Page 107 of Eternal Craving

“What do you want me to do?” I asked. “Run back and forth between here and Spain?”

“It’s just that I wonder if he’s trying to find his way home.”

“I feel him,” I whispered. “He’s out there somewhere. Why can’t I hear his thoughts?”

“I believe it’s because he’s so young.”

“So unfair.”

“What if the Creda left the rose as a warning?” she whispered.

“You’re just paranoid.”

“I think they’re following me.” She hugged me tighter. “But I’m more worried about you.”

I wanted to say I was fine, but we both knew that wasn’t true.

“I’ve planned something for you tonight” she said. “It’ll do you good.”

I pulled away. “Not interested.”

“We’ll have dinner together. I’ve arranged a little something that’ll take your mind off London.”

The body finally sank beneath the murky water.

Thank fuck for that.I pulled my knees up and hugged them.

“You need a rest.” Her words sounded rehearsed. “Lately, you’ve been backtracking over old ground.”

“I’m not going.”

Sunaria’s persuasion had been impossible to resist.

Within the Globe Theatre, sitting comfortably in our private box high up on the right side of the auditorium, we had a good view of both the apron-style stage, and the audience. I finally agreed to attend, partly out of guilt for neglecting Sunaria. I was also hoping that she might be right, that this evening’s diversion might actually be good for me. Maybe it would even silence the chaos in my mind, if only for an hour or two.

The dialogue-heavy play was ordinary enough, the company of actors portraying a day in the life of a Tudor family. The theme emphasized the moral attitude of supporting a stable government.

Weekly shows were a popular social gathering for the aristocracy. Even the fashions contrasted with those of Spaniards. The women wore such high hats that I wondered how the audience members sitting behind them could see. Many of the men wore what was considered the latest fashion, heavy tunics over their woolen shirts, and breeches. Textures had advanced and enriched color pallets reflected a varied style, conveying privilege.

Sunaria’s grasp on my arm tightened. I assumed that my fidgeting was annoying her, until I followed her gaze over to oneof the other burgundy draped boxes, high up to the left of the stage, and caught sight of Lady Bradbury. Her pale blue glazed stare revealed her boredom. She seemed to sense someone staring at her and our gazes met. Although she’d seen us only for a moment, our dramatic exit from her bedroom window had left an impression.

Her face flushed brightly as she offered her apologies to the three other women who shared her box, almost tripping on the hem of her dress as she withdrew.

Through sheer determination, and the reminder from Sunaria’s grip, I maneuvered at a leisurely pace, not wanting to arouse suspicion. We finally ran out through the theatre’s front doors and saw Lady Bradbury climb into her horsedrawn carriage.

We took to the air, following closely.

The carriage rumbled over cobblestones, continuing past her home. Within half an hour, we were flying through a forest, heading for the outskirts of London.

Dense woods surrounded a lone house. Lady Bradbury climbed out of the carriage with the horseman’s assistance and headed for the front door. She repeatedly slammed the brass doorknob while glancing behind her.

We sneaked around the back and sidled along the rear wall of the building. I peered into the study. Lady Bradbury was conversing with a young man who was trying his best to calm her. I considered that she must have sought out this place soon after our shocking appearance and escape. We had, after all, been two floors up. In order to unravel the truth behind such a marvel, her search had obviously brought her here. And by the way she argued with the man, I knew this was not her first visit.

A tug at my trouser leg made me look down. I flinched in horror at the large dog gnawing through my flesh, sending searing pain into my ankle. Four more hounds turned the cornerat a run. I shook off the dog and flew up and after Sunaria, landing on the roof. The dogs barked and growled at us from below, their teeth bared.

Even now, under these circumstances, it was easy to become distracted by the way my torn skin healed itself, the edges shrinking rapidly. The only evidence from my scrap with the animal was my blood-soaked trouser leg.

Sunaria reached for my hand and grasped it. “We have to get out of here.”