Page 32 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

My brows scrunched, temporarily taken out of my spiral by his confusing words. “I know that?”

“Yes, but you need to tell yourself that.”

“It sounds foolish.”

He shrugged. “Maybe, but it could help.”

I blew a breath through my nose. What he was suggesting was silly. It was obvious this was only a conversation.

I’m not going to battle, we’re just talking.

Even though I said it in my head, the reminder was… helpful, if only a little.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for my words to distress you.”

I swallowed. “I-I’m fine,” I said, my mouth feeling dry like sandpaper.

He sunk down a bit, adjusting his tail so it took up more space, and subsequently putting him closer to my height.

“All I’m trying to do is help you,” he said. “It is for personal gain, this is an important client, but at the end of the day, you’ll be free from this forever. Doesn’t that alone make it worth it?”

My eyes bounced around his face, looking for a shred of dishonesty, but I struggled to find any. I held the necklace in my hand, twirling it around as I thought.

“And you’re sure this… Maralda can get it off?”

He nodded. “I’ve seen her deal with much worse curses. She’s the only way.”

“How long will we be gone?” I asked.

“The forest is a week’s trip one way including a stop for supplies. So barring any delays, two weeks.”

I thought it through. My mothers wanted me gone for a full month anyway. I was only planning to lounge around Stonevale, so what would an extra week be?

This would by far, be the dumbest idea I’ve ever gone through with, and with my record, that’s impressive. “I’ll do it.”

His shoulders relaxed, obviously relieved I agreed. “Okay. So we need to set sail immediately, before anyone notices you’re gone. You should… write a letter.”

“A letter?” I asked.

He nodded. “Letting your parents know you won’t be back. I can’t have the entire Peradonian Navy after me.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said.

“Why’s that?”

Because I was sent away for being trouble, only to land myself into quite a bit more.

“I had planned an extended trip,” I said instead. “I’m not expected home for a month.”

“That’s… ideal,” he said.

“What about my stuff?” I asked.

“What?”

“I want my bags. And my dresses.” I didn’t know why I was being so demanding. Maybe I just wanted to feel some sense of normalcy in this situation that was definitely anything but.

“Fine, I’ll need to retrieve all your belongings anyway, so people don’t think you disappeared.”