Burned to Ashes

Chapter Thirteen

"You want to come with us?" Emery's voice rises in comical effect. "When we leave the castle?"

I sneer, "Do not look at me as if I am crazy, it was your suggestion."

"And you are entertaining this?" Desmond's large figure advances forward, muscled arms crossed.

Ansel inhales a breath, his dark eyes darting from me to the assassin. "We cannot leave without them."

"We cannot stay either." Emery states leaning her tall figure against the wall of my chamber.

"Of course not, but how do you wish to infiltrate if we are not a united front." I force strength into my voice. The last time I spoke with Emery and Desmond they had witnessed me cry. I did not want them to think it would be a reoccurring event. I had a moment of weakness. It was gone now.

"We serve the cause Princess," Desmond's green eyes study my face. "We would not abandon you."

"There will be no cause if Bertherium has our heads." The blond Tessla's words burn like her flames.

From his seated position near the fireplace Xavier stood, seemingly silent until now. "Do not let my father's trickery deceive you." He bares his white teeth. "He does not know a single thing."

"He knows it was I who poisoned Lord Tanovan." A long braid of black hair falls over my shoulder. "He knows I did not work alone."

"He thinks you are working with Prince Shaias." His eyes my face, waiting for a reaction.

Ansel shakes his dark head in confusion. "Prince Shaias of the Eastern Continent?"

"My brother revealed fathers concerns at a luncheon with the foreign prince yesterday. Lest assured, my father was not pleased."

I squinted my gray eyes. Bertherium is conversing his thoughts with Lyle and considering the crown prince's state it should not be that difficult to get information out of him.

"The point is, my father's threats are empty." Xavier exposes his pale palms. "He is heading in the wrong direction."

"What happens when he begins heading in the right direction?" Emery persists. "We are living on borrowed time, we can't risk it."

Ansel stands still, his fingers twitching at his side. I remember what ability he possesses. He is an Armor, able to create shields to protect himself and others if need be. "Emery, you are not listening—"

"No, you are not listening." She pesters, turning to meet my stormy gaze. "You speak about being a united front. Tell me, how is that possible when we dance on glass around the king?"

I open my mouth only to shut it. I don't have an answer for her.

"If you wish to leave with us, we leave soon." She squares her shoulders.

Beside me Xavier tenses.

"And what of you?" Ansel approaches him. "When we leave, are you to leave with us?"

The blond princes' eyes shield away any emotion he is feeling, staring strongly into the man's eyes. Something his father taught him. "Yes, I am."

I can feel the weight of his decision. Would he really leave everything behind? His family? His legacy? His crown? My heart sinks, wondering what I would do if our positions were reversed.

Desmond clears his throat, asserting our attention. "It is simple to slip a few criminals out of the castle; but two royals? Especially King Bertheriums son and daughter in law?" He shakes his black locks. "We would need a big distraction."