Chapter 24 #3
“More than careful. You need to get away as soon as possible. In five days, at two o’clock in the morning, you’ll escape. Wait for someone to fetch you in your old cleaning crew room. They’ll transport you in a bag to a boat, and you’ll be on your way to Caraneya.”
Five days. My heart beats fast like dragon wings taking flight. “That’s too soon. What about Kaio?”
“I spoke to Laristella last night. She’s willing to take my son away from this city and I’ll provide her all the support I can. She’s leaving in three days.”
There won’t be time, and I don’t know what to do.
“You look upset,” he says.
“Shocked. I thought I’d have more time.”
“Alayel’s too dangerous. Are you regretting your decision to leave? Are you ready to say goodbye to him?”
“I’m ready to leave him, yes, but I won’t lie: it hurts.”
“Don’t even bother lying, daughter, as I know when you do it.”
I want to tell him not to call me that, but I figure it’s better not to upset him. “I’m not lying.”
“I know. Are you sad that you’ll leave the little dragons?”
“Obviously. I’ll miss them.” There’s no lie in these words. Even if I save them, I’ll be separated from them soon. If I can get on a boat.
“Can I count on you to be in that room in five nights, at two in the morning, ready to escape?”
I nod. “I’ll follow all the procedures to escape. I want to be gone from here.”
I didn’t say I’ll be in that room, though.
He looks at me for a moment too long, his eyes narrowing as if searching for a deception he can’t quite pinpoint.
“Very well,” he finally says. “Don’t let the prince change your mind.
He can be charming, but I wouldn’t trust him.
I don’t want you to end up like Silvia. Escape while you can.
Five days. Your brother will be far from here. ”
“Thank you. For helping us.”
“I’m doing my duty. Belatedly, you may say, and that’s fair. I did keep a close watch on you two, and won’t pretend it was ever enough, but believe me when I say it: I care for you both and want no harm to come to you.”
“I appreciate it.”
“That’s unfortunately a lie, Mayara, but I won’t blame you.”
My breath is strangled when I leave his office.
Five days. Maybe I could pretend I changed my mind or something, but then, will I still have freedom of movement in the castle? Will I be able to walk out with the little dragons?
Each step buries me deeper into a pool of panic.
Laristella told me to come to the restaurant tomorrow, but I have no choice. I need to see her right away.
I walk to the Grease & Spice a couple of hours after lunch, as I don’t want to get there when she’s still busy.
To my surprise, there is a note on the front door, saying it’s closed. I walk through the back and see no sign that lunch was served today.
She comes out of the pantry, her face flushed, and exhales in relief when she sees me. “There you are. Come.” She leads me to her bedroom and shuts the door behind us.
“The restaurant’s closing?”
She nods. “We’ll have to hurry. Mallor came here yesterday, and he wants us to leave in two days at most.”
“Are you able to do it?”
“We’ll manage. Now you—Rosalinda’s docked. You’ll have to leave in five days.”
“Five? Mallor wants me to run away from the kingdom on that same night.”
“I know, but you’ll leave earlier. Embark during rain time.
Mallor won’t notice your absence until much later, and you’ll be far by then.
Be glad that Roco is willing to leave so soon.
” She hands me a key. “Fourth Street, house thirty-five. Don’t go there before that night.
There’s a wig and a cloak there. Don’t leave the castle in a cloak.
Wear a dress that won’t call much attention.
Rosalinda is docked on pier seven. It’s a yellow boat. ”
My heart thrums in my chest as she continues, “We’ll be gone by then. Don’t come here.”
“If you’re leaving, shouldn’t I say goodbye?”
She shakes her head, her expression grim.
“I’m telling everyone I’m indisposed, saying it’s the reason why the restaurant’s closed.
We don’t want news of my sudden departure to spread.
Not before you leave, at least. I have two satchels for you, and some containers with different spices, so you’ll be able to find something to mask the little dragons’ smell.
I’ve been praying to Foros. He’ll help you. ”
It’s so sudden that I feel like there’s nothing beneath me. “Thank you.”
“We might see each other on the other side of the ocean.”
“And we might not.” A sudden coldness takes hold of my chest.
She sighs. “I know. Be strong, and let Cardiana guide you. Love will light your way. Real love.”
I’m trembling and tears are wetting my eyes. “Can I have a hug?”
She wraps her arms around me. “My little girl. You ask for a hug and I’ll start thinking there’s an impostor in your place.”
“It’s me. And I’ll miss you. I’ll miss you so much.” My voice comes amidst sobs, as she caresses my back.
I climb the ladder to my old room and find my brother packing, a wide grin on his face. “Did you hear the news?”
“Yes.” I can’t contain my smile when I see him excited like that. “Are you happy?”
“I’ll get to travel, sis. What do you think?”
“I’m happy for you. Now, I won’t be around, so I need to ask you to listen to Laristella and—”
He frowns. “I always listen to her!”
“Fair. Anyway, take care. I’ll miss you.”
I wrap my arms around him, holding onto this moment, trying to imprint on my mind the memory of our childhood together.
He breaks the hug too soon for my taste, then says, “I’ll miss you too, but Laristella said you might visit.”
“I might not. I don’t know.”
“Well, I won’t forget you,” he says. “Will you come see us board?” His grin is so boyish, so childish, that it breaks my heart to say no.
“Your departure has to be discreet, so…” I can’t talk or I’ll break down crying again, and I don’t want tears to ruin his last memory of me.
He doesn’t notice my reaction and gives me a smile. “Oh. Bye, then. Take care.”
I nod, my throat too tight to speak. Downstairs, I grab the spices and the two leather satchels. My hand hovers on the door for a final second before I leave, unsure if I’ll ever see my family again.