Page 75 of Veil of Winter

Elyce went to stand next to the servant, then glanced back at the door. Thankfully, the guard was looking down the hallway instead of at them.

Elyce hurried to whisper in the maiden’s ear, “Is Jacob here?”

The servant gave a quick nod as she began to pick up the spoons, bowls, and leftover food, which Elyce had made sure to leave in disarray, and placed them on the tray. The maiden now had her back to the guard.

“Please tell him I will be in the chapel.”

The servant nodded again. “I will.”

“Thank you. What is your name?” Elyce smiled at the servant, a girl she had not seen before.

“My name is Ingrid, Princess Elyce.” She sank into a curtsy, then picked up the tray.

“Thank you, Ingrid. I am going to the chapel to pray, and I shall say a prayer for you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” She left the room.

The guard closed the door and locked it.

“Here is your veil,” Ysa said, frowning as she handed it to her. “Although I don’t know why you wanted it.”

“I want to wear it while I pray.”

Elyce strode to the door and rapped on it with her knuckles until she heard it opening. The guard did not speak, only stared at her through the crack in the open door. “I wish to go to the chapel to pray.”

“I was not told that you were allowed to go anywhere.”

“I am the Princess of Montciel. I am allowed to go to my own chapel. Let me pass.”

“You will have to wait here until I get permission for you to go— Stop!”

Elyce pushed past him, counting on the fact that the young guard would not put his hands on her when she forced her wayaround him. And she was right. He came after her, walking almost on her heels.

“Come back! Stop!”

“I’m only going to the chapel. Perhaps you should go and get permission for me to be there.” She hurried on her way, pinning her veil to her hair as she went, the sheer fabric flying behind her.

When she reached the chapel, the guard made a blustering sound as he broke into a run in the opposite direction.

It worked!

Elyce pressed her hand against the folded-up note that was hidden in her sleeve, reassuring herself that it was still there.

A white-haired man was standing at the other end of the chapel, near the chancel. Elyce felt a big breath of air enter her lungs at seeing her priest, Father Johannes. She walked quickly and quietly toward him. He turned and opened his arms to her.

“My dear Princess Elyce.” His eyes showed his surprise at seeing her.

“I need you to help me,” she whispered. “The guards will be here any minute.” She shoved the note into his hand and closed his wrinkled fingers over it.

As if she had summoned them with her words, she heard men shouting from down the hall, and a moment later, guards entered the chapel at a brisk walk.

Elyce knelt in front of the chancel as if she did not hear them and began to pray, her heart pounding and the wordsGod, help meechoing over and over in her mind.

The guards spoke to Father Johannes, who had gone to meet them, but she could not make out what they were saying.

When she was finally able to quiet her mind, she prayed silently,God, please don’t let anyone find my note to Father Johannes. Please let him be loyal to me. Please help him, please.

She recounted the note’s contents from memory.