, running his hands over his face. She wouldn't go straight to being the Queen after this, but the line for her signature sat there staring at her. She flipped the paper over, and Evander laughed. "There's no writing on the back, I promise."

"The fallout when all of this happens is going to be monumental," Shay thought aloud. Not only would it be a shock to hear that Emory was the true Holy Child, but all of the people that had been waiting for her to take the throne because of Evander's policies... they wouldn't be happy.

A thought struck Shay, and she took a breath.

The ink was dark, and her name stood out in stark contrast to the light paper of the contract before her.

Emory led her followers through the woods, her pace quick and stride determined. They were getting closer to the whinnying, but it was just dark enough that they couldn't make out where the trees and logs were, so they tread slowly.

"As soon as we find them, we're going back to that castle. Let's hope Shay hasn't made any brash decisions until then," Emory huffed.

As if out of nowhere, an animal lunged from the shadows and towards Briar. Its teeth sank into her arm, and she let out a scream. Cassius attacked the creature, and although he didn't kill it, they heard it slink away through the bushes and undergrowth. "What was that thing?"

"A... wolf, I think. Now we know why those horses were making so much noise." Briar's breathing was hitched, and she began fumbling around for her skirts, wrapping the cloth around her wound to suppress the burning sensation. "Let's keep going."

Emory nodded, more to herself than the others. Now, there was no sound. No sign that anyone was anywhere nearby or making their way through the dark, dark woods. "Sunrise is soon. Should we wait to find them?"

"No need," someone laughed. Everyone instantly rose their weapons in the direction of the voice. "Calm down," she said again. Now, Emory could hear that it was Aila. "It's Aila. I was tracking that thing, but I guess the chance is gone, now."

"Why were you tracking it?"

"I figured a little fresh protein would do me and my people some good before we headed back to The Land." As she spoke, Emory was able to see the shape of her body amidst the trees. She started moving closer to them, and Emory felt a hand on her arm. "I assume you're Emory."

"You assume correctly. I have a favor to ask of you."

"It can wait until sunrise, can't it?" Emory could hear the smile in her voice. "My friends and I haven't got much sleep. We wouldn't be much help in a favor."

"Would a few hours be enough?"

"Depends. Enough for what?"

"Shay left to deal with Evander herself. I want to storm the castle."