CHAPTER 45 #2
“Nor had Princess Arabella in being a princess,” Oliver replied.
Keenan could feel the man’s dark eyes boring into his cheek.
“But you are correct. The demands of royal life are not for everyone. If you believe they would make you miserable, it would be unwise to tie yourself to them, no matter what you may feel for the princess in the moment. Such things are fleeting, and a lifelong commitment cannot be built upon nothing more.”
Keenan didn’t know if he could handle life as a royal or not. But it didn’t matter.
“And if the queen does not simply release you?” Cherry asked. “Wasn’t that the point of the conversation?”
He smiled at her. “Absolutely correct. Thank you for keeping me on track.” Then he sobered. “Best case, we’re both released from arrest but she tries to keep us here. Mori’s tinderbox will only fool her until she tries to use it, so you’ll have to sneak the sphinx out before then.”
Oliver slowly reached out to accept it. “What’s the worst case?” Cherry asked.
“We’re both arrested, and I stay as a willing hostage. Hopefully, the queen will be content with that and leave you and Oliver alone after you disappear,” Keenan answered grimly.
“Won’t she realize that he has the sphinx when she can’t find it?”
“She desires its power for herself,” Oliver replied. “She will likely assume that he wouldn’t give possession of it to another. As long as he does not suggest that I stole it from him, she will likely believe that he has simply hidden it someplace that she has not yet discovered.”
“And how would we get it back to Keenan Kyaputen?”
“I don’t know, Cherry,” Keenan sighed. “Without information about the castle or its inhabitants, I can’t plan for that contingency. If I want to keep the sphinx safe and avoid hurting anyone, this is the best I can come up with right now.”
Several hours passed while they waited. Cherry stayed glued to Oliver’s side, but Keenan hoped it was because she was taking his command literally, not that the magic was requiring it of her.
He would hate to have stolen that much of her autonomy, especially since he didn’t know how long it would be before the conditions of his command were met.
Finally, the door opened to admit Mori again. Another guard stood in the hall, ready to close the door once Mori was through.
“I brought your dinner.” He lifted the tray in his hands. “And I am to make sure you don’t keep the knives, so I’ll stay here until you’re finished eating.”
“I’m surprised they let us have knives at all.” Keenan took the tray and set it down on the coffee table. “Do you want anything?”
“No, thanks. I already ate.”
While Keenan and Oliver began eating, Mori dug in one of his cloak pockets. “I brought something extra for you too. Here’s the item you requested.”
Keenan accepted the tinderbox. It wasn’t as beaten as the one the queen expected, but it wasn’t brand new, either. “You’re a lifesaver, Mori,” Keenan said, holding it up in a salute before he set it on the table.
The boy grinned and began fiddling with his belt. One of his belts, Keenan noticed. Did Mori usually wear that many?
“This is for you.” Mori held the newly freed belt out to Oliver. “And if you give me a minute…”
Keenan stared at the sword belt dangling from the boy’s hand. When Oliver didn’t immediately take it, Mori tossed it on the settee and began unbuckling the next one.
“You can’t give us—” Keenan caught himself and lowered his voice, not wanting the guard outside to overhear. “You can’t give us our swords back. You’ll get in trouble.”
“No one will notice,” Mori assured him. He held out Keenan’s sword belt with the familiar gryphon-decorated weapons. “You might want these if you have to leave unexpectedly.”
“Yes, no one will notice that the prisoners are wearing swords,” Keenan replied sarcastically. “We can’t wear our cloaks like you can.”
“Have a little faith,” Mori whispered back. “Neither one’s a longsword, and your packs are big. I’m sure I can make them fit.”
“And if we’re set free?” Keenan challenged. “What happens when someone goes to retrieve our blades for us?”
The boy shrugged. “I’ll volunteer to do it.”
“Having my sword would be useful,” Oliver said slowly. “But I do not wish for you to suffer in my place.”
“At least put mine back.” Keenan set his hand on the boy’s and pushed it away. “Oliver’s could have been misplaced, but mine is too recognizable. Besides, the only way I’m leaving these walls is with the queen’s blessing or in a frantic escape, probably without my pack.”
“He’s right.” Oliver motioned to the weapon sitting next to him.
“You may try to fit mine in the pack, but hide Keenan’s under your cloak again.
” Mori opened his mouth to protest, but Oliver continued, “Keenan must remain above suspicion. That would be difficult if anyone discovers his blades are missing and finds them with his things.”
The boy relented. “I suppose that makes sense.” Taking Oliver’s sword to the packs, he began working out the puzzle of storing it inside.
Keenan almost hoped that it wouldn’t fit. In that case, Mori would have to take it back. There would be no possibility of him getting into trouble on their behalf.
Unfortunately, Keenan was afraid that Oliver would soon be glad to have his sword in his pack.