In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 19: May the Gods Bless~

A/N: Shorter update, but that's two in one week! Did it because it's Saturday and I love you guys! :)

Kalysta explained the task and had just finished when Delia arrived.

"It will done as you say, Miss Lady," William said, standing up to unlock the door for Delia. "Miss Delia," he gushed as she stepped over the threshold, "it is an immense pleasure to see you so many times in a week."

"Bill, you flattering fool, there's no time for that now," Delia admonished, blushing. "There are more important things that need doing."

It was only at that time that Kalysta noticed the travel case Delia was lugging behind her. She couldn't take that on a ship! That was too much! However, Delia must think she was traveling by land and could acquire a horse. Kalysta would leave her thinking that. If people thought she would go by land, even trustworthy people, then it would leave her true intents safe.

"Miss Lady is leaving," William gathered, though Kalysta hadn't mentioned it.

"Yes," Delia responded. "Milady, I have the clothes you requested, as well as anything else I thought you might need." She moved the travel case from behind her.

Kalysta took it and tested the weight. How had Delia carried this all the way down from the castle?

"I cannot say how thankful I am for this, Delia," she expressed.

"Just be sure you come back soon," her maid said, showing the first sign of strain at the thought of Kalysta leaving. Her face pinched a bit and she looked down at her hands.

"It won't be forever, Delia," Kalysta promised softly. "Take care of the family for me?"

"Of course, milady."

Kalysta stepped around the bag and gave Delia another hug. It was a bitter moment. Leaving would be hard, and it was at that moment it hit her that she wouldn't be saying goodbye to her family. She wondered what her father would tell the rest of them: the truth or the lie she'd needed to conjure?

"My thoughts go with you," Delia said next to her ear, a deep sadness evident in her voice.

"I will think of you on my journey as well," Kalysta returned.

They stepped back again and looked at each other for a moment.

"Do not trust anyone," Delia instructed. "There will be many who are evil in the guise of innocence."

"I understand."

"Bill," Delia said, turning to him, "would you see milady safely out of the city tonight?"

"I wouldn't have it another way," he answered.

"Don't go back to the castle tonight, Delia," Kalysta commanded. "Say that I gave you the night off, that way you can't be blamed for your failure to stop me. Send for Emily as well. I want you both safe here until tomorrow."

"I will do as you say."

"Come, Miss Lady," William said. He hefted the bag up and headed to the door.

Kalysta followed in order to prevent prolonging the farewells and endangering her mission. She couldn't look at Delia again or leaving would be impossible. It was already taking everything in her to walk to the door and step through it when William held it open.

The night enveloped them, as the inn's door shut behind her with a sense of finality. For the first time, she felt fear rise in her. Before, action and preparation had distracted her from thinking about what she was actually going to do. She was putting her trust in the Ambassador, a man she'd known for less than a week. The idea terrified her, but there was no turning back now.