Page 20 of Veil of Winter

The servant girl Ysabeau stood ready with another dress to help her change into, so he hurried out of the room and closed the door.

The princess was thinking wisely, but their chances of avoiding capture were slim nonetheless.

***

Elyce thought she’d be too nervous to sleep, but she awakened to Ysa’s voice saying, “It’s time. You said to wake you after half an hour.”

“Yes.” Elyce forced her eyes open to see Sir Gerard bending over her. His blue eyes met hers briefly as he lifted her.

Couldn’t he give her a moment before snatching her up?

“Wait.” Astrid came into the room carrying a cup. “Drink this,” she said with a pretty smile.

He put her back down and let her drink. Truly, Astrid was quite as beautiful as she’d been when Elyce had last seen her, with her long golden hair and her placid eyes and perfect features.

When she finished drinking, Sir Gerard picked her back up again.

How she longed to be able to walk. And how annoying that, after sleeping for more than three days and nights, she could barely hold her eyes open. She was so groggy, but they needed to hurry away before King Claude’s—or her father’s—men should find them.

She should not be annoyed at Sir Gerard. After all, he and his friend were trying to help her, and she needed help, more desperately than ever before in her life. If she was caught, not only would she have to wed Rodrigo, but worst of all, they wouldlikely blame Sir Gerard and Sir Oswalt and Ysa, who might even be injured or killed when the guards caught up to them.

How horrible if her foolish plan got someone hurt.

She could imagine the smirk on her father’s face as he asked, “Why on earth would you drink a sleeping potion, then try to run away from us? What were you thinking?”

She had been thinking how proud she would feel if her plan worked. Foolish, foolish girl. If anyone died because of her, the guilt would overwhelm her, and she’d never be able to forgive herself.

Moments later, after the knights had loaded the furs and food Jacob had stowed away, it was time to leave, even though Elyce still could not ride by herself. She thanked Ida for allowing them to stay briefly, and soon they were back on the road.

They had been riding for a few hours when dark snow clouds appeared on the horizon. At least they were moving away from Montciel, and snow would help cover their tracks.

But snow would also obscure the path they were following through the mountains. The wind was picking up, gusting hard enough to knock Elyce’s hood off her head, which did not bode well.

The horse stumbled, his hooves slipping. Sir Gerard’s arms tightened around her as he leaned forward, gripping the reins in both hands. Elyce held her breath as the horse fought to stay upright, then whinnied and snorted as he found his footing again.

Sir Gerard loosened his grip and leaned back.

“Will it be this mountainous all the way to Prague?” SirGerard’s voice sounded a bit disgruntled. The path they were on was quite rocky and high, as it led them over the northern Alps.

“It’s the only way to Prague. But in a few days’ ride we will be skirting the outside edge of the mountains the rest of the way.”

He was silent, but she sensed there was something he wanted to say.

“Prague is a long way from here. It’s winter. Could we not find an ally—indeed, several allies—between here and Prague?”

“What are you asking?”

“Is it necessary to go all the way to Prague?”

“Of course it’s necessary. That’s where King Wenceslaus is. We need the king’s help.”

“Could you not write a letter to the king explaining the situation?”

“I could try to hire a courier, but I would have no way of knowing whether he would be loyal to me or if he would take my letter straight to my father. The risk is too great. I might as well travel to him myself. Besides, King Wenceslaus will respond better to hearing my plea for help in person.”

“What makes you think that?”

“He likes me. When we met before, we understood each other.”