“Servants aren’t allowed in these parts!” the guard stationed at the door barks, but then he blinks and his stiff body relaxes. “Oh, you. Let me guess, you’re on the hunt again.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if every guard in this place had been tasked with tracking down Mika at one point or another. I offer an apologetic smile. “I think he went to the stables. If you wouldn’t mind escorting me out there so I can check—”
“Go on, then.” He waves me past, not wanting to be bothered.
“Thank you.” With a curtsy, I slip through the heavy door and into the night, wishing I’d grabbed my cloak.
Ahead, the soft whinny of horses carries. The first time Mika ventured out here, he followed Silmar after mealtime. He never would have found it otherwise. It’s not the main castle stable that the soldiers use, but a small one outside the curtain wall, with a door and a narrow tunnel through the stone that leads to it. If I had to guess, it’s here in case someone in the castle needs to escape quickly and without notice.
I pass through the tunnel, absently thinking that perhaps a guard should be stationed here.
“… a magic potion hidden behind a book. But then Mama said I couldn’t tell anyone—”
“Mika!” My alarm flares as his words sink in.
His curly brown mop whips around. “It’s okay! Silmar says the king chopped off Lord Danthrin’s head, so he can’t make us go back to Freywich!” he exclaims with too much glee.
But it’s not Silmar who Mika is speaking to. It’s an older teenage boy with brown curls and big blue eyes. Much like my son’s, oddly enough. I’ve never seen him in the castle before, and alarm bells ring instantly.
“Mika, come here now.”
He drags his feet, as if they’re tied to hefty stones. “But it’s okay. This is Pan.”
“We don’t know Pan.” And any stranger lurking around at night when the castle gates are closed, especially in these times, is likely up to no good. Silmar is one stall over, brushing a horse’s coat, seemingly unconcerned.
“But he knows Eden.”
That startles me. “Eden?”
“Yes, milady.” Pan bows and when he stands again, he’s grinning so widely, his dimples divot his cheeks. He has a sweet face, but I’ve been fooled by his sort before. “Mika and I got to talkin’ about Freywich, and I said I have a friend from there. Actually, I know a boy from Freywich too. A stable hand named Brawley. Big, strappin’ guy who’s learning how to use a mace. I wanna learn, too, but Jarek says I’m liable to crack my own head open. He’s probably right.”
I falter, my mind trying to pick through his rambling for the important details. “You know Eden and Brawley?”
“Yes, milady. They’re doin’ well. Happy as can be. You’re Mika’s ma, right?”
“Gracen. Yes.”
“Gracen!” The rambling boy’s jaw drops. “Well, I’ll be. I was hopin’ to find you. Eden talks about ya all the time. Says you make the best pastries, and you were always takin’ care of her. She knew I was comin’ here tonight and wanted me to give you these.” He fishes out a pair of knit baby booties from his pocket and hands them to me. “She was working on a sweater, but it got left behind in Freywich. They left in a hurry.”
I study the stitching. Eden was practicing her knitting when we left. She’s improved greatly. But … “I’m sorry, who are you?”
“I’m Pan.” He takes a few steps and drops his voice to a whisper. “Romy rescued me from my keeper in Bellcross, just like she rescued Eden and Brawley from Freywich. And you guys, too, from what I’ve heard.”
That first day, in the assembly, Lord Danthrin was lamenting how Princess Romeria had stolen his servants. This Pan fellow may very well be speaking the truth. “Romy?”
He holds his hands in the air in surrender. “I mean, Princess Romeria. Actually, Queen Romeria now. She’s got a castle and everything!”
“Can we go?” Mika tugs on my skirt. “Please, Mama! I wanna see Eden and Brawley!”
“No, Mika. We can’t.” For so many reasons. Even having this conversation could be considered treason. I glance over my shoulder, afraid the guard is seconds from catching us. Or worse, Atticus will round the corner. What would he say? Pan shouldn’t be here. “How did you get inside the city?”
“That’s a long story. Me, Romy, and Jarek—”