The stranger opened his mouth to speak and hesitated at the sight of Miss Huda’s eager face. Her curious eyes.
Gently, he cleared his throat.
“I would really rather not discuss any of this in front of”—he glanced again at Miss Huda—“a third party, though I recognize that, in this, the mistake is mine. Somehow I thought— That is, for a moment, there appeared to be only one person in the room. I thought the young lady of the house had joined her party downstairs.”
“I’m standing right here,” Miss Huda said sharply. “You need not discuss me as if I didn’t exist.”
“Ah,” he said, tilting his head. “But I would really rather you didn’t.”
Miss Huda’s mouth dropped open.
Quickly, Alizeh turned to her. “Can I trust that you will keep the details of this day to yourself?”
“Of course,” said Miss Huda, drawing herself up to her full height. “I’ve never in my life betrayed a secret. You may depend upon me to be the soul of discretion.”
The nosta went ice cold at that, sending a shiver through Alizeh’s body.
She grimaced.
As if he, too, had felt the lie, the stranger locked eyes with Alizeh.
“We have only two options,” he said. “Kill her or take her with us. The error was mine, so I will leave the decision up to you. It is my strong recommendation, however, that we kill her.”
“Kill me?” Miss Huda cried. “You cannot be serious—”
“No— No, we are not going to kill you,” Alizeh said, shooting an unkind look at Nothing. Then, trying for a smile, she turned to Miss Huda. “Though you did say you thought you might like to run away, didn’t you?”
Miss Huda looked suddenly as if she might faint.
“Here,” Alizeh said, opening Miss Huda’s wardrobe doors and drawers, plucking essential items from their depths. “I will help you pack.”
Miss Huda gaped at her. “But— I can’t—”
Alizeh located a medium-sized bag in the girl’s wardrobe and pressed the small luggage into Miss Huda’s frozen hands. “Bring only as much as you can carry.”
“But I don’t want to run away,” Miss Huda said in a whisper, her eyes bright with fear. “Where will we go? How would I live? How long will I be gone?”
“These are all excellent questions,” Alizeh said, patting the girl’s shoulder. “You pack, and I will ask.”
Mournfully, Miss Huda pulled a gown from a hanger, stuffing it halfheartedly into her bag.
To the stranger, Alizeh said, “There is no need now for subterfuge, is there? You may now inform me of your plan. Where do we go from here?”
Nothing stared at the scene unfolding before him, looking vaguely nauseated.
“The details are spare,” he said. “I will extend you a level of protection until we reach the ball, and shortly after our arrival I will escort you to a secure method of transport. This transport will deliver you to your destination.”
“But where is my destination?” Alizeh asked. “What happens when I arrive?”
“Oh—and will it rain where we are going?” Miss Huda asked. “Will I need an umbrella?”
The stranger closed his eyes. “I cannot now tell you where you are going, but I can assure you that your destination is safe. Already I’ve guaranteed you an extra measure of protection with the dress and shoes.”
Alizeh blinked at that; at the reminder. “Of course,” she said, glancing at her gown and boots. “I nearly forgot. How do the items work, exactly?”
“Did you not read the notes?”
“I did, but—”
“If you don’t know where to go, your feet will assist, if you fear being seen, the gown will protect your identity from those who wish you harm, et cetera, et cetera. If you do not, however, follow my exact instructions at all times, I cannot ensure your safety. Heed your own whims and I will not be responsible for what happens to you, and I will not care.”
Slowly, Alizeh looked up to face the stranger. “Did you really feel it necessary to add that last part?”
“Which part?”
“And I will not care,” she said, echoing his emotionless tone. “Do you enjoy being needlessly petty?”
“Yes,” he said. “I do.”
Alizeh opened her mouth to say something unkind, then bit her lip, drew back.
She didn’t know this stranger, and he knew little of her. Even if unwillingly given, his honest commitment to help her was nothing short of miraculous, for, whoever he was, he was doubtless risking a great deal. Perhaps he was unaware how much his help was worth to her, but if things went well tonight, Alizeh’s entire life might be spared; the trials of the last several years would come to an end.